Granit Xhaka proved to be Arsenal's catalyst for victory as the Gunners crushed Tottenham 3-1 at the Emirates to win three successive north London derbies.
Mikel Arteta's side launched out of the blocks and began in the ascendency, reinvigorated by their recent spike in form, before their dynamism was rewarded by Xhaka's bravery in midfield, teeing up an attack that saw Emile Smith Rowe put the home side ahead inside quarter of an hour.
The Switzerland international, who was subject to heavy criticism ahead of the tie, continued to fuel the Gunners' rampant display after his valiant composure and courage inside his defensive third sourced Arsenal's fluid surge forward, seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang double Arsenal's lead.
Xhaka continued to brush aside his doubters, pilling on the misery as he looked to emulate his friend Florian Marku's devastating triumph on Anthony Joshua's undercard at the Tottenham Stadium.
The 28-year-old midfielder birthed Arsenal's third goal of the north London derby by activating another mouth-watering attack as the Gunners gushed forwards in a manner that became synonymous under Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal have now won four successive ties across all competitions as Arteta appears to have revived his side despite a plummet in promise just a few weeks prior.
A lot of praise must be shined on the shoulders of Xhaka who tugged on Gooners' heart strings following his red card at the Etihad a few weeks ago in what became an embarrassing affair.
He scaffolded the Arsenal side by offering himself as the beacon of resilience in midfield, guarding the gates of Aaron Ramsdale's defence.
Xhaka's militant voice in the beating heart of the Arteta's regiment saw the number 34 unearth himself as a pillar Arsenal can build upon.
Many had held Xhaka accountable for Manchester City's demolition over Arsenal, so that energy must be converted and channeled in the same vein to crown the Swiss midfielder as Arteta's pioneer.
He radiated the qualities that won interest from Serie A sides over Euro 2020, exuding leadership, courage and pedigree to win the midfield battle that ultimately won the north London war.
The level of appreciation shown to Xhaka as he limped from the pitch due to injury must be upheld.
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