Over two years on since Tottenham’s last win in the North London Derby, this weekend’s game feels like our best chance to come away victorious in some time.
Both sides come into this game after dropping points in their previous fixtures: Arsenal drawing at home to Brighton and Spurs losing away at St James’ Park, meaning a win is vital for both teams. Arsenal sit in 4th on 7 points, although many of their fans feel this is not reflective of their performances so far this season. They were fortunate to come away with all three points at Villa Park, and you could argue Brighton could well have gone on to win in their recent match.
On the other hand, Tottenham have just four points from their first nine available, but it is widely accepted that our performances have actually been better than this indicates. There has certainly been a lack of killer instinct in the final third from Spurs, although losing our £65 million striker, Dominic Solanke, in game week 1 certainly hasn’t helped matters.
Fortunately, it has now been confirmed by Ange Postecoglou that both Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven are fit for the derby, providing much-needed reinforcement to both ends of the pitch. However, Yves Bissouma has returned from international duty with an injury and is likely to miss out. In terms of other absentees, Richarlison remains sidelined for a number of weeks.
Spurs Predicted XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Sarr, Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson, Son, Solanke
Following the international break, Arsenal have been left facing a number of injury problems. The Norwegian national team doctor confirmed today that Martin Odegaard is set to be out for a minimum of three weeks after going over on his ankle against Austria. Additionally, their new signing, Ricciardo Calafiori, picked up a calf injury whilst away with Italy, and it is unknown as to whether he will be fit for the game against Spurs. Mikel Merino remains out with a fractured shoulder, as does Kieran Tierney with a hamstring injury. Finally, it is worth remembering that Declan Rice will also be unavailable this weekend after picking up two yellow cards against Brighton. In slightly more optimistic news for Arsenal, we could see the return of Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu from their respective knocks.
With Arsenal missing a number of key players, particularly in midfield, it is essential that Tottenham dominate the middle of the park on the weekend. Partey either being left alone in the pivot or paired alongside Jorginho (depending on Arteta’s team selection) leaves Arsenal vulnerable in transition, the point at which Spurs often look their most threatening. Additionally, Havertz could drop back into midfield, meaning he wouldn’t be playing in the 9, where he has three goal contributions in three games. There is a distinct lack of ‘legs’ in that potential midfield, something Postecoglou will look to capitalise on. Whilst Pape Matar Sarr has had a slow start to the season, this game could lend itself to his dynamism. He is an adept ball carrier and covers a lot of ground off it, something that could be invaluable on Sunday. We have also seen Dejan Kulusevski play in the midfield three at various points this season, which could be utilised to great effect against Arsenal. Kulusevski, in our opinion, is Spurs’ best ball carrier in central positions. Having him receive the ball and drive through the lines could cause real problems for Arsenal’s relatively immobile midfield.
Another advantage from those midfield injuries is that Rice and Odegaard are Arsenal’s main corner takers; an area Spurs conceded from twice in the respective fixture last season. Tottenham have seemingly been better at defending set-pieces so far this year, although memories of the Hojbjerg own goal and Havertz header will be in the supporters’ heads come the weekend.
Tottenham will of course concede chances, both in behind our famously high line and by losing runners at the back post. Fans know clean sheets have been few and far between for Ange’s side, and coming up against a quality attack, it’s hard to imagine we will find our second of the season just yet. That being said, with the first-choice back four now available and Solanke providing some much-needed hold-up play – hopefully limiting the number of exposed counter-attacks Tottenham face – we can hopefully produce a solid-enough defensive performance.
Spurs fans rarely feel confident going into the North London Derby, but based on early-season performances and Arsenal’s injury troubles, this could be the best chance Tottenham have had in a while to come away with all three points.
Our Prediction: 2:1 Tottenham
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