Van Persie shatters Spurs to send Arsenal second

Arsenal swept aside Tottenham on Saturday as two goals from Robin van Persie inspired a 3-0 victory over their north London rivals at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsene Wenger’s side moved second in the Premier League table thanks to their first win against Spurs since December 2007, although they will be passed by Manchester United if the champions avoid defeat against Blackburn later on Saturday.

The Gunners had been frustrated for much of the first half but shattered Spurs with two goals in a minute just before the break.

Dutch striker van Persie opened the scoring in the 42nd minute when he turned in Bacary Sagna’s cross at the near-post.

Tottenham were still recovering from that blow when Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas stole possession from the re-start and surged through the visitors’ defence before sliding his shot past Heurelho Gomes.

Van Persie piled on the misery for Harry Redknapp’s team in the 60th minute.

Referee Mark Clattenburg waved play on after Benoit Assou-Ekotto fouled Eduardo and, as Tottenham’s defenders stood and watched, Sagna crossed for Van Persie to deflect the ball home from close-range.