A familiar feeling crossed Arsenal minds as Ashley Williams headed in the winner at the Emirates Stadium – after a bright start and much optimism for the season, the north London side’s title hopes appear to be over by early March. Nonetheless, there is some pride that needs to be salvaged on Saturday as Arsenal make the brief, ominous trip to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur.
With a chance to go level on points with Spurs and cut the gap with Leicester to just three points, Arsenal put in another languid performance against a rotated Swansea side. Apart from Joel Campbell, no one particularly impressed, with players such as Gabriel, Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez once again underwhelming. There was also an uncharacteristic error from Petr Cech for Swansea’s winner, perhaps reflecting the tension running throughout the whole team. Tottenham, thankfully, struggled at Upton Park as they lost to West Ham United.
However, they still go into Saturday’s derby as favourites, due to their 2016 form.
Tottenham will look to set up as usual and take the game to Arsenal with a mixture of high pressing and efficient counter attacking, while Wenger has a decision to make – carrying on with the ineffective pivot of Aaron Ramsey and Francis Coquelin which has not provided adequate defensive cover for the back four, or perhaps drafting in someone like Mohamed Elneny to pair Coquelin. A draw, however, wouldn’t do Arsenal any favours, with three points being necessary to get back on track.
One player Arsenal need to look out for is former youth prospect Harry Kane. Not quite replicating last season’s scintillating form, Kane has still scored 16 goals for his side, and provides a threat both as a target man and running in behind.
Arsenal’s main threat will be Joel Campbell, should he start. A great performance against Swansea should warrant a place on the right-wing, where he should provide effective movement and cutting inside when he chooses to pick up the ball and run.
Match facts
– Tottenham have won six out of the last seven games, while Arsenal have only won two of the last eight.
– However, Arsenal shade Tottenham defensively, keeping five clean sheets in the last ten games compared to Tottenham’s two.
– Tottenham have typically dominated the results at White Hart Lane, having won 2-1 in three of the last four fixtures at home.
– Kane’s 16 goals as Spurs’ top scorer beats Giroud’s 12, but Mesut Ozil’s 18 assists is far above Eriksen’s 8.
Team news
– Laurent Koscielny and Cech will be out for Saturday, while Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky remain out. After being rested, Danny Welbeck may be reinstated instead of Giroud.
– Dele Alli should be brought back in after coming off the bench against West Ham, as Moussa Dembele faces a late fitness test. Jan Vertonghen remains out.
Predicted XIs
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Ramsey; Campbell, Ozil, Welbeck; Giroud.
Tottenham (4-3-3): Lloris; Walker, Wimmer, Alderweireld, Rose; Dembele, Dier, Alli; Lamela, Eriksen, Kane.
