Jose Mourinho has praised the tactical ability of his Gunners counterpart Mikel Arteta despite beating Arsenal 2 – 0 in the north London derby on Sunday.
Mourinho, who described the game as a tough contest in all respect, congratulated the Gunners’ boss for setting up his side to dish out such an ‘organised’ performance.
Korean Son Heung-min opened scoring after he smashed past Bernard Leno from outside the box.
Mourinho’s men then doubled their lead before the stroke of half-time after Son had set up Harry Kane to fire into the roof of the net.
Tottenham returned to the summit of the table after the yesterday’s win but Mourinho has insisted it was no easy feat for his team.
“It was a big game in every sense, not just because it was Tottenham-Arsenal,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
“I want to give words, congratulations to Mikel Arteta because he gave us a very difficult game. Tactically they were very good, very organised. They gave us problems, problems we were able to resolve. They have a good tactical courage and incredible spirit. They are a good team and he is a good coach.
“We were reading the game and making the changes to win it because 2-0 was in our hands against a great and difficult opponent but my boys did well today.
“I am very happy with the result and the performance, but of course I want the team in the second half to play in a different way. In reality you don’t always do what you want to do because your opponent forces you in a different direction.
“You are winning 2-0, why would you expose your defensive block if you don’t have to? It was a very difficult game.
“I can imagine tomorrow the headlines will be about them not being in a good position in the table, but I believe with these players and Mikel it will be Arsenal vs Tottenham again,” Mourinho said.
The win also extended Mourinho’s unbeaten home record against Arsenal to 11 games in addition to his spells at Chelsea and Manchester United.
