Tottenham v Arsenal Preview

Tottenham v Arsenal, Sunday 2nd October 4pm, White Hart Lane, Premier League



North London sees in-form sides meet

London's most fiercest rivals Arsenal and Tottenham meet on Sunday in the Premier League and both sides are in good form. Arsenal have won the last three fixtures against Shrewsbury, Bolton and Olympiakos, all at home, whilst Spurs have won their last three Premier League fixtures against Wolves, Wigan and Liverpool. Tottenham began the season with back to back defeats against the two Manchester clubs losing 8-1 on aggregate, whilst Arsenal didn't win until the fourth league fixture of the season - a 1-0 home win against Swansea.

Tottenham derby record improving

After years of dominance in this fixture under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal have now failed to beat Spurs in the last three league meetings. Arsenal's last league win against Spurs came two years ago when Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie (2) scored in a 3-0 win. Last season, Spurs won for the first time at Arsenal in 17 years, whilst the meeting at White Hart Lane ended in a 3-3 draw, Arsenal letting leads slip in both games, though Arsenal did win 4-1 at Spurs in the Carling cup. Despite this re-emergence from Spurs, Wenger's league record against Tottenham remains extremely impressive: P 30 W 13 D 14 L3.

Match Stats

* Tottenham have only won 3 of the last 30 league meetings against Arsenal but have won 2 of the last 3.

* Robin van Persie has scored four goals in his last four Premier League starts against Spurs.

* Rafael van der Vaart has scored three goals in his two Premier League appearances against the Gunners.

* Tottenham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 31 matches in all competitions against the Gunners.

* Arsenal have won just two of their last 16 matches in all competitions away from the Emirates Stadium

* Spurs have lost none of their last 15 home London derbies in the Premier League (W9 D6 L0) since defeat against Arsenal in September 2007.

* Arsenal and Tottenham have drawn 17 times in the Premier League, the most ties of any fixture in the history of the competition.

Team News

Arsenal

Jack Wilshere, Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby, Laurent Koscielny and Johan Djourou are all injured whilst Gervinho and Theo Walcott will have late fitness tests. Yossi Benayoun is fit again after injury, whilst Sebastien Squillaci could return to the bench after injury but is not fit enough to start.

Tottenham

William Gallas, Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone are injured whilst Steven Pienaar failed to make his comeback against Shamrock Rovers. Niko Krancjar and Aaron Lennon are both doubtful.



Managers

Arsene Wenger

“At the moment we have been in the Champions League for 14 years and that is all we can say. Tottenham is a good side, I agree, and we have to try to be better and that is what we try to do. I believe the consistency has been on our side, but Tottenham has a huge potential. They played Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night and were sold out, so that is a massive potential. But we are at the end of September and the season finishes in May. Don’t come to quick conclusions about teams - there is a long way to go.”

Harry Redknapp

"You know what it's like in football. You lose a few games and suddenly Arsene Wenger's a poor manager. The man's been a great manager at Arsenal and I am sure he will be for many years to come. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio. They have had injuries. That has been the problem. I think the centre-half Vermaelen is top drawer. They have missed him. I think he is a fantastic player."

Squillaci being on the bench is even too close to the pitch. Can't he be somewhere in Soho instead?

i have got a bad feeling about this.....hopefully the boys can get us a result in that shit hole

They def. are the favourites for this one.

Key players fit, on-form, and playing at home.

We need a massive performance from Arteta, Walcott, and Van Persie for this one.

We also need Frimpong to be very disciplined. I'd rather it be him than Coquelin, but like jay said in the other thread, the occasion might just get to him. His passion for Arsenal is really something else, and I'm sure he'll be out there to slaughter some Spuds.

Both coaches are calm towards the game which is a good sign. I thought Wlacott, Gervinho and RVP would all be injuried but they aren't so that is the good bit for Arsenal. Alex Song had a brilliant game in the Champions League and I think he will play very well at centre back. Gibbs as left back? I though Santos proved he was a worthy left wing back in the Champions League. He is an attacking player and if Arsenal are leading after a certain amount of time that is you can put Gibbs on for Santos and play defensive. Arteta will be the key I reckon. Him, Walcott and RVP will make the difference for Arsenal.

For the 1st time, I'm nervous about this game. On paper, their midfield are better than ours. I though Kozz will play this game with Song move back to mid? Frimpong in the middle could be ticking time bomb especially against Mordic and VDV

Guys trust me we will win the game 3-2.

@Jay, get rid of the first line break in your sig, so that annoying scrolly bar goes away.
And @Pale, ARE YOU FROM EASTWOOD?

I am not all confident.. I will be happy if we can get a draw..
I think it is going to be a goal feast with both teams defence problems and attacking game...
The team who defends better will win... And thats where our problem lies.. We are playing without our regular starters..
And the last thing i want to see is Adepaywhore celebrating...

Harry Redknapp: "Wenger is a top manager. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio."

Samuelj29060 wrote:Harry Redknapp: "Wenger is a top manager. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio."

A win and nothing else is what i want

but will we get it ?

The way wenger has been talking, it gives me confidence, but cant hide the fact tottenham have been in good form. They will be favourites and that actually lifts the pressure of us.

Wenger wants the team to hold as much possession as possible. Thats his game plan, and right as well because we can hurt spurs defensively.

I think theo n Gervinho will make it. But the problem is who to start in midfield

Frimpong or Coquelin ? Arteta n Ramsey are starting 100%. I guess frimpong will start but he will be carded in the match at some point.

Our bench will be kinda strong. with benayoun, Park, Chamakh, Oxlade.

All i can say is, Lets go out and give our best. Roll down he years and hit them with everything we have. Go into the itnernational break with hope n belief rather then disray n misery.

LETS DO THIS!

Great preview Samuel.

I know we will crush them, I have a good feeling about this game. Guys have faith we still are better team then Spuds.

Here's to hope!

^ ^ ^

Awesome sig is awesome