EPL - Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspurs: Preview
Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspurs for a highly contested North London derby match of Barclays Premier League. IT is the 165thderby between two fierce rivals, but this time it is more special for the Gunners, as they have chance
to go on top of the table for the first time in this season.
Arsenal enjoyed a near-perfect weekend last time out, they won two consecutive crucial away fixture. Meanwhile, league leaders Chelsea lost to Sunderland, these results meant that Arsene Wenger’s boys are just two points behind Chelsea.
The challenge for the North Londoners now is to build on that turn of events by achieving a third straight win; the boost to local pride will be highly desirable secondary bonus.
However, their impressive wins against Wolves and Everton last week should not obscure the fact that Gunners’ recent home form has been below par. They were defeated by two newly promoted side of Barclays Premier League at Emirates.
Arsenal will be desperate to re-establish dominance at Emirates, which is an imperative for any title-winning team. Arsenal’s talismanic French player Nasri, who has been in immense form this season, is optimistic that this year could be of Arsenal and a win
over Spurs would surely boost their title-winning campaign.
Recent history is undoubtedly on their side: Arsenal have taken 29 points from a possible 33 in their last 11 home league games against Tottenham Hotspurs, have lost only one of the last 21 and are unbeaten against their rivals at home
for 18 years. In addition to that, the Gunners have already beaten Spurs in this season by four goals in Carling Cup two months ago.
On the other side, Spurs, would be looking to finally defeat Arsenal at their home. Spurs defeated Arsenal in the second leg of this derby at White Hart Lane, which eventually opened their way for the Champions League place. Having had to endure watching Arsenal
go far in that competition year after year, Tottenham are now participants, enjoying themselves hugely and making many sit up and take notice with a scintillating win over European champions.
Peter Crouch said earlier this week that Spurs are close to their rivals and this is the best time to take some revenge from Arsenal.
That may be true, but a damning statistic that it is now 68 league games since Spurs last won away against one of the top four clubs of Premier League. They’ve had 20 draws and 48 defeats against this quartet since August 1993.
Spurs have already earned two crucial away victories and will feel they have a good opportunity to achieve their first win at Emirates.
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