Ho’s side have exceeded expectations so far this season, instantly adapting to the new manager’s style and culture, and quickly climbing up the table.
It was a north London derby with more at stake than in previous encounters given they were level on points before kick-off and a third-place spot was up for grabs in the table.
Even before a ball was kicked, there was a general understanding that Tottenham were going to offer something going forward and would be solid at the back – this wouldn’t be easy for Arsenal.
And that’s how things panned out.
Tottenham were marginally better for parts of the first half, looking more comfortable in possession, winning the majority of the midfield duels and reading Arsenal’s sporadic movement up front.
It was a strong demonstration of their progress under Ho, which has culminated in a pragmatic approach at Tottenham, mixed with flashes of creativity and individual quality.
They were heavily tested in the second half as Arsenal’s Smith threatened down the right-hand side, and Spurs struggled to get over the halfway line, but Tottenham did not break their resilience.
It is a result that boosts their impressive start to the campaign and suggests the gap is closing on their rivals, who have been far superior in previous meetings, but not today.
Tottenham fans came out in numbers too, with a record crowd of 6,788 in attendance at Brisbane Road, including an impressive 1,324 in Arsenal colours.