JOSE MOURINHO heralded the arrival of the new normal at Tottenham after this derby win took them back to the top of the Premier League.
The Spurs boss celebrated the return of 2,000 fans to their magnificent stadium by giving them something to cheer with this victory over their local rivals.
It underlined Tottenham’s title credentials after a win over Manchester City and draw at Chelsea in their previous two League matches.
Mourinho said: “We grew up. I can imagine lots of people can imagine three matches in a row – against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal – would be a moment for us to drop points and go back to ‘normality’.
“But we didn’t go back to ‘normality’ – we are there.”
Son Heung-min fired the first goal with a stunning 13th minute strike before Harry Kane notched the second following a cracking counter.
Mourinho said: “They work like animals, with all the respect to animals. I love animals don’t get me wrong, but they were working amazingly hard when they didn’t have the ball.
“Harry Kane clearing balls in the box and Son working on Bellerin and then the two centre backs.
“This isn’t about scoring goals and being world class; they are also great guys and great pros who give everything for the team.”
Kane’s strike was his 250th career goal, his 100th home goal for Spurs and his 11th against Arsenal – making him the all-time highest scorer in the North London derby.
He said: “It was a great assist from Sonny. Nice to see it go in. We’ve had a tough few games.”
Arsenal dominated possession after the break as Spurs sat back but Mourinho said: “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 v Tottenham again.”
Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was named man of the match by Sky as he impressed again following his £15million summer switch from Southampton.
Mourinho said: “He is definitely going to become a coach because he is such a pain in training every day, asking questions all the time about this and that.
“But simplicity is genius and this guy is simple in everything he does on the football pitch.
“So congratulations, Mr Levy.”
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