The North London XI For The 2014-15 Season Featuring 7 Arsenal Stars & 4 From Tottenham

North London XI

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are two big clubs in North London and they have one of the fiercest rivalries in English football. There is good build-up to the matches, fierce banters and insults among the fans as they hate losing to each other. In the recent past, Arsenal have enjoyed a dominance over Spurs as they have finished above them in the league table on a consistent basis and have had a better record against their rivals. Spurs, now have a manager who has proved himself in the league and have a strong team which failed to generate the team chemistry last time out. Arsenal have made their team stronger than before and Arsene Wenger sees this squad as a title contending one especially when he is thinking of at least a couple of more marquee signings. Here is the North London XI which would consist of the players who are currently in the squad.

Goalkeeper:

Hugo Lloris

Lloris is an experienced goalkeeper and has been one of the best keepers in the world. Spurs have succeeded in holding on to him despite last season’s debacle. Szczesny has been a top performer for the Gunners but is still young in goalkeeping years and would take a couple of seasons at least to get to the level of the French International captain.

Defenders:

Right Back: Kyle Walker

While he had a dismal season last time, he is still a very important player for both club and country. He boasts of quick feet, electric pace and a strong physique. He is a good crosser and set-piece taker, has a powerful shot and is a good attacking full-back. He catches up with wingers because of his speed, whenever he tracks back from an offensive position. Debuchy, the Arsenal man is known to be a good no-nonsense full back. He is good in the air and works hard in defense, but has not much influence in attacking areas of the pitch. He isn’t the best tackler or the fastest runner either. Debuchy is a good overall right back but the young Englishman wins this battle.

Centre Back: Per Mertesacker

The German had a great season last time out as Arsenal finally learnt how to use him the best way. Always criticised for his lack of pace, he used to struggle to defend against fast players in the Premier League. But last time out, Arsene Wenger’s pairing of Koscielny next to him seemed to work magic. The Frenchman helped Mertesacker to use his strength and positioning to full effect while he closed down the faster players. In comparison, Michael Dawson of Spurs had a forgettable season last time out. He was heavily criticised for his displays in big matches and his form was average. He has quality, which he’ll need to find again this season.

Centre Back: Laurent Koscielny

The Arsenal man was among the best Premier League centre backs last year. A lot would be expected of him this time as well. Good on the ball, has good mobility and is a threat in set-pieces, the Frenchman was key to get the best out of his partner Mertesacker as well. In comparison, Spurs didn’t field a regular centre back. Younes Kaboul, Vlad Chiriches and Jan Vertonghen usually played this position. But since Vertonghen has shifted to the left-back role, Kaboul started playing CB. Kaboul didn’t have a good season last time in comparison to Koscielny.

Left Back: Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen is a central defender who was made to play on the left hand side of defense. He is surprisingly good on the flanks with his tough tackling and interceptions as well as his attacking displays with his crossing and overlaps. Keiran Gibbs of Arsenal is also a good left back but isn’t a standout player on the pitch. He hasn’t been a regular crosser or a no nonsense defensive player but seems to deliver to his expectations. But Vertonghen has always been a key member of the squad for Spurs and they would be lucky to hold on to him if he wants UCL football.

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Midfield:

Central Midfield: Aaron Ramsey

Ramsey makes this list in a no-nonsense manner as he had a strong season last time out, contributing with goals and assists as well as work rate. He was Arsenal’s Player of the Year and there is no doubt about him being a better choice ahead of Paulinho. The Brazilian was bought to be a box-to-box player for the Spurs and provide them with the power and pace they needed in the central midfield. Paulinho did a decent job initially but soon seemed to fade away.

Central Midfield: Jack Wilshere

Wilshere, though not having a particularly great season, still had some stand out performances for Arsenal. He seemed to find his feet and play much more attacking football than before. His goal against Norwich was voted as the best of the season, something that tells us that he has the flair and can pick up form and performance next season. In comparison, Sandro of Spurs had an average season. The Brazilian’s strength, ball winning as well as work rate in defensive areas was good overall but he struggled against the top teams and was a disappointment against faster players. Jack Wilshere only slightly edges him to this position as even he has a lot of scope for improvement.

Right Midfield: Theo Walcott

Walcott seemed to find his feet and deliver regular world class performances, but regular injuries and an ACL tear halted his season last time out. He would be a very important player with his pace and finishing this season, allowing Ozil an option to find him with his vision as he gets in behind the defence. Aaron Lennon fades in comparison to Walcott even though he played more than him. Lennon has pace but doesn’t have the numbers to back it. He’ll need to use his blistering pace to good effect.

Central Attacking Midfield: Christian Eriksen

The brightest spot in an average Spurs season last time out, Eriksen was very influential and consistent. Bought for a very low price considering his talents, Eriksen’s playmaking ability surely lifted the spirits of the team. Ozil in comparison left a lot to be desired. His numbers aren’t bad at all, but we all know the talent that he possesses, for which he let us down in many key instances and big matches. This season he’s expected to thrive in the team with Sanchez and Walcott available, who’d be making runs in behind the defence.

Left Midfield: Alexis Sanchez

Arsenal’s first marquee signing this summer from Barcelona is going to be a key player for them. Sanchez has pace, energy, work-rate and finishing coupled with good amount of creativity. He is capable of playing as a support striker or a false nine also. Again, Spurs would be relying on a number of players for this position. Belgian winger Nacer Chadli was a decent player for them last season and would be expected to be starting wide left again this time out. But he fades in the presence of Alexis Sanchez’s big name.

Striker: Olivier Giroud

Giroud despite his inconsistency with finishing, did prove to be a very important player for Arsenal last season. He finished with over 20 goals in all competitions last season, doing his job better than what most thought he’s capable of. Spurs’ marquee signing Roberto Soldado struggled to fit in Spurs and was eventually replaced by Adebayor who was in tremendous form initially but soon faded away.

Final Verdict:

Even though Arsenal players dominate this list, the Spurs have a lot of depth in their team and some very good quality players who were out of form last season. With the new manager Pochettinho, Spurs are expected to find their feet back and challenge for a top four finish. Erik Lamela, one of their marquee signings last season would be expected to get started sooner or later

North London XI: 7 Arsenal players and 4 Spurs players

Lloris;Walker, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vertonghen; Ramsey, Wilshere, Walcott, Eriksen, Sanchez; Giroud.