Published: 1 September 2013

 

By STEVE BARNETT and DAN CARRIER

 

at THE EMIRATES STADIUM

 

THE news of Gareth Bale’s world record transfer to Real Madrid almost seemed cleverly timed to steal the headlines from Arsenal’s convincing 1-0 victory over Tottenham today (Sunday). 

 

But as Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas is finding out, spending large sums of money doesn’t 

guarantee you the results you’re looking for. 

 

A well-taken goal from Olivier Giroud, his fourth of the season, saw Villas-Boas’s expensively-assembled squad suffer their first defeat of the season at the Emirates Stadium.  

 

It came midway through the first half when a sweeping move ended with Theo Walcott playing in a low cross, which Giroud expertly poked home from close range after Tottenham’s defence misjudged their attempt to move up field and catch the Gunners attack offside. 

 

It was the perfect reward for the hosts’ bright star. Santi Cazorla had already forced a smart save from Hugo Lloris from a 25-yard free-kick, while minutes later the Spaniard put another free-kick just 

inches wide. 

 

Having then get the goal their free-flowing football deserved, Arsenal set about looking to quickly extend their lead with Walcott’s angled drive being beaten away by Lloris. 

 

The Spurs keeper also showed great reactions when he raced off his line and slid in to just about toe-poke the ball away from Walcott when the England winger looked destined to 

score. 

 

With Aaron Ramsey also firing high, wide and not very handsomely when it seemed easier to score, the only question going in at the half-time break was whether or not Arsene Wenger’s side were going to pay a heavy price for not making the most of their chances. 

 

For Spurs the interval offered the reassurance that they at least couldn’t play any worse in the second half. A midfield boasting Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Nacer Chadli understandably struggled, a fierce pace of a north London derby coming all too soon for the summer signings. 

 

Andros Townsend, a player some Tottenham fans feared would be sent out back out on loan when the new recruits started piling in, was the visitors most dangerous outlet, cutting in from the wing and running at Arsenal’s defence at every opportunity. 

 

Tottenham were more energetic and had more of the ball after the break. Their best chance came via Jermain Defoe’s deflected effort which was superbly stopped by Wojciech Szczesny. 

 

It was Arsenal, however, who again carved out the better openings as they struck on the break. Giroud forced a superb stop from Lloris after his shot was deflected by Danny Rose. 

 

The French goalkeeper also denied Walcott twice, substitute Nacho Monreal making a hash of the 

follow-up from the second of those chances. 

 

On the sound of the final whistle Wenger was quick to point out that the 1-0 scoreline flattered big-spending Spurs.

 

 “It was a very intense game,” said the Frenchman. ”Sometimes technically in the second half we 

dropped our level but overall to sum it up their goalkeeper was their best player. I've always praised the team's spirit, and today they proved me right.” 

 

Spurs manager Andre Villas Boas was stoical about his team's inability to nab an equaliser, despite having plenty of possession. 

 

He said: "It was a difficult encounter but I think we deserved something in the second half. Arsenal were clinical." 

 

He was forced into an early second half substitution when new boy Etienne Capoue tumbled over and caught his left ankle. 

 

The French midfielder instantly gestured to the bench and was given oxygen as he was carried off. 

Villas Boas said he had been taken to hospital.

 

He said:  "Capoue is having a X ray now, and it doesn't look good." 

 

And Villas Boas also used the post match press conference to confirm Gareth Bale had been sold – and now expected no more signings for Spurs.

 

He said: "Bale is going to train with Real Madrid. He has moved on and we have as well. We thank him for the memories. I don't think we'll see much more from us regarding signings, but we may see players sent out on loan. We'll see."