da supremo： The north London derby rarely fails to deliver. Two clubs that heavily emphasise attacking football throwing all of that quality out of the window for ninety minutes of chaotic, full-blooded, bitter-fought action. Indeed, there’s no love lost between Arsenal and Tottenham, who meet in the Premier League’s opening kickoff this weekend – a 12.30pm affair at the Emirates Stadium. But with both sides desperate to gain ground on runaway pace setters Manchester City in the Premier League title race, how will this one pan out? This week’s experts, Snack-Media’s Spurs-supporting Martin Crawford and Alan from Arsenal Station, share their thoughts and predictions on tomorrow’s clash…
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It’s been said many times before, but this north London derby feels particularly significant. Tottenham are clearly upon the ascendancy with a young, ambitious side after finishing second last season and Arsenal’s malaise only appears to be ongoing. Many have argued an away victory on Saturday would be almost a coronation of Spurs becoming the new dominant force in north London. For the first time in Premier League history, are Arsenal actually the underdogs at home to Spurs?
Alan: “I certainly wouldn’t say we’re underdogs. Not at the Emirates. Obviously it would be different if the game was at White Hart Lane but we should be confident of beating anyone at home. Even Arsenal fans can’t deny how far Spurs have come in recent years and Mauricio Pochettino has build an exciting side but they have a long way to go before the so-called ‘power shift’ actually happens. You don’t erase 20 years of dominance just like that. For a start they need to win some major trophies. Let’s not forget Arsenal are the club who’ve won 3 FA Cups in four years while Spurs ‘put the pressure on’.”
Martin: “One win in 20 away games against Arsenal tells you that is not the case and generally we struggle against them in the derby. Neutrals, pundits and journalists are lazy with this view of a change in power, but the reality is that one club is winning trophies and the other one is building a foundation of which success can be built for a sustained period of time. Arsene Wenger is correct Arsenal still have to be deemed favourites given their record against us and I for one don’t go into this game with any more confidence than I would have done in previous years – as league position and form always go out of the window when we play.”
If there was ever a game for Jack Wilshere to revive his Arsenal career, it’s surely this one with his contract winding down. The England international has been the stand-out performer in the Gunners’ Europa League campaign and although he’s still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season, few Arsenal players understand what the derby means to the fans quite like their boyhood academy product. Danny Welbeck could be a useful weapon as well; Arsenal’s only point against big six rivals so far this season came with the industrious forward harrying Chelsea’s back three at Stamford Bridge. Would you make room for Wilshere and Welbeck in the starting XI tomorrow?
Alan: “I’d love to make a case for Wilshere starting as we could certainly do with his passion in the middle of the park but I still think it’s too early for him. He’s shown flashes of his ability in the cups against limited opposition but it will be a different level against Spurs. If Welbeck was match fit then I’d start him as his pace and work ethic would be invaluable. However, he’s only just back from a month out with a groin injury so I expect he’ll still be a little rusty. He’ll be a useful weapon from the bench, especially with Olivier Giroud out.”
Few managers in the Premier League, meanwhile, have shown the same variety as Pochettino this season. He’s switched between back threes, back fours and even back fives, while the emphasis against high-quality opponents has changed from trying play through them to waiting for moments to capitalise on the counter-attack. With the squad depth vastly improving over the summer as well, how would you set up the Lilywhites against the Gunners?
Martin: “Poch should simply look to start fast and get an early lead, allowing us to then sit back and look to hit them on the counter attack. It is vital that Danny Rose and Serge Aurier start – as I think our pace in those areas can hurt them on the break. I think Mousa Dembele will be brought in alongside Winks, with Dier dropping into the back three, whilst Heung-min Son will drop out with Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen supporting Harry Kane in the final third.”
Form, league standings and even talent seem to go out the window in local derbies and tomorrow’s will likely be no different, especially considering how invaluable a win would be for both sides. But do you think there will be a definitive factor or key battle that decides this match?
Martin: “It is a North London derby and the game is played with a different level of intensity and rarely is there any flow to it, therefore it is hard to pinpoint any specific areas. Arsenal have a lot of pace in Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck, Alexandre Lacazette and Theo Walcott (if he features) – that is something we need to be mindful of and is perhaps why Poch may decide to sit back and hit on the counter. I truly believe that whoever controls the centre of midfield is likely to win the game and I think that is why Dembele will be drafted back into the team to ensure we have a strong foot hold in the middle.”
Alan: “For me, central midfield is Arsenal’s biggest problem so it’s vital Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka put in disciplined performances and control the game. If we leave Xhaka exposed, Spurs have the quality to hurt us, but if Ramsey curbs his attacking instincts it will give us a solid base to work from. Obviously we need to keep Kane quiet but I also think the wide areas will be important as both sets of full-backs love to get forward. Sead Kolasinac has impressed this season and I think he could get some joy behind Kieran Trippier if he times his runs correctly.”
And finally chaps, let’s hear your score predictions…
Alan: “I hate predicting derbies as virtually anything can happen. Form means nothing and it all comes down to how the players respond on the day. We’ve won all of our league games at the Emirates so far this season but this is easily the biggest test of them all. I can’t deny Tottenham’s quality but they’re beatable and we’re due a win over them. As long as we keep things tight, work hard and Wenger gets his team selection right, I fancy us to edge it 2-1.”
Martin: “Contrary to common belief Mike Dean is no Tottenham fan and criticisms of this have seen the referee become harsh on us – with three penalties failed to be given against Swansea recently springing to mind. I truly hope this doesn’t become the Mike Dean show, although I have a genuine fear it could well be as he looks to make a point. In my view this will be a high-scoring affair and I believe it will finish 2-2. I will take a point now if offered on a plate, although a draw won’t do either side’s title aspirations any favours.”