Arsenal on the spot in 3-0 derby win over Spurs

LONDON, Dec 2 (Reuters) Brazilian midfielder Gilberto converted a penalty in each half as Arsenal trounced Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in the first north London derby at their new Emirates Stadium today.

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsenal a 20th minute lead, Gilberto converted a controversial penalty three minutes from halftime and then steered home another in the 72nd minute.

Victory hoisted Arsenal to third place and gave their morale a much-needed lift after consecutive league defeats at Bolton Wanderers and Fulham look to have put paid to their title hopes.

Spurs were left to rue referee Graham Poll's decision to award a spot-kick for Pascal Chimbonda's challenge on Arsenal's Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky, with TV replays suggesting the French defender had got the ball first.

REUTERS PDS KP2027