Tottenham vs Arsenal Preview

Coming off a 4-0 Premier League defeat to Newcastle, Tottenham will seek redemption in their 173rd league North London derby against Arsenal.

Despite the loss, Spurs have two games in hand over Aston Villa in the race for fourth place. This match is critical for both teams, with Arsenal leading the league and Tottenham aiming to close the gap and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Tottenham’s Hurdles and Hopes

Tottenham have faced a challenging week, with Destiny Udogie sidelined for the rest of the season due to injury.

However, manager Ange Postecoglou has hinted that Richarlison could make his return off the bench after missing two games.

Spurs’ home advantage is significant, having won their last three Premier League games at home, even after conceding first in two of them.

Arsenal’s Form and Title Aspirations

Arsenal’s recent performances have been impressive, with a 5-0 win over Chelsea marking their second London derby victory by that scoreline this season.

The Gunners hold the top spot going into this matchday, in a strong position after Liverpool’s midweek loss to Everton.

January 2023’s 2-0 win for the Gunners was their first at the home of their North London rivals since September 2015, with Arsenal drawing 2 and losing 5 games in that span of time.

Defensive Strength and Complacency

Arsenal have not conceded in any of their last six league away games (W5, D1), suggesting they are in strong form.

However, Mikel Arteta’s team need to avoid complacency, given their collapse at the end of the previous season. Tottenham, on the other hand, will aim to exploit any vulnerabilities in Arsenal’s defence.

Players to Watch

Tottenham

Brennan Johnson: The Spurs forward, who scored in their last draw against West Ham (1-1), has netted three of his five Premier League goals this season after half-time, with all contributing to victories.

Arsenal

Ben White: The Arsenal defender, who scored a brace during their win against Chelsea, could play a pivotal role in this derby. However, he has picked up four bookings across his last six competitive appearances, indicating a potential risk of discipline in this heated clash.

With Tottenham seeking redemption and Arsenal aiming to maintain their title charge, this North London derby promises intense action.

The stakes are high for both teams, and the result could have significant implications for the Premier League title race and the battle for European places. Expect a fiercely contested match with potential drama and excitement from start to finish.

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Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal, 2023/24 | Premier League