EPL Match Day 33: Arsenal v Tottenahm Hotspur: Match Preview

By some time this afternoon (or evening in Engerland) – either the red or blue parts of Manchester are going to be made extremely happy by either the red or blue parts of North London. While, the ties against Arsenal and Tottenham have always been chippy affairs today’s meeting has broader implications than any has had in recent times.

For Arsenal, thanks to our friends on the Tyenside, hope rises again like a phoenix from the ashes. Manchester dropped points again travelling away from Newcastle. This only means that Arsenal have yet another opportunity to make up ground on the red Devils. But as we’ve discussed, even as late as the Liverpool pre-game – when presented with the opportunity to catch United, this team simply does not seem to have what it takes to close the gap.

Call it what you will. Blame on who you can, whatever the reason, our Gunners simply lack the fortitude to get the job done. I’ve been beating the mental aspect of the game side of the story for a while now. I continue to believe that. I absolutely believe there is enough talent on this team to do something good. What it lacks is the confidence to get itself over the hump. Frankly, it is what United have that Arsenal don’t. Simply put United always have the belief they will win. I wouldn’t sit here and say that man for man that United are a better side talent wise. But they are made up of people who know how to win and what it takes to win.

And that’s what it is going to take. It is going to take winning something, ANYTHING, to get this team going, It is why the Carling Cup was so important and is the very core of what is wrong. This club has not recovered from the tailspin that the Carling Cup defeat started it on. Whereas we we talking of the positives that would come by winning the Carling Cup, , we never talked about what would happen if they would lose that competition. And frankly, the facts have been there before are eyes this season and last. When things go wrong, they simply go very wrong and there isn’t anyone even Wenger himself who seems to be able to right the ship.

Look, it’s this simple, there at this point an outside chance of catching United. But because of our own failures we have also let Chelsea back in it. That means we have to win. A further drop is only going to make it worse on the team and moreso worse on the fans who’s cry for change is only growing louder with each missed Arsenal scoring opportunity. Liverpool practically gifted this past Sunday’s match to the Guners and the red and white failed to seize the opportunity. A win then would’ve placed less emphasis on this tie than there is on it now. The pressure has only increased.

The good thing for Arsenal is that our “friends” from that other club in North London, are not on their best run themselves. In Spurs last 7 games they have managed just 6 goals. Three of those ties have been 0-0 draws. For Arsenal it is not much better though – in 7 games we have 7 goals and two 0-0 draws.  

White Heart Lane, though is always a tough place to play. It still has that atmosphere that all Gooners complain is lacking from the Emirates. A win by Spurs not only gives them momentum against Manchester City and the fight for that elusive Champion’s League spot, it would also give them the season double for the first time in the history of the EPL. We all know what it means if Arsenal win (besides the obvious St. Totteringham’s Day references).

We’ve all discussed adnauseum, the frailties and pitfalls of this club. Gooners don’t have a lot to be happy about right now. 2 months ago we were kings of the world. Then March came and it all came crashing down. The form since the Carling Cup exit has been paltry. Sure, we’re 15 games unbeaten in the EPL. But there a lot of draws in there. While that’s nice, Gooners want more. Personally, a win against our hated rivals would go a long way towards making all of us happy again.

How the Match Should Play Out:
This is going to be quick from the minute the first whistle blows. The real challenge will be which team has the legs to go on. Arsenal played 100+ minutes on Sunday. Nearly a full portion of a extra time was played. That Liverpool match got wooly towards the end – before anyone scored. The question is are the Gunners are going to have gas in the tank to take on the WORLD”S BEST PLAYER. And Spurs only just got knocked out of the Champion’s League do they have gas. And can Peter Crouch stay on his feet long enough. It’s going to be a tight affair and frankly based on the form of both teams, I see a 2-2 draw.

Players To Watch:
Arsenal: Theo Walcott. Theo hasn’t been scoring a lot but his pace is definitely creating opportunities. On the same side as the WORLD”s BEST PLAYER, Theo will keep monkey boy Bale honest and maybe  take some pressure of Sagna.

Tottenham: Gareth Bale.  I am loathe to discuss Monkey boy. Sorry didn’t think he was deserving of PFA player of the year with 7 goals and 1 assist in the EPL. But there is no doubting his pace and that is what makes him dangerous. He’s scored in each of the last two meetings of these teams. Sagna will have an interesting day with him. 

Projected Starting Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Fabianksi (shoulder) Vermaelen (achilles) Almunia (D- knee)

Tottenham: Hutton (knee) Palacios (knee) Woodgate (calf), King (groin) Kranjcar (D – foot) Pienaar (D – groin)

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 2
Tottenahm: 3

Current Form:
Arsenal: DWDDD
Tottenahm: WDDDL

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 2.1
Tottenham (home): 1.5

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 1.2
Tottenham (home): 0.8

Goal Differential:
Arsenal: 32
Tottenham: 8

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 17 (13 league)  Nasri 14 (9 league)

Tottenham:  Van der Vaart: 12 (10 league) Bale 11 (7 league)  Pavlyuchenko 11 (7 league) Crouch 11(4 league)

Match Officials:
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Assistant Referees: John Flynn & Peter Kirkup
Fourth Official: Stuart Attwell

Broadcast Information:
US: ESPN2/3 2:45 PM EST

UK: Sky Sports 1 1945 BST

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!! www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Spurs: 2

Some Final Thoughts:

A lot is being made of the recent article on various Websites, the BBC included, that said Cesc said the team lacked maturity and that the youth policy has failed. Many are seeing this a sure sign that Cesc Fabregas will try and leave again this summer. There’s also another side that sees this as him caring deeply about the club. It’s one or the other with one side or the other isn’t it.

First let me say, I do not think Fabregas will be going anywhere this year. Rosell has laid the gauntlet down on how much they are willing to pay for Fabregas – about £35 million. Down from their supposed £40 million from last year. He has said they will not go higher than that. Fabregas hasn’t had the greatest season but he is the team’s little engine that could. They will not let him go for anything less than £45-£50 million. What I expect to happen is a bid to lodged by Barcelona for about £35 million to which Arsenal will reject it. Barcelona will preen for a little while decrying the injustice of keeping someone who has their DNA at a club other than Barca. When nothing comes of it they will tell their fans they tried in order to placate them

However, do the Barca fans really want him? On the biggest stage in front of his hometown, he laid the biggest egg imaginable. After the match a snap poll was done of Barca fans and 56% of them said they did not want him. They wanted Rafa and Thiago Alcantra to be the heirs to the current midfield setup.

Let me add my own quick thought on it all – while I don’t think he will go anywhere, it doesn’t mean I don’t think its time to consider letting him go. I really like the lad and when he plays on his game he is so sublime to watch. But when he doesn’t play his game he is a hindrance to the club because of their over reliance on him.  I want him here I really do – but I wouldn’t be completely upset if he was sold.

Finally just some interesting stats on the whole North London Derby:

• In the EPL era Arsenal are 14W  7 L 16D
• In WW1 Spurs played all their matches at Highbury. During WWII Arsenal played all their matches at White Heart Lane
• There have been 6 players who have played for Arsenal then gone on to sign for Spurs. Can you name them?
• Through the history of tie there have been 238 matches played in all competitions – Arsenal have a 96W 56D 86L record – which suggests this tie has always been a closely played affair.

And then this (yeah I know I said finally earlier) if you are a listener for World Football Dailywith Kenny Hassan – at 12:40 EST/9:40 PST (1740 BST) I will be discussing Arsenal with Kenny and the run in to the Derby. I am pretty excited. I hope you’ll tune in.

That’s it for now. We’ll see you in the GDC.

Stay Goonerish!!! 

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