Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal battle for bragging rights in the first North London Derby of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal Battle for Bragging Rights
Has There Been a Power Shift?
There is always talk of power shifts when it comes to the North London Derby for Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. The problem for both teams is that neither has been successful in the Premier League in recent times, depending on what success is measured as in modern football.
It has been seen as success for Tottenham Hotspur to finish in the top four under Mauricio Pochettino, as well as reach a Champions League Final. In the past four seasons, Arsenal haven’t finished in the top four at all, yet they have still landed some silverware in the FA Cup. That is more success than Tottenham have had since 2008 in terms of trophies. So just what is criteria for bragging rights in North London Derbies these days?
Last Five North London Derbies
Winning is still the main bragging right. The last five derbies have seen Tottenham win twice, two draws and one win for Arsenal. Derby games are always said to be games where form is thrown out of the window. If form goes out of the window at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, then Arsenal would be the team to prevail. Mikel Arteta’s side sit in 13th place, seven points behind their opponents. A win would ease pressure on the Arsenal boss, whose maiden season FA Cup win of last season is now a distant memory.
For Tottenham and Jose Mourinho things are looking up right now. Just one defeat in the league all season has seen Jose Mourinho start his first full season in charge with a real determination from his team, although at times not always easy on the eye. How you win is not the issue in a North London Derby, as winning is all that matters.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane missed the Europa League tie draw away to LASK on Thursday and will be assessed ahead of the North London Derby, but is expected to be passed fit to start. Hugo Lloris is said to be a fitness concern, with Joe Hart ready to make his Premier League debut for Spurs. Erika Lamela remains injured and unable to play, while Sergio Reguilon, Toby Alderweireld and Carlos Vinicius will have late fitness tests before the squad is finalised.
Thomas Partey’s thigh injury is feared to be worse than first thought and is doubtful to make this match. Arsenal’s last league tie saw them lose at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers, a game in which David Luiz took a nasty cut to the head and he will be assessed ahead of the match. Mikel Arteta is also without Nicholas Pepe after he was sent off against Leeds United.
Prediction
2000 fans will be delighted to have the opportunity to have the North London Derby as their first game back since March. Tottenham have played a very counter-attacking style so far this season but may have more natural attacking intent against a shaky Arsenal defence.
Mikel Arteta will be looking to his players to get their season off the ground and what better way to do that than with a win over the arch enemy.
This will be a tight game with Spurs being just too strong for their North London rivals.
Tottenham 3 Arsenal 1
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
