Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – Preview

The first fixture we look for on the Premier League calendar. The only fixture that has us pulling out our hair all week. The last fixture we want to envision with defeat- The North London derby has rolled round once again. With a huge run of fixtures on the horizon, this fixture could make or break our season.

As has been the case for a number of years now, the gulf between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal has decreased since the 90s and early 2000s, making the affair a whole lot tighter. However, the results haven’t necessarily reflected that.

We haven’t beaten Arsenal in our last four attempts, scoring just once in that time. Looking back even further, we’ve won once against the Gunners since the days of Harry Redknapp. In that respect, we haven’t matched them for points, and that needs to change.

It could be suggested that our recent run against Arsenal stems from a passionless squad. Last year, our three defeats didn’t really seem to bother any player, as if it was merely another fixture. In fact, the only show of care in those three fixtures was Nabil Bentaleb’s ill-tempered stamp in the dying embers of our FA Cup loss. This year, it’s a whole different story.

The bashful celebrations, the talk of team unity- we missed that desperately last season. Players like Bentaleb, Ryan Mason and Harry Kane know exactly what this fixture is about. They understand the importance of this game as much as our Woolwich neighbours. It could be the factor that swings the pendulum in the way of Tottenham Hotspur.

At this point, Spurs and Arsenal are at a similar level. Both have players that have quality in abundance compared to the rest of the respective squads, and both have lost just once in the league since the beginning of December. Whilst we look to be gelling under Mauricio Pochettino, Arsenal look like a rejuvenated side themselves- the result of Saturday’s game will tell us how far each side has progressed.

Our last meeting ended 1-1, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cancelling out Nacer Chadli’s opener. Unusually, we put in a solid defensive display and made the most of what little chances we have. The last battle at the Lane ended in a 0-1 defeat, with Tomas Rosicky blasting in the winner after a couple of minutes. Despite our unbelievably shocking form against big sides last season, it was a match that could have seen us net five or six. The point is, we didn’t and it was the lowest showing for a North London derby since 1997.

Times have changed though- our manager is essentially universally backed, our team spirit is high, we’re no longer getting trumped by the league’s biggest outfits and we’re playing good football. If we take our chances like in our 5-3 win over Chelsea, we will beat Arsenal.

With such a game comes such an important team selection.

Whilst Arsene Wenger may have a headache choosing his goalkeeper for the derby, we fully well know the world class Hugo Lloris will start between the sticks for Tottenham. The Frenchman, who looks set to captain Spurs, pulled off a number of quality saves in the reverse fixture this season, and we’ll need another big performance from him.

Arsenal’s attack boasts great pace, but we’re blessed with pacey full backs in Kyle Walker and Danny Rose. Walker has looked a little rusty since his return from injury, but that’s expected when you go nine months without kicking a football; A solid display here could signal a return to form. As for Rose, he’s fast sealing Ben Davies out of the first eleven with a set of exceptional left back performances. Both have scored in this fixture at the Lane, providing the Gunners with some hurtful memories.

One problem for Poch comes at centre back- who partners Jan Vertonghen? The big Belgian has re-found his form this season, and deserves his regular starting place. Alongside him, though, are two candidates in Federico Fazio and Eric Dier. Do we play Fazio for his dominant aerial ability, or Dier for his pace and desire? The towering Argentine has formed a good partnership with Vertonghen in recent months, but our young Englishman has deputised very well recently.

The premature exit of Algeria at the African Cup of Nations has come as a blessing, as Nabil Bentaleb is ready for selection. The energetic midfielder has proved vital in maintaining our balance this season, developing a good partnership with fellow youth product Ryan Mason. For our sake, I hope we play the pair- the midfield battle will be crucial, and we need our strongest pairing starting.

Mousa Dembele’s return to form and Nacer Chadli’s return altogether will make our attacking selection difficult too. Dembele has played well as a number 10 recently, but playing him there would mean moving our best player in Christian Eriksen out of position to the left. Should the Dane play there, then Chadli would be without a place unless he were to play on the right in place of Erik Lamela, who has shown glimpses of his ability since winter rolled around.

A tough selection in midfield, but there’s only one choice up front- Harry Kane. I’m sure there will be some ironic chanting from the Arsenal faithful about how Kane was at their academy, for one year, when he was 9, and still a Tottenham fan. Many doubted Kane’s influence in the bigger games before we beat Chelsea- I like to think that opinion has since been eradicated. After signing a new contract this week, he’ll want to play a major role in the destruction of our greatest enemies.

It will be interesting to see how Arsenal line up. Will Wenger stick to his philosophy, or adapt for the counter attack in a system which worked so well in their win at Manchester City?

We have to win this match. This is local pride. This is bragging rights. This is about being men and not losing to selfie-obsessed, cigarette smoking pansies. This is Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal.

Predicted XI: Lloris; Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose; Mason, Bentaleb; Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli; Kane