How Tottenham Can Win the North London Derby

As with most such contests between local rivals, the North London Derby between Tottenham and Arsenal somehow exists outside of normal football.

Yes, over the years as the two sides have reached something resembling parity, NLDs have become increasingly important in deciding each club’s standing by the season’s end. Four of the last six seasons have seen points difference between Tottenham and Arsenal that were less than the six points they fight over during the course of the Premier League season.

Now, with both clubs poised for a shot at the title, the derby becomes all the more important. Beyond all the history and symbolism and grudges lies one simple fact: the winner on Saturday will be in an advantageous place to finish their respective seasons.

A win for Arsenal wouldn’t likely pull them up in the standings, but it would allow them to tie Tottenham on points. The host’s superior goal difference should hold them off from second place regardless however.

As we’ve reviewed earlier in the day, a win for Tottenham would be much more important. It would put them six points clear of Arsenal and could even see them surpass Leicester City if the Foxes themselves slip up against Watford.

So what needs to happen for Mauricio Pochettino to make that latter scenario a reality?

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First off, he’s gotten two late possible fitness boosts. Dele Alli and Mousa Dembélé could each play a role in the festivities on Saturday, though it seems unlikely that Pochettino would risk both of them.

Second, he might feel somewhat more comfortable about the match given the fact that Arsenal are undergoing their now traditional late season injury crisis. Mainstays such as Laurent Koscielny, Santi Cazorla and Petr Čech are all set to miss the match through injury. That shouldn’t be too much of a comfort though – Mesut Özil, Alexis Sánchez and Aaron Ramsey are all set to start.

Lastly, the tactical battle. Is there really any reason Pochettino shouldn’t just stick to his usual script for Tottenham? Honors might have been even in the 1-1 draw these two sides last played in November, but for considerable swaths of that game Tottenham were at a significant advantage. Arsenal looked wholly unequipped to deal with Pochettino’s high press, and spent much of the second half especially on the backfoot.

Being able to implement such a pressing game relies on heavily the presence of Dembélé or Alli however. Ryan Mason has had an encouraging return to the matchday squad, but he cannot compete with either of those players in terms of proactive defending.

If neither or only one of those two are fit enough for the starting XI, Pochettino might fall back on the versatile nature of his attacking band of three midfielders. Christian Eriksen proved his chops in deeper positions when he occupied close to the center of the field for much of the Swansea game last Sunday. Érik Lamela’s aggressive pressing game was about the only shining part of an otherwise woeful first half against West Ham midweek. Together those two players can reek havoc on a in between Arsenal’s defensive and midfield lines.

Next: Pochettino's Rules Have Become Habits for Tottenham

There is one thing Pochettino could do different though. Restoring Heung-min Son to the left side of the pitch, where he can work the space in between Héctor Bellerín and the sluggish Per Mertesacker. If Son can find a way to hassle the big German, he might finally find a way to be a reliable threat on goal once again.

In truth, all of these tactics can get thrown out the window for any North London Derby, especially one that means so much to both teams. Only one thing can likely be certain: there will be goals.