The Gunners to show their teeth in London derby
The first North London derby has come early this season and could have a massive bearing on how the campaigns pan out for both Arsenal and Spurs. Can Emre prove he has what it takes to become an Arsenal legend or will it be a case of trailing behind Pochettino’s side once again? Have a read of our preview here:
Going, going, Gooner
Déjà vu is described in the English dictionary as thus:
“The experience an Arsenal fan gets shortly after the start of another season in the Premier League.”
Ok, it may not be exactly that but it may as well be. Every campaign sees Gunner’s fans begin a season full of optimism and by around the third or fourth game it has well and truly been sucked out of them.
Arsenal were comfortably beaten by Liverpool at the weekend further proving they will be a way off the top sides again this season. Luiz produced a moment of stupidity that only he can which didn’t help but the Gunners record against top sides speaks for itself.
Arsenal have now failed to win any of their past 23 away league games against fellow 'Big six' sides (D8 L15) - during this run they have conceded 53 goals while keeping just one clean sheet.
There are some positive in the performance of new signing Nicolas Pepe who looked dangerous at times against the Reds.
In fact, Pepe became the first player to successfully dribble past Virgil van Dijk in the Dutch defender's past 50 appearances in the Premier League, impressive indeed.
They clearly have the players to cause Spurs some problems but must again look at their defensive frailties if they are to get something from the game.
Spurs’ speedy start screeching to a halt
Just when you think Tottenham are on to something good, they flop as they did at home to Newcastle last weekend. It was, in fairness, a tight game won by a Joelinton strike but Pochettino was not happy with his side’s lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
What Newcastle did well was set up a disciplined midfield four that sat in front of a back five and asked questions of the Spurs attack which they had no answers for. The lack of creativity is a problem that Tottenham have to address. Christian Eriksen wants a new challenge and if he leaves or doesn’t start the Londoners look a lot less threatening.
No doubt they will brush themselves down but it is a disappointing result that suggests this Tottenham side are not yet the finished article.
Arsenal v Tottenham betting tip
This will be a close game so it could go either way but Arsenal have the more threat going forward and Eriksen’s absence appears to be hampering Tottenham so backing the Gunners to win at odds of 31/20 is our tip for this London derby.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
Arsenal gave themselves too much to do to win in this one but they got a credible draw after going two goals behind