Firstly I must confess, as a post Premier League, Gunner fan, the idea of a derby with Tottenham does not have much significance. Let’s face it, besides the memorable day when Arsenal clinched the trophy and then went on to complete their invincible season, and that post goal slide from Henry, Spurs were a non factor. Since, I do not live in London, and have no ancestry of following Arsenal, the Spurs rivalry seemed more of a talking point for television pundits. Because Spurs were the insignificant other team, a training ground for the likes of Real Madrid, very rarely near the Top 4, mid table side. Arsenal rivalry with Manchester United felt more real than this derby!
however, times change, and roles reverse. Arsenal are out of Top4, and Spurs are challenging for the title. Arsene Wenger, once an epitome of a modern manager, pushing young players, nurturing talent, has given way to Mauricio Pochettino, who is hailed as the deliverer of the likes of Kane, Ali, Son to world football. No Arsenal fan can deny (grudgingly) that Spurs are the team on the rise, and Arsenal are a bit wayward.
Recently we compared Bellerin, with Walker, and some feedback I received from fans was on the stats of Bellerin seem good this season, plus he has scored one goal, however Kieran Trippier has 5 assists, Sead Kolasinac is close with 3 assists. In every part of the field, Spurs players are having outright domination over their Arsenal counterparts.
Future also looks bright and rosy (Danny Rose is also making a comeback!) for Spurs. Their starting 11 is settled, and they have all the players on long term contracts. All this might change with that 100+ million offer for Harry Kane from Real Madrid, and also if they fail to win a trophy this season. Arsenal on the other hand have decisions to make, Sanchez, Ozil, the replacements!
So, on-paper, on recent form, future prospects, Arsenal are no match for Spurs. However on field it’s a different ball game. The teams against with Spurs looked vulnerable were the ones with a packed defense, Crystal Palace, Manchester United. The only problem is that we all know Arsenal cannot run a packed defense!. So what can Arsenal do?
Against City, till the slew of bad decisions came in, Arsenal were holding their own, maybe Arsenal can build up on it. Enter the game with full throttle, and nick a few goals at the start and put the pressure on Spurs. For spurs, its a must win game, hence Arsenal leading, will create enormous pressure on them. Plus, if Sanchez and Ozil want a January transfer, they need some striking performances, and the spotlight on the match may help them do so.
And significantly Arsene, “play Lacazette! play him for the full 90 mins!”.
The atmosphere could turn the tide for Arsenal, especially if Lacazette scores early on. Spurs duo of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are wonderful upfront, and Eriksen will be bursting with energy on back of the Denmark hat trick. Xhaka, Koscielny will have their work cut out. Ramsey should move forward to create chances and score, maybe!.
the key thing here is the confidence levels, not of players, but of fans. Spurs fans are jubilant, and Arsenal fans are desperate, crucially this hinges on performances on the pitch. Wenger needs a run of matches to win, and by January needs to be in Top4, otherwise the dreaded February will make fans more nervous. Pochettino, needs to make a statement, Manchester United game was a slip up, they can’t afford again, they need this win to keep Man City honest.
The key point here is that : Murhinio is not a playing manager to bore us in such a must win game, therefore this match will be thrilling and hopefully a treat to watch
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