Arsenal fought back from a two-goal deficit to claim all three points from this afternoon's London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.
Louis Saha put Spurs in front in the fourth minute with a deflected effort, before Emmanuel Adebayor scored against his former club from the penalty spot after Gareth Bale had been brought down by Kieran Gibbs.
However, Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna reduced the arrears in the 40th minute with a powerful header.
Then, just three minutes later, Robin van Persie curled a left footed effort beyond the reach of Brad Friedel to ensure that the sides went into the break level.
The hosting Gunners came out for the second half in the ascendancy and edged themselves in front in the 51st minute when Tomas Rosicky finished off a counter-attack.
Two goals in the space of three minutes from England international Theo Walcott then sealed the victory for Arsenal, who are up to fourth in the Premier League table with the three points.
Tottenham's misery was compounded three minutes from time when Scott Parker was handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Liam Apicella
