With the international break, it is going to be more than 10 days before we watch our Gunners back in action.
Having drawn 1-1 with Brighton before the break, it is disappointing we have to feel that we have already dropped two crucial points this early in the season. Even so, we’re hoping for a major comeback, even if it is against our North London rivals, Tottenham in the NLD. Having gone unbeaten in the last four meetings with our local rivals, we hope Arteta and the lads will have what it takes to maintain that fine H2H form.
We can take added solace from the fact that Spurs haven’t started this season well, and the Gunners are overwhelming favourites at around evens with most bookies, Despite being at home Tottenham are at around 5/2 in the UK, but some sites like Bet365 Ontario and others you can get as high as 29/10, which is only just below 3/1. That is highly unusual when you consider that fierce local derbies are rarely so clearcut.
Even so, if we are to win the game, there are things Mikel Arteta and his technical bench will have to do differently to have a better chance at snatching all thre points.
I have been thinking about the Brighton draw, and I suggest these 3 Arsenal changes for their clash with Tottenham:
1. Jorginho should start instead of Thomas Partey. Most Gooners have fond memories of how impactful the Italian was last season. He injected calmness and stability into Arteta’s engine room; his line-breaking passes also got the better of our attack. Arteta should stop ignoring the Partey struggles that have been evident in the first three games of the season. I don’t know about you, but I’m no longer comfortable with Partey as a 6, given how much he’s lost his athleticism. Against Spurs, Jorginho could provide the team with the necessary control and progression.
2. Kai Havertz’s return to midfield may be an option, given Arsenal’s limited midfield options for the NLD. With Declan Rice and Mikel Merino missing that game, even though we hate Havertz at midfield, he may inject the physicality the engine room will lack because of the absentees.
3. Trossard starting as a false 9 could be an option with Havertz playing LCM. The Belgian has an eye for goal, and with an opportunity to just focus on scoring, he could flourish given the keys to the attack in the clash with Spurs.
Those are some of the changes I’d wish for for the Arsenal versus Spurs clash at the Tottenham Hotspurs stadium. What do you think?
I would not bring back Jorginho for this one as he is a less combative player than Partey and we are already missing Rice.
I agree with the other two. It will mean we can bring back the Martinelli who has been off form but his pace is the best option to expose the Spursy high line
Even with his poor form, you may be right about Martinelli being the best selection for this particular game. His speed may help at both ends of the pitch against the Spuds’ right side. imo Partey will be key. Maddison among others will be very difficult to nullify. If Partey has a good game, we win, if he doesn’t we likely lose.
We must be patient if we are to leave three points lane with the spoils
A little more perspective on the early season draw to Brighton. We should remember that also in the 3rd game of the season last year, we drew to Fulham at home after winning the first 2 games. We went on to lose and drop 3 points at Fulham on Dec. 31. We play at Brighton on Jan. 4. Let’s not lose those 3 points at Brighton. It’s not panic time but it is still learning time.
All I know is that Calafiori must start. Him singing North London forever before the Brighton game tells me he understands the magnitude of the NLD as well as what it means to wear the Arsenal shirt.
In the midfield I would start Myles, or Salah or both. We say the occasion is too big for them, I think this occasion is exactly when they rise to it. And practically, we need brave bloods in the rank. Cautiousness needs to be balanced with naive brevity,
No chances Myles starts
Just a hope. I am quite certain that we have too much cautious players in our starting XI. A little mix of brevity can provide the moments and surprises that we so want.
Havertz in the mid field seems never produces anything positive. I also agree that Partey will be critical for our physicality. Trossard deserves a starting spot.
Imo Tlmber starts as inverted left back to strength the midfield which imo consist of both Party, gorgenio and Odigard.Timber tactically is brilliant,he can help Party alot when Gogenio advances to do his offensive part of play.
Nervous about Kai in LCM; better at False 9: we will need to score!
Could we take a chance and start Jorginho at LCM? Partey behind and Odegaard at RCM as usual. Jorginho is a mid-fielder after all.
Front line from L to R: Saka, Havertz. Probably start Trossard at LF and then sub in Sterling.
Despite all the speculations it will be Jorginho for Rice and no other change.