Gunners host Spurs in tasty North London derby

After the win against the struggling Sunderland last weekend, Arsenal face their arch nemesis Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates today, quite a contrast from the last opponent.

Spurs are the only unbeaten team in the league and has the fewest goals conceded in 10 matches, a very strong record although they have struggled in Europe.

Yet, the numbers don’t entirely represent Spur’s current form, as they have not won a game since their victory against Manchester City back in the beginning of October. Arsenal will be hoping to take advantage of Spur’s lacklustre run and hopefully, give them their first loss. With Spurs seemingly in a rut, while both Giroud and Ramsey return for Arsenal, Arsenal should have enough firepower to open up one of the best defences in the league.

Both sides will enter the game with uncertainties in some of the key players. While Bellerin should be ready, Monreal, Walcott, and Carzola’s fitness could be gametime decisions; Spurs will be facing similar questions on Harry Kane, who has been absent since midSeptember. Pochettino revealed that Kane could be available but starting seems to be a long shot, while Tory Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele are expected to be out for the clash.

Even against a battered squad, Arsenal still need to be prepared for a tough game. Spurs will likely play with a similar game plan as they did against Manchester City – pressing high up the pitch. The key point of beating that would be having a calm and composed presence in the central midfield to distribute and channel the attack from the back, keeping the strike force upfield to maximise their threat. Tottenham will be aggressive in marking Arsenal’s playmakers. It will be imperative to move the ball quickly to avoid being physically overwhelmed by the Spurs players.

Thankfully, Spurs have one less day of rest in between matches. Their pressing game might not be as effective after a short recovery. Adding their injuries and bad form into consideration, this may be the best time to face Spur and Arsenal will be on a mission to end the rival’s unbeaten run.