Premier League leaders Arsenal face “the biggest north London derby in 20 years” as fierce rivals Spurs look to derail their name challenge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, on Sky Sports.
The Gunners know they will be top of the table with a win to close in on their first Premier League name in two decades, when Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles won the name at White Hart Lane in 2004.
But Spurs, buoyed by a home crowd desperate not to see champions from Mikel Arteta’s side, have the chance to rejoice doubly on Sunday, knowing that victory would seriously damage Arsenal’s name dreams and at the same time boost their own hopes of finishing in the top four.
With so much at stake, you’re in for a delightful North London derby.
Check out expert opinions, articles and research ahead of Sunday’s match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, live on Sky Sports, kicking off at 2pm. . . .
Paul Merson of Sky Sports:
“This has to be one of the biggest derbies in north London in 20 years. It’s a huge football game.
“I expect Arsenal to win this game because Tottenham will play enthusiastic football, almost saying you have a chance, and then we have a chance. Possibly it would not be contrary to Arsenal: they have better players than Tottenham. They are better, more unit, and they will win the football game.
“I don’t see an Arsenal win yet, knowing how Tottenham like to play. They just open the game and say, ‘We’ll see who can score the maximum goals. ‘It will be very difficult to face Arsenal, who are an incredible football team.
“This game is, in a word, Tottenham’s season. They will be ennobled if they win against Arsenal. But it’s not just that, they also want to be in the top four.
“It’s a game that Spurs will have to play as well. It’s not all tension for Arsenal as Spurs battle it out in the cup final to save them from winning the league.
“Let’s be honest, a draw is probably enough to save Arsenal from winning the league, but possibly not enough in the race for the Champions League. This would probably save them from finishing above Aston Villa. I doubt they will draw. That’s not the way he plays. “
Tottenham head coach Angel Postecoglou has suggested his team double down on their attacking philosophy despite facing a team with the most productive defensive record in the league this season.
He said: “It’s just about making sure we’re up to the challenge and trying to meet it the way we were given this position in the first place.
“From our point of view, we had some inconsistencies and demanding situations this year, but when we play well, we play in a safe way and approach things in a safe way.
“It doesn’t make sense, now that you’re hitting the top of the year, to circumvent it or replace your focus.
“We have to redouble our efforts and concentrate on our football. It’s a wonderful move for us, because otherwise we never know where you’re suffering or if we can make it our way. “
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta needs his players to put aside their north London rivalry with Tottenham and get on with the task at hand.
“We’ve played there a few times and it’s a wonderful position to play football,” he said.
“We want to put the rivalry aside and enjoy the game with fans and the intensity that demands more than anything special, because the game has everything you want to enjoy it. “
Amazingly, Arsenal have played 4 games since the last time Tottenham kicked a ball: they lost to Aston Villa and Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, but overcame Wolves and Chelsea to take the lead.
However, Arteta doesn’t need to use congestion as an excuse to embark on one of the biggest north London derbies in recent history.
The Spaniard said: “Of course, we will be fully prepared. We have some time to prepare after the Chelsea game and I’m sure we’ll be fully prepared to start on Sunday. “
“I like the fact that we played 4 games. We had some experiences. It’s been not an easy week.
“We’ve had an impact in the last two games. This has increased everyone’s confidence. We’re in a smart position. “
Gary Neville of Sky Sports:
“The moment of the season for Arsenal is this game on Sunday.
“The north London derby is a game I’ve enjoyed over the years. It’s probably my favourite game I’ve commented on for Sky in my 11 years as a player. It turns out that it brings anything to the table and I really enjoyed it.
“This one has a lot of things to do this weekend. Arsenal are moving to this stadium and they have to go there and play.
“I was there a few years ago, when there was a war for the Champions League and Tottenham beat Arsenal. The Gunners did not take charge of the situation. However, it is a very different Arsenal that will be there on Sunday. They are physically powerful. And resilient now, but it will be a test, just as Liverpool did at Everton.
“It’s potentially going to be like a massacre in the first 15 or 20 minutes. Tottenham fans don’t need Arsenal to win the league.
“Tottenham will need a win, just to avoid Arsenal, but also out of pride, winning a derby in north London and getting as much trouble as possible. They are looking to push Aston Villa for that fourth place.
“It’s a huge game and Liverpool’s defeat to Everton is a lesson for Arsenal. It’s not the same with Spurs, another Everton team, but the elements to make sure they’re ready, that they don’t get caught, that away from home you respect the opposition and the crowd, and what you could face if they chase you.
“The principles of the away game. Arsenal can’t do that because they’re a bigger football team and they’re in a better moment. “
Tottenham captain Heung-Min has stated that Arsenal are one of the best groups in the world, but insists the home side will “stick to their game”.
The South Korean said: “I think it will be a check for our team. Obviously we’re very young and we’re still a bit green because we’re building a young team with new experiences. “
“Some players are in their first season in the Premier League. Look, we ourselves can face one of the biggest groups in Europe and the Premier League, but also in the world.
“I think the way we play is very important. Stick to our game, stick to our game. I think it’s a very, very clever test.
“Like I said, it’s opposed to one of the most productive groups in the world, so it’s very productive (for us). You need to have a smart festival and play in opposition to the most productive bands in the world. “
Nick Wright of Sky Sports:
In November, when Kai Havertz had to be convinced by his arrival from Chelsea for £65 million, Arsenal’s top fans would not have believed him if he had told them how much and how temporarily his fortunes and perceptions of him would change.
On Tuesday night, the day after a 5-0 win over her former team in which Havertz scored twice to give Arsenal a three-point lead, the Emirates Stadium echoed Shakira’s “Waka Waka,” sung in honor of an emerging player. like a hero.
It was a scene. The chant has been broadcast with increasing regularity since his first goal for the club, a penalty at Bournemouth in September. But never with such enthusiasm.
Many doubted him. Mikel Arteta didn’t. This was transparent in the way he used it, even in the difficult first few months. Havertz has now appeared in one of Arsenal’s 34 Premier League matches. He has played in each of their 10 Champions Leagues. games, making nine starts.
Those jubilant scenes from the mid-week birthday party in the Emirates showed that he, too, feels the love of the club’s supporters. The same against north London rivals Tottenham, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, would increase the connection.
Read Nick Wright’s full article on Kai Havertz here.
After the humiliation suffered at Newcastle two weeks ago, Tottenham will bounce back from the 4-0 defeat at St James’ Park, as will defender Micky van de Ven.
The Dutchman, signed from Wolfsburg in the summer on a £43m contract, enjoyed a bit of a day off at Tyneside after his slips led to Newcastle’s first two goals.
But the 23-year-old, who will enjoy his first home derby in north London, will have to show that functionality and show why he has become one of the most notable defenders in the Premier League this season, as shown. through statistics provided through Raiola Global Management’s L’Insight Team.
Van de Ven excelled at capitalising on the opposition’s mistakes and launching quick counter-attacks for Spurs with 0. 45 counter-press resets per 90 minutes, while Postecoglou’s side are much better with the centre-back this season, as illustrated below.
Van de Ven has also been influential with the ball at his feet: he averages 0. 36 on successful dribbles consistent with 90 and 50. 3 runs consistent with 90, highlighting his importance in moving Spurs forward from deep positions.
His passing accuracy also influences the orchestration of attacks, with 95% passing accuracy and 82% long passing, while his 85% accuracy on tense passes underlines his composure under pressure.
But Van de Ven’s ultimate feature is his speed after he recently made Premier League history by recording a blistering speed of 37. 38km/h, the fastest player ever recorded in the competition’s history.
Spurs want Van de Ven to go full throttle on Sunday if they are to beat their fierce rivals.
Lewis Jones, Sky Sports insider:
Tottenham’s weaknesses off the property could well be largely exposed through Arsenal, who could well be on course for a Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s men are becoming very reliable away from home: they hold the away record in the Premier League this season: they won the most goals (36), scored the most goals (39) and conceded the fewest goals (11). With 4/5 with Sky Bet for the away win, I can perfectly see why it would be a popular bet.
My eyes were drawn to Declan Rice’s gunshots.
He is becoming a monster in this Arsenal team, playing a more complex role on the left side of midfield, a position that suits his taste for action. His strength tore Chelsea apart in transition on Tuesday night and he’s going to do the same. Run directly in front of a Tottenham midfielder who gives you the area to do so. Rice has 22 shots in his last 10 starts in all competitions; Their influence in the final third is growing. That’s 10/11 with Sky Bet so you have two or more shots are one of the most productive bets on the weekend card.
Watch the north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal, on Sky Sports from 13:00; The start is at 2 p. m.
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