Tottenham vs Arsenal: Match Preview | Premier League 2024/25

Aarush
By afcaarush
9 Min Read

Tottenham Hotspur host their fierce rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby as they both look to edge past each other after dropping points before the break.

A North London derby is always intense, and this time, things look a bit different for both sides as they’ve both not gotten their expected points from the opening three games, dropping points before the international break. This makes this derby an even more important game for both sides to get back to winning ways, and the atmosphere at the stadium will only heighten the importance of the game.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs haven’t started the season as they’d hoped; a draw against Leicester City, a dominant win over Everton, and a loss to Newcastle United. Despite fighting their way back against Newcastle, their efforts went in vain after Alexander Isak managed to secure all three points at St James’ Park. The changes Ange has brought in their patterns of play have always been entertaining for a neutral, but could be frustrating with their missed chances when needed the most.

Mikel Arteta’s side travel to play their rivals with the hopes of having a positive outcome and improving their fortunes going into the next set of fixtures. The previous gameweek saw them host Brighton at home; a goal from Havertz in the first half had them cruising towards three points, but they squandered those points after a controversial red card to Declan Rice which changed the whole context of the game and put them on the back foot, allowing Brighton to equalize.

The inclusion of Dominic Solanke and Van de Ven for the fixture could come as a boost, but the absence of captain Martin Odegaard and midfield maestro Declan Rice could be an additional boost for the hosts. Mikel Arteta’s squad depth on paper should ease concerns, as they’ve got the reinforcements to exploit Ange’s tactics, but only the right deployment will make the difference.

Big Ange is yet to beat Mikel Arteta’s Reds – the previous 10 North London Derbies have also gone in Arsenal’s favor, winning 5 out of 10. The odds are stacked against the Gunners, but going into the game on level footing will help give the Gunners a chance for all three points.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – Kick-off

Date: 15th September 2024, Sunday.
Time: 2:00 PM BST
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Match Officials

Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Darren Cann, James Mainwaring.
Fourth Official: Robert Jones.
VAR: Stuart Atwell.
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – Team News

Embed from Getty Images

Micky van de Ven could make a timely return to action having missed the Newcastle defeat and pulling out of the Netherlands squad in the international break. New summer signing Dominic Solanke is expected to be fit too having missed the last two games due to injury.

Yves Bissouma and Richarlison are set to miss out on the NLD.

On the other hand, for the Gunners, Declan Rice will be absent after his chaotic red card decision against Brighton. Captain Odegaard and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori both picked up knocks on international duty and are doubts for the game.

Mikel Merino is out of the squad as he’s recovering from a shoulder injury. Tierney and Tomiyasu were both pictured in training over the week and are yet to be assessed for match fitness. Jesus could make the squad after progressing well through the week.

Pre-Match Tactical Analysis

Embed from Getty Images

Ange’s Tottenham side have likely spent the international break regrouping and figuring out how to take advantage of Arsenal’s injury-stricken side. Last season’s reverse fixture saw Arsenal cruise 3-0 at half time, only to lose their focus after the break, as the hosts quickly managed to score two consolation goals.

Arsenal have shown an intent to improve upon last season. Their approach involves building out from the back, with control and dominance in every phase of the pitch. The man-to-man high press, baiting of the press in build-up, and finding central progression remain key tactics.

Spurs’ boss Ange will be aware of this, along with the absence of Odegaard and Rice, which could force Arsenal to adopt a mid-block to accommodate changes. Tottenham’s usual high line and exploiting spaces between Arsenal’s attack and midfield could be highly rewarding.

The biggest question in Arsenal’s lineup would be their tactical adjustments. Will they start 17-year-old academy starlet in place of Odegaard, play a double pivot of Jorginho and Partey, or deploy Havertz as an SS/AMF? Arteta looks ready to make necessary changes as he mentioned in his pre-match conference.

Creativity from the central zones by sitting deep with 2 deep-lying playmakers + moments of individual brilliance might have to be relied upon a bit more for the Gunners this game. Creating spaces to bait press with the mid block functioning and also leading the press intelligently could be a difference maker. Raya’s long balls over the top in Havertz zones, who could win the ball and quickly recycle through passes to Saka could be a routine. Timber’s defensive inversions could allow LCM to lay off final third passes while Jesus traffics spaces and interchanges.

Chance creation wasn’t an issue for Tottenham in their last game against Newcastle, but rather the lack of being clinical with their chances in front of goal. Against one of the best defences of last season, they’d need to take each chance to cause troubles for the Gunners. With the absence of Bissouma, they’d need to block the extra gaps that were visually present vs Newcastle which they managed to exploit on the counter.

This game could come down to key head-to-head battles, with both sides equally capable of causing trouble. Winning this match could give Arsenal massive momentum as they face tough away games against Atalanta and Manchester City. Both teams will need to be clinical and take advantage of every chance. Whichever side succeeds will claim the bragging rights in this famous North London Derby.

Spurs vs Arsenal – Key Players

Heung Min Son

Son’s influence on Tottenham’s play on the pitch and dressing room doesn’t need an introduction of any sorts. The consistent strike force in attack knows his way to navigate through the tightest of defences and his familiarity of always showing up against the Gunners is another boost for Spurs. Being the focal point of attack to create and execute the chances, his seasoned experience and leadership qualities being another. Son’s deadly right foot and exceptional dribbling qualities can prove to be a big game changing aspect Arsenal would have to dwell with.

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal’s consistent starboy has made a strong start to the season, with Spurs coming his way next, he has a wonderful record against them and could continue to doing so. Having had 4 G/A to his name in the opening 3 fixtures, it’s rather his intelligence and maturity seeing him lead the charts. This game is the time in which he could have the keys in the central spaces in order to demonstrate his creativity and vision and continue his wonderful spell.

Tottenham vs Arsenal – Predicted Lineups

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho; Havertz, Sterling, Jesus, Saka.

Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Vicario, Porro, Van de Wen, Romero, Udogie, Sarr, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son, Solanke.

Share This Article
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *