Arsenal can’t get caught in derby chaos
THE Merseyside derby was a warning for Arsenal about what can happen when your local rivals are doubly motivated to not only help themselves but harm you. By winning 2-0, Everton took a gigantic stride towards survival and at the same time, they tripped up Liverpool in their pursuit of the title.
It was the ultimate double delight for Sean Dyche as the visitors succumbed to the emotions of a growling Goodison Park. The same opportunity is on offer for Tottenham tomorrow. They want to finish inside the top four and they have the chance to disrupt Arsenal’s bid to become champions. Mikel Arteta’s team cannot let themselves get caught up in the chaos like Liverpool did at Everton. They have to stay calm, concentrate, trust their tactics, showcase their football, and, above all, win to keep distance between them and their competition. It is remarkable to think that since Tottenham’s last game on April 13, Arsenal have played four times. Arteta has used the joint-fewest players of any Premier League manager this season and his team have done well to get through this workload without picking up major injuries. It helped that Tuesday’s 5-0 victory over Chelsea involved a display so dominant that Arteta was able to make four substitutions at once after 72 minutes. Chelsea tried to thwart them by sitting deep and counter-attacking, which is a typical approach for opponents of Arsenal. But it is extremely unlikely that Tottenham will change their tactics for this one. They are a team who prioritise attacking over defending, even when they go down to nine men! Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy is to push players up the pitch and that inevitably leaves a high defensive line. That was dismantled in Tottenham’s last game by Newcastle’s lightningfast forwards and, with that in mind, Arteta may pick Gabriel Martinelli to make his first Premier League start in nearly two months. His pace could be vital on the left alongside the speed of Bukayo Saka on the right, and they will be capable of latching on to Martin Odegaard’s balls in behind. Tottenham face all three horses still in the title race, having gone unbeaten in the reverse fixtures. If they can somehow secure a hat-trick of victories, they will more than deserve their place in the Champions League next season. Ironically, this week marks the 20-year anniversary of when Arsenal last won the Premier League — at Tottenham! Spurs had to win to deny us at White Hart Lane but we drew 2-2 and took the title. This time around, Tottenham have something to fight for. They need a victory and tomorrow’s clash could be one of the most pivotal north London derbies ever contested.