Tottenham "died" after Arsenal scored their first goal in the north London derby, according to Robin van Persie.

Spurs were reasonably comfortable until the Dutchman scored the first after 42 minutes, which was followed within seconds by a wonder strike from Cesc Fabregas who was allowed to stride through the visitors' defence.

But Van Persie, who added the third in the second half of the 3-0 Arsenal win, denied

suggestions Spurs brought it on themselves, telling Sky Sports 1: "They played with the right attitude, good spirit.

"It was a tight, tough first half hour, but from the moment we scored the first goal they died basically."

Van Persie said Fabregas' strike had more to do with his ability than Spurs' defensive frailties.

"(It was) his brilliance," said the Holland striker.

"Straight from the kick-off (Wilson) Palacios lost the ball, he went past Palacios and through Ledley King. To do that you need a lot of technique."