Five keys for Tottenham Hotspur to beat Arsenal in the EPL
By Aaron Coe
As Tottenham visits the Emirates Saturday afternoon, expect Spurs and Arsenal to play a game part chess and part slugfest; here are keys to a Hotspur’s win.
The north London derby represents an important match in Spurs season. The winner of the game will be in first place – at least temporarily – having played eight games or 21% of the season. Additionally, the winner will receive a significant boost heading into a major stretch of games heading into the World Cup. If Spurs are to be the team that leaves as winners, something we have not done in the League since 2010/11, here are five keys to success.
Key 1: Tottenham needs to resist the press, especially early
Like many of modern football’s best teams, Arsenal effectively turns over the opposition and creates goal-scoring opportunities in the attacking half. Particularly in the middle of the pitch where Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard create havoc on defenders and deep-lying midfielders.
Jesus provides strong initial pressure, and then Ødegaard comes in and cleans up to take possession. Then Arsenal quickly moves the ball outside and back in to create chances in the box.
Arsenal has been particularly effective in creating opportunities early in games, scoring in five of their seven matches within the first 30 minutes and scoring within the first 20 minutes in three of those five games.
The point is that as much as Arsenal likes to play with the ball, it is often the opposition giving the Gunners chances in dangerous positions that leads to goals. Spurs have to resist the press and avoid falling behind early.
Key 2: Spurs have to follow the movement defensively
Part of what makes Arsenal dangerous offensively, both with and without the ball, is the movement off the ball from their attackers. Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are adept at making runs off defenders to find space for a shot on target.
Even when Tottenham has been on the back-foot this season, they have not played against an attacking line as formidable as that of Arsenal, where all three defenders must be alert to the players’ movement.
The communication between the defenders will be essential since it is likely to be Clement Lenglet starting at left back instead of Ben Davies – who is recovering from injury. If the Lilywhite defenders can track their runners and effectively communicate the handoffs, they can avoid Arsenal getting behind the defense and in on Hugo Lloris.
Continued,,,