It’s North London derby day (probably the best derby in the league). Both Arsenal and Tottenham’s recent form suggest that this will not be an one-sided game and both the teams have enough fire power in them to defeat each other. Odds favors Tottenham to finally overtake and qualify for champions league this season after bringing in many top players in the transfer window. But Wenger believes his team still have the quality to stay ahead of Tottenham.
Form
Tottenham Hotspur will looking to continue their 100% start to the premier league as they have won both of their game still now. They have also progressed to the Europa League group stage with ease.
Arsenal had a worst start to the season with a shocking home defeat to Aston Villa. But they regrouped quickly and and produced a good display against Fulham to secure maximum points. Arsenal also have won both the legs against Fenerbahce and booked their place in the champions league.
Arsenal: LW
Tottenham Hotspur: WW
Team News
Arsenal’s hard tackling defender Laurent Koscielny is back in the squad and will start along with the Per Mertesacker. Arsenal’s new signing Mathieu Flamini may well play a part in the game too.
Arsenal’s player of the season so far Aaron Ramsey has recovered from his groin injury and expected to be in the starting 11. Arteta, Lukas Podolski, Ox and Diaby are the long term casualties who will miss the game.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are without their super star Gareth Bale, who is expected to join Real Madrid any time now. Roberto Soldado will start the game ahead of Defoe. In form Townsend will start too.
Possible starting lineups
Arsenal: Szczesny; Koscielny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Monreal/Gibbs; Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla; Walcott, Giroud, Tomáš Rosický
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Walker, Vertonghen, Dawson, Rose; Townsend, Dembele, Capoue, Paulinho, Chadli; Soldado
Tactics
No High Line Defense Please Arsene,
Arsenal are famous for their passing possession game play. They also play a high lined defense in order to retain possession quickly. They mix it up with offside traps to form an effective game plan. But a big issue here is they mostly struggle against pacey opponents. In their first game, Agbonlahor literally toyed with their defense. If you remember, last season Lennon did the same to them. Per Mertesacker may a good defender overall but he is too slow to maintain high-lined defense and also stop the likes of Townsend, Lennon, etc. at the same time. So, it’s sensible to reduce their line of defense a bit today and rely more on counter attacks. But this is Emirates, Wenger probably will never change his game style. Again, they may prove me wrong and win this game comfortably.
Tottenham’s Strength In Defense
While everyone is talking about Tottenham’s new additions in the attacking areas, they have also strengthened their defense and defensive tactics too. All three of their midfield starters Dembele, Capoue, and Paulinho have enough defensive qualities in them to stop Arsenal’s midfield from dominating the game.
Team | Tackles | Interceptions |
Arsenal | 19 | 25 |
Tottenham | 46 | 29 |
This shows how serious spurs take their defensive duties. They have more than double of total tackles than Arsenal this season. Spurs will try to absorb early Arsenal pressure and will try to hit them on counters with their pacey wingers and full backs.
Key Points And Tactical ratings (based on this season)
Counter Attacks
Arsenal: Very Good
Tottenham: Very Good
Creating Chances
Arsenal: Very Good
Tottenham: Good
Defence
Arsenal: Good
Tottenham: Good
Strength In Wings
Arsenal: Good
Tottenham: Very Good
Set Pieces
Arsenal: Decent
Tottenham: Good
Possession
Arsenal: Very Strong
Tottenham: Good
Taking all into this in to account, we can expect a tight game at Emirates with all three kinds of results are highly possible. But with Arsenal fans on their back on the derby day, Arsenal may have a slight edge over their rivals and can secure a narrow win today.
Predictions:
SoccerSouls says: 3-2 win for Arsenal