Arsenal will have been disappointed with their performance in certain matches this season, both domestically and in Europe. There was huge optimism ahead of the new season for many reasons. They came in on the back of winning their first trophy in nine years; the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona and beating Manchester City in the Community Shield. Despite this, they have been unable to gain any real momentum. After scraping through to the group stages of the Champions League, they have drawn three of their first five games, been knocked out the League Cup and were outplayed in the 2-0 loss in Dortmund. They face another big match with the visit of their arch rivals Tottenham to the Emirates, hoping that they can win this and get their season going.
If Arsenal’s season has been frustrating to date, Tottenham’s has been deflating. Despite winning their first two games without conceding a goal, Spurs have not managed to win any of their next three. A home thumping at the hands of Liverpool was followed by an away draw against Sunderland before a surprise home loss to West Brom. Mauricio Pochettino ‘s side restored some pride and confidence with a come from behind 3-1 home win over Nottingham Forest, ahead of the North London derby. If he’s looking for inspiration as he bids to be the first Tottenham manager to win at the Emirates since Harry Redknapp in 2010, he only has to look back to Tuesday and how his former club, Southampton, left victorious.
Despite losing on Tuesday, Arsene Wenger would have been happy with the contribution of Sanchez who scored a wonderful free kick to take his tally to four goals in his last six games. The manager will also point to his side’s excellent record in this fixture as they have won five of the last six meetings. They also know that Spurs are coming into this game with a lot of questions to answers so they’ll be hoping they can use that to lift themselves and get back to back league wins for the first time this season.
A criticism that has been levelled at Spurs for the last couple of seasons is their inability to compete in the games against the big clubs. They have struggled for a while to be competitive against the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal so it’s another big examination of not only their ability, but also their mental strength and belief. So often over the last 18 months, they have capitulated after losing the first goal and it’s apparent that their system does not suit chasing games against quality sides.
These games are often the highlight of the season for both sets of supporters and as a result, there’s a lot riding on them. This should be no different, especially as the two clubs have not reached the standard that they expect of themselves. Whichever way I look at this match I come to the one conclusion of a home win. Tottenham look fragile and I’m not convinced with the options they have in attack. Arsenal have a greater threat going forward and I expect it to be enough to take the spoils here.
Arsenal 4/5 @ Betvictor
