Tottenham Hotspur have flattered to deceive in their start to the new campaign and are unlikely to be able to win Saturday’s north London derby.
This has been suggested by the Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson who has been speaking to Sportskeeda ahead of the crunch game in north London.
Spurs return to action in Saturday’s early kick-off at the Emirates Stadium with three big points on the line which could see Antonio Conte’s men leapfrog their rivals to the top spot in the table.
The Lilywhites only sit one point behind Mikel Arteta’s men after seven games this season with only Manchester City separating the two sides in the table.
Yet the former Arsenal player has jumped at the opportunity to shoot down Spurs’ unbeaten start to the 2022/23 season with him believing the scoreline flattered Spurs in the 6-2 victory over Leicester City:
“The way they’re playing at the moment, I don’t see Tottenham being able to beat Arsenal. They did defeat Leicester by a 6-2 margin the other day, but the scoreline flattered them in my opinion,” said Merson as he predicted a 2-1 Arsenal win.
“Son Heung-Min hasn’t done well when he’s started games so far this season, and Antonio Conte might use him as an impact player to turn to on the bench.”
TIF Thoughts on Merson’s comments…
There is definitely an argument to be had that Spurs have not performed at their absolute best this season with the game against Leicester highlighting some defensive errors.
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However, it has to be remembered Son Heung-min is now firing, Richarlison is in a rich vein of form after the break and Harry Kane is doing what Kane does best.
Although Tottenham have maybe not played the most attractive football so far, but they are unbeaten and put in a resilient display against Chelsea in which they ground out a draw.
Spurs have a dreadful record at the Emirates, but with Conte at the helm, it is certainly a brash statement to suggest Spurs won’t be able to take the points.