ARSENAL showed a touch of class as they dedicated their victory over Tottenham to Beth Mead’s mum.
The Gunners cruised to a 2-0 win in the North London derby thanks to a Hugo Lloris own goal and Martin Odegaard stunner.
And following the game, Arsenal stars paid tribute to Mead’s mum, who passed away from Ovarian cancer on Friday.
Taking to Instagram Rob Holding posted a photo of the squad together in the dressing room holding an Arsenal shirt that read: “Thinking of you Beth.”
Holding captioned the post on his story: “What a win! We are all with you @bethmead_. For June.”
The Arsenal Women’s star posted a moving tribute to June online.
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She said: “Our hearts are broken. There will be a piece missing forever but heaven has now gained a special angel.
“I’m sad that you are gone, but I’m more grateful for the time we had together.”
The tragic news came just weeks after Mead celebrated being named the BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year and awarded an MBE in the New Year Year’s Honours list.
In her tribute she added: “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
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With Arsenal extending their lead at the top of the table to eight points, the match became marred by controversy as a fan kicked Aaron Ramsdale after the game.
In his post-match interview Ramsdale said: “The Spurs fans were giving me some stick in the second half and I gave them some back.
“To the few I did do it to it was probably well-greeted sportsmanship like but then a fan jumped over and gave me a little punch in the back.
“That’s what happened and it is a shame because it’s just a game of football at the end of the day.
“Both sets of players tried to bring me away, thankfully nothing happened too drastic.
“It is a sour taste but I am sure we will enjoy it when we go back to the dressing room.”
Ex-Arsenal legend Paul Merson slammed the performance of Antonio Conte’s side.
He slammed: “I can’t believe how a manager of that quality has not tried to nip this in the bud. It’s pretty embarrassing.”
With the Gunners moving eight points clear at the top of the table, Tottenham lost ground on the race for the top following wins for Manchester United and Newcastle over the weekend.
On Spurs Merson later added: “Tottenham are letting in two goals every week and Arsenal are playing the best football they have in many years.
“Not like this (level of confidence), they’re top of the league, flying along, breaking records, on a roll I just couldn’t see it with Tottenham.
“They played three at the back, two holding midfielders and every week they let in two goals, I don’t know how you get away with it, it’s unbelievable.
“Bar the Palace game – which if (Crystal) Palace had (Harry) Kane they would have won 4-0 that day – they can’t keep turning it off and on like a tap.
“And people forget about the second half, the first half was embarrassing at the highest level, I’ve never seen a derby game like that.
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“They were outclassed, everything Arsenal were doing – you see patterns of play you could see what they were doing. Zinchenko coming in then going and Partey will come short and the other two will go forward or open the game, (but) with Tottenham it’s cuffy. You can’t see any plan.
“The second goal… that happens on Sunday morning down the scrubs , you can’t do that. I feel sorry for the midfield players they have been left to be embarrassed today.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
