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.
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The Tottenham defense will be under pressure with and without the ball on Saturday, hence our first two keys to victory. If Spurs can effectively withstand the early Arsenal onslaught and stick with their runners, they can hold the Gunners to one or fewer goals, giving us an excellent chance to take at least a point. However, if Tottenham wants all three points, they must be as effective in attack.
Key 3: Spurs need to get behind the Arsenal defense
We all know Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to be more like Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City, and part of that is playing with the football and a very high defensive line. As a result of this approach, as City and Guardiola are well aware, is the possibility to counterattack the Gunners quickly.
If we need evidence of this approach and are looking for a blue-print to beat Arsenal, Manchester United’s 3-1 win at Old Trafford is a good place to start. In that game, the key to United’s success was their ability quickly counter and get behind Arsenal’s high line.
United quickly moved the ball on all three goals to take advantage of an out-of-position defense.
If the Gunners are allowed to get into their defensive positions, they are a difficult team to break down, much like Spurs; however, their approach leaves them susceptible to an attacking approach Tottenham knows well. Spurs must take advantage of the counterattack on Saturday to win.
Key 4: Tottenham must make and take some chances
Although the counterattack will pop up several times in the game, like Arsenal, Spurs are adept at pressuring the defense and creating an opportune turnover; Tottenham must take advantage of these opportunities.
The facts are Arsenal is in the first place, and Arsenal is the home team who should win, so the pressure is on the Gunners to perform. Their defenders are players who will make errors under the right circumstances.
Whether it is Ben White, William Saliba, or Aaron Ramsdale, there are mistakes in the Arsenal defenders, and Spurs need to make them happen. The occasional long shot or odd cross into dangerous areas can be all it takes on a pressure-filled Saturday to create the crucial mistake to put Harry Kane in on goal.
The rebounds, the second chances, and the second balls that all come from taking chances are the kind of opportunities that win big games. The north London derby – and this one in particular – is a big game. Sometimes you have to make your luck, and Tottenham needs to do that by going for it.
Key 5: Spurs need to play their game and keep their composure
Although the pressure to win will be on Arsenal, the pressure from the opponents and most of the 60,000 fans will be mainly on Tottenham.
We know the Emirates is a challenging environment, and Tottenham has not had much recent success. However, this Spurs team is different and is built to win matches like this. If the Lilywhites have the special kind of season we all hope they will, they will withstand the pressure and come through with the rare away north London win.
Tottenham needs to be prepared to ride out the hard fouls without complaining or retaliating because that is what the Gunner wants. Likewise, Spurs must avoid politicking the referee and stay focused on the game.
Winning big games comes as much with mental fortitude and success as physical success. The Gunners thrive on being bullies and getting in their opponent’s heads. Tottenham needs to ignore the noise and play their game, and they can outscore Arsenal and win a classic.
We can all expect a close, hard-fought game; however, if Tottenham is to win, Spurs need to play their game on both ends of the pitch.