We have the first North London Derby of the season when Spurs go to the Emirates to visit the Gunners. Tottenham was on a high before the international break, having back to back wins at home including easily handling the defending European champions Real Madrid. On the other hand, Arsenal is coming off being drummed by Manchester city and are sitting outside the Champions League spots.
The game proves a must-win for Arsenal, their road form has been horrible this year having only four points away from the Emirates. This gives, even more, meaning to the game if Arsenal can’t win the big games on the road, then they must pick up all three points at home. Right now Arsenal is in sixth, four points off the fourth-place spot. A loss on Saturday and that gap will only grow.
The last time Tottenham played to a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, dominating possession without having Dele Ali in the game. They created chance after chance and Arsenal’s goal came from an own goal off a set piece. This can’t happen on Saturday if Arsenal wants to get a result. The defense this year seems more shaky than usual. They have allowed 16 goals so far this year which is more than double what Spurs let in. If Arsenal wants to get all three points on Saturday they have to go back to their classic style of passing them around the park. Arsenal has to be ones that direct the pace of the game because they can’t seem to play well at any other. Here are highlights from last season’s matchup at the Emirates.
They don’t have the defensive structure to change their style of play against big teams. They have yet to win the possession battle in any of the big games and this is unheard of by Wenger teams in England. On Saturday at home, the Gunners should play their classic style if they want to get anything from the game.
Tottenham will like their chances. They have picked up points in their last two visits to the Emirates and they will look for the same on Saturday. While Spurs are in one of the Champions League places, but this is the type of game they have to win comfortably if they want to become Premier League champions. They have proven already that they are at the Champions League level, but can they show that consistently? After having a good string of results: Can they pick up right where they left off before the International break?
Arsenal is trending down as a team failing big to Manchester city and they are dealing the uncertain future of many of their players and Wenger’s future. Meanwhile Spurs are trending up, beating Real Madrid looking like legit Champions League contenders. Last year it was the first time in 22 years that Tottenham finished above Arsenal in the table, and the matchup on Saturday well clearly show us if the Spurs are here to stay or if Arsenal will stop their downfall.
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