'Very strong': Dejan Kulusevski admits one area where Arsenal are really good after losing the NLD

Today at 03:35 AM

Given their injury crisis in attack, Arsenal are probably quite envious that Tottenham Hotspur have a winger with the quality of Dejan Kulusevski available right now.

In most combined North London Derby elevens ahead of the game, of the players currently available, Kulusevski was at right-wing – Bukayo Saka is missing for Arsenal and Tottenham's winger has been electric this season.

Say it quietly but Kulusevski previously admitted that he was a Gunners fan growing up, an allegiance that must have now changed.

But the Swede wasn't quite able to produce the goods for Spurs in the Derby this time around, with Arsenal eventually coming back to win 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Dejan Kulusevski was impressed with Arsenal’s defensive strength

Speaking immediately after the game, Kulusevski made some interesting comments about Arsenal to TNT Sports.

The Sweden international, who Spurs signed from Juventus back in 2022, was complimentary about Tottenham's rivals, admitting how strong Mikel Arteta's side are defensively.

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand delivers his verdict on Raheem Sterling's performance for Arsenal vs Tottenham

Kulusevski admitted that Spurs weren't 'good enough' to match Arsenal, even if he was frustrated with the corner awarded to the hosts before their first goal.

He said: "They are very strong. They are very strong defensively. Second half we played a little bit more offensive but not good enough.

"Not enough quality and physically Arsenal, we tried, but it was not good enough.

Then asked about Ange Postecoglou's position, Kulusevski continued: "Everyone takes responsibility. People ahead of us. Players, the manager, nobody can hide in the corner.

"The first goal they score, we should get a goal kick, that's exactly what we should get. It's happened now three games in a row."

Raheem Sterling fails to impress against Tottenham

Of course, Arsenal also made it very difficult for Spurs with the atmosphere fans in N5 were able to whip up at the Emirates.

Of late, the Emirates noise has been somewhat underwhelming at times – fans have been just as frustrated as the Arsenal players during recent defeats.

But Arteta thought Arsenal fans were brilliant during the North London Derby, a real boost for the team.

Of course, when looking ahead to facing Aston Villa on the weekend, Arsenal will still need to find a solution in attack.

Raheem Sterling wasn't at his best against Spurs, perhaps meaning that Gabriel Martinelli will come in to start.