Match Preview: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
These are the matches that make English Premier League Football so much more enjoyable than any other sports matchup you can conjur up. No other sport has anything close to derby days. And this week’s North London derby promises to be a scorcher as Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspur come calling to the Emirates.
Tottenham are off to their best start to league in their long history. They have played 10 matches so far, winning 6, drawing 1 and losing 3. Their last match was a surprising 1-0 loss to Stoke. They currently are tied in points with Arsenal with 19 but are in 4th since the Gunners have a superior goal differntial. Their is a lot of pride in the team at the moment as Harry Redknapp, has given the players the drive to believe in themselves and their ability. This has resulted in a change of fortunes so far.
However, Tottenham are fighting a rash of injuries suspension and a long history of losing against Arsenal. Sprus striker Jermaine Defoeis serving the last day of a 3 match suspension, Aaron Lennon is out with an Ankle injury and a whole slew of others are riding the trainers bench. Throw in the fact that Tottenham haven’t beaten Arsenal at home since 1993 and won outright at either location since 1999, and the Spurs seem to have a steep climb.
Prodigal Spur Robbie Keane, threw gas on the already blazing rivalry when he proclaimed that this current Spurs crew and their reserves are equal to Arsenal’s starting XI. While the Gunners haven’t risen to the bait, pundits alike are having a jolly laugh at his proclamation, because Robbie seems to forgotten the likes of Eduardo, Fabregas, Arshavin, Vermaelen, Gallas, Nasri, Song and the reserves are pound for pound better all around players, then Keane, Crouch, DeFoe and Lennon.
All that said though, there is still some concern at Ashbourton Grove.While , the youngsters sumarily dispatched Liverpool’s reserves in the midweek – holding on for a 2-1 win in the Carling Cup, the senior squad had to suffer through a Sunday battle that saw West Ham claw back to gain a draw against the Gunners. If the Gunners are to gain the 3 points from this match, the will instantly need to develop a killer instinct that provides some spine to the sharp attack they have been showing.
Surely this week, Wenger has stressed the importance of holding an opponent down when you have a lead. Arsenal are going to need to do this and learn it well, especially as more difficult ties against, Chelsea and Liverpool approach. Letting a stronger, more disciplined opponent back into a match will likely see a loss rather than a draw. The red and white army surely have the talent necessary to do well in all their competitions. They have a set of centre halfs that are playing as well as any in the top 6. But they are lacking the focus required to lock a game down once they have a lead and that is going to be an issue unless they address it.
The Gunners should be bouyed by the return of Samir Nasri to the squad. Nasri saw all 90 minutes of action against Liverpool and while he didn’t score his presence was felt throughout. He looks strong and s0lid on the ball and the addition of him playing with Fabregas and Song in the midfield will likely go a long way to solidifying the middle. Sadly, Lukasz Fabianksi who also returned on Tuesday is out again for the next 3 weeks. His first match back saw him go right back to the training table with a thigh injury. Nicky B also returned this week scoring a goal in the match against Liverpool and with Eduardo back as well, the clubs striking options increased as well. Our usual cast of characters remains with the trainer with no time table set for the return of Tomas Rosicky.
With Fabianski out and Mannone seeming to lose some of his steadiness, look for Manuel Almunia to feature in goal for the first time since his dreadful show at Manchester City. The hope here is that Almunia has seen enough of Mannone from the bench that he feels inspired to play like he did when he was challenging Lehmann for the number 1 goalie spot. Arsenal are in need of one of the goalies to step up and start playing with some metal or this could be a season that sees the gunners let in almost as many goals as they score.
The attack is as prolific as ever. Even in drawing against West Ham, the boys added 2 more goals to their league leading tally. With the exception of the Fulham and United matches, Arsenal have not scored less than 2 goals per game.
Whoever loses this match will likely see either Liverpool, Villa, City or all three overtake them in the standings. Three points is essential and with local bragging rights at stake this will be a dandy match to watch. With DeFoe out of the lineup for Spurs look for the away team to have a central attack that tries to take advantage of Crouch’s height. However, I still think Arsenal’s attack are too much for the Spurs.
How it should play out:
The Gunners are at home and have yet to lose on their own turf. They want to continue to make the Emirates a fortress and not drop points here. Given the overall feelings the team had coming off of last weekend’s loss, they will likely come out attacking early to try and establish their game and see what the visitors have in terms of fight. Robin Van Persie is on a nice consecutive goals run and should be able to add to it this week. With so many options out for Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham, they are going to be one dimensional and not provide too much of a threat.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin was rather adamant in his feeling that Wenger has every right to be ticked off about their letting West Ham back into the match. Based on his interviews this week, it seems the diminutive Russian wants to make a point that Arsenal have arrived this season. This lad has all the cajones needed to be a leader on this squad and I definitely think he is going to try and dictate the game. He has already shown this season that when he wants to score, he can.
Spurs: David Bentley. He scored an amazing goal last season at the Emirates but he quickly faded and lost favor last season. With Lennon sidelined, he stands to get his first start of the season and will want to show that he should play regularly.
Injuries:
Arsenal: Denilson (back), Djourou, Rosicky and Walcott (all knee), Fabianski (thigh), Wilshere (ankle)
Spurs: Giovani (ankle), Lennon (ankle), Modric (broken leg), DeFoe (Suspended)
Possible Starting XI:
Arsenal: (4-3-3) Almunia, Gallas, Vermaelen, Clichy, Sagna, Fabregas, Song, Diaby, Bendtner, Arshavin, Van Persie
Spurs: (4-4-2) Gomes, Corluka, Bassong, King, Assou-Ekotto, Bentley, Palacios, Huddlestone, Kranjcar, Crouch, Keane
Final Score:
Arsenal: 3
Spurs: 1
Match set to air on ESPN 2 at 8:45AM EST.
Apologies for the delay guys. Bad internet today as well as feeling under the weather made writing this a little arduous today. Not one of my better attempts. Hope you bear with me. ;-)