Micahel Owen has predicted an “open, entertaining” north London derby on Sunday and thinks the game will end in a score draw.
Writing in his column for the BetVictor blog, Owen pointed to Arsenal’s defensive frailties he says “still haven’t been addressed”.
“Spurs had almost 80% of the possession against Newcastle on Sunday but created very little,” Owen wrote, “although they look sure to have their chances against an Arsenal side who were no match for Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend when they were readily brushed aside.”
“The Gunners are now without a win in their last 23 away games against the ‘big six’ sides and their defensive frailties have still not been addressed.
“Unai Emery’s side are a different proposition at the Emirates, however, and I believe we will see an open, entertaining north London derby with nothing between the teams.”
Tottenham on top in recent years but…
The days of Arsenal’s domination in north London are a thing of the past.
Tottenham have finished above their rivals for the past three seasons with gaps of 11 points, 14 points and just one point last season.
However, derbies are always a leveler and Tottenham have only won one game in the league at the Emirates in 13 visits. That was back in 2010 when they won 3-2 with Gareth Bale kick-starting a comeback when his side were 2-0 down.
Last season, Arsenal won at home and took a point back from Wembley in the league, although Spurs beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in the league cup.
Arsenal fans will think there’s no better time to play Tottenham, after their rivals lost 1-0 to Newcastle at the weekend and with questions still being asked about the future of Christian Eriksen.
The big question is whether Mauricio Pochettino will play Eriksen from the start or use him off the bench as he did against Aston Villa and Newcastle. We’re sure Arsenal fans will be hoping he’s not in the starting XI.