Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was relieved to see Thomas Partey finally score a long-range goal for the Gunners in their 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's North London derby.
The injury-plagued midfielder had recovered from a thigh problem for the 3-0 win over Brentford before the international break, but he then experienced knee discomfort with Ghana.
Partey left the national team camp early to rehabilitate at Arsenal, and he was passed fit to start alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield for the visit of Tottenham.
The 29-year-old had scored twice for Arsenal in the Premier League last term, both of which were headers, and he has developed a reputation for wild long-range efforts over the past couple of years.
However, Partey finally got one right on Saturday lunchtime, as he produced a spectacular first-time finish into the top corner to break the deadlock after 20 minutes.
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The former Atletico Madrid man was an imposing figure as Arsenal ran out 3-1 victors, and Arteta expressed his delight at witnessing Partey end his open-play hoodoo.
"We have been waiting for that one! For what he has been through I am so happy for him," the Gunners boss told BT Sport after the game.
Arsenal were dominant in the first half, but Antonio Conte's side found the equaliser before half time, with Harry Kane scoring from the spot after Richarlison was brought down by Gabriel Magalhaes.
However, the England captain's 100th Premier League goal away from home was ultimately in vain, as Gabriel Jesus and Xhaka made the net ripple in the second half for the Gunners.
Arteta's men have now moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, and the 40-year-old hailed his side's "phenomenal" derby display against a Spurs team who had gone unbeaten in their first seven domestic games of the season.
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"They were phenomenal. We went from it and we created great energy in the stadium and deserved to win the game," Arteta added.
"With our way of playing we can attack in different ways. They [Tottenham] don't need much and you have the feeling that they can create. You have to live with that.
"But we didn't have that in the back of our mind, we were free, courageous and brave and this is what we demand from the players. It gives us a lot of encouragement and confidence to believe that we can play at this level."
Arsenal now have an unassailable lead over Tottenham, but Manchester City will aim to close the gap back down to one point when they face off against Manchester United in Sunday's Manchester derby.
Meanwhile, the Gunners now prepare for the resumption of their Europa League campaign at home to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night.
Ben Knapton
