Introduction
This certainly seems like 2020. Doesn’t it? Not to forget the fact that it is Jose Mourinho’s second season at Spurs. And I’ll leave it unsaid here! Today we cover the preview of one of the most awaited fixtures of the gameweek, the North London Derby.
It is certainly one of the most significant matches of the footballing calendar. Questions continue to be raised against Arteta’s managerial role at the club. The woeful start to the season for Arsenal continues, as they go down 2-0, resulting in Tottenham regaining the top spot on Goal Difference. Arsenal will however spend the rest of the week, in the bottom 6. Yes, you read it right.
‘Bottom’ 6.
Line Ups
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Lloris
Defence: Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Reguilon
Midfield: Sissoko, Hojbjerg, Bergwijn (Rodon – 90+1), Lo Celso (Davies – 72’), Son (Moura – 88’)
Forward: Kane
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Leno
Defence: Bellerin (Nketiah – 75’), Holding, Gabriel, Tierney
Midfield: Partey (Ceballos – 45+2’), Xhaka, Willian, Lacazette, Saka
Forward: Aubameyang
FIRST HALF
The game saw Spurs, unbeaten run in 6 previous PL Derbies at home. Mourinho played mind games, with reporting that Lloris, Kane and Reguilon as ‘doubtful’. Tottenham started well, as they looked to create chances from the whistle.
A couple of chances arrived through set pieces for both the sides. Both were wasted by the freekick takers.
Lacazette, played off Aubameyang, who played the striker role. Absence of finishing boots for Aubameyang continues to prove costly, as he has minimal involvement on the ball in the starting minutes. Tierney made good overlapping runs through the left flank, causing worries to Aurier, but Bergwijn was there to help his full back.
13 minutes on the clock, and Son Heung Min scores an ‘out of the box belter’. Assisted by Harry Kane, who skipped past challenges, in the middle of the park. Leno had unexpected it all day. Reguilon on the overlap, Holding backs off, hoping Son to pass the left back, but oh boy! He scores one of the most beautiful goals in the fixture.
”Arsenal lacked a player to link from back to front”, said the commentator on the 28’. The Gunners looked promising, since the 30’ mark, as they played much more in the Spurs half now. Arsenal had 68% possession in the first half. Although, they saw themselves 2-0 down in the stoppage time. Kane at 45+1. Spurs Four-on-Two on the counter. Son returning the favour to Kane, who blasted the shot, hitting the downside of the crossbar. No chance for Leno to save that rocket, even on the near post.
Meanwhile, Partey pulls a hamstring, and is subbed off for Ceballos, in first half stoppage time.
SECOND HALF
After an eventful first 45, Arsenal aimed to get back in the game, at the least. The Spurs Captain, who was rarely troubled in the first half, made a couple of good saves, as Arsenal seemed to have find some intent after the break.
The second half was rather timid, with Arsenal unable to find that final touch, which would prove to be decisive. 71’, Ben Davies on for Lo Celso. Mourinho parked the bus, for the last quarter. Somehow, it seemed like Xhaka was trying to get a booking, which he eventually managed in the 74’.
75’ Eddie Nketiah comes on for Bellerin, as Arteta urges to move forward and break the deadlock for Arsenal. Saka moved to the RB position after Bellerin was taken off.
Arsenal handed Tottenham, their 3rd consecutive Clean Sheet in the Premier League. On the other hand, Arsenal have failed to score in 5 out of 7 matches.
Conclusion
Kane has most goals in the NL Derby- 11 goals
Son has the same number of goals this PL season as Arsenal- 10 goals
Arsenal need to find ways to get three points as early as they can. Burnley and Southampton at Home next. They can possibly gain all 6 points, and get back to winning ways. Winning ways, that are now long lost.
Spurs, are having a dream season under Jose. They have kept Clean Sheets against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Who expected? Not me! We are all feared with their form, and the fact that Mourinho is a manager who knows how to win Silverware. But credit where due, Spurs are playing some scintillating football this season.
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