Grapevine

Arteta salutes depleted Arsenal's 'ugly' win over arch rivals Spurs

Arsenal's Jurrien Timber runs past Tottenham Hotspur's Pedro Porro (C) during the English Premier League football match. [AFP]

Mikel Arteta saluted Arsenal's hunger as the gritty Gunners ignored the absence of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to clinch an "ugly" 1-0 win at bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

Arteta's side were without skipper Odegaard due to an ankle injury suffered on Norway duty, while fellow midfielder Rice served a suspension for his red card against Brighton.

But the Premier League title contenders dug deep with a combative display, benefitting from Tottenham's latest display of wasteful finishing before Gabriel Magalhaes bagged the winner in the second half.

The Brazilian defender's first goal since February made it three wins from four league games for unbeaten Arsenal as they chase a first title since 2004 after two successive runners-up finishes.