Arsenal: Could any Spurs player get a game for Arsenal?

Spurs striker Robbie Keane has thrown down the gauntlet to Arsenal ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash by stating that he believes his team-mates are as good, if not better, than their north London rivals. His sensational revelation, just days before the big game, could be a masterstroke in boosting his side’s confidence or turn out to be the easiest team talk that Arsene Wenger has ever made.

Tottenham have made their best start to a Premier League season but they still go into the game below their bitter rivals, albeit on goal difference although Arsenal do still have a game in hand. There’s no denying that Harry Redknapp has transformed Spurs in the short while that he has been at the club and it’s possible that they may finally realise their top four potential this year. However, Robbie Keane’s outburst has raised a huge talking point; Who, if anyone, in the Tottenham team do you think would get a game for Arsenal?

There are a number of players who could potentially fit into an Arsenal side. The most obvious option is Jermain Defoe. The former West Ham United and Portsmouth striker is an out and out goalscorer and is deadly from 25 yards. Another serious contender is Luka Modric. Arsene Wenger claimed that the Croatian international was too weak to cope with the physical demands of English football but Modric has excelled under Redknapp’s guidance and is now regarded as one of the league’s top midfielders. Aaron Lennon? He could give Usain Bolt a run for his money but is just not consistent enough and is he really any better than Theo Walcott?

Defensively Ledley King is an awesome player. It’s just a shame that he can’t play as regularly for Spurs as they would like. He is one of the best readers of the game and he could well play a major role in the World Cup for England next year. Jonathan Woodgate, who was a transfer target of Wenger’s at one point, is another injury prone defender who oozes class. But would you even consider putting them ahead of Vermaelen and Gallas, who have been as crucial to the Gunners offensively as they have been defensively?

Robbie Keane, although a hugely talented striker, probably wouldn’t even make it on the bench of a combined Arsenal and Spurs team considering his form since his return from Anfield while Peter Crouch is not what you would describe as an Arsenal player.

Goalkeeper-wise Gomes has proved himself to be a class keeper in recent months following a treacherous start to his White Hart Lane career and could give Almunia and Mannone a battle for the gloves, but Carlo Cudicini has failed to make the number one spot at Spurs his own and doesn’t appear to be the same keeper who shined for Chelsea six or so years ago.

So the question really is: Who, if anyone, in the Tottenham squad do you think could get a game for Arsenal? I’d love to hear from you.

·         Calling all Arsenal fans. Putting your rivalry with Spurs aside, on a purely football basis, are there any Spurs players who you think could improve or do a job for you at Arsenal? If so who and why. If not, why not? I’d love to hear from you.

 

·         Calling all Spurs fans. Are there any Arsenal players who you would love to see in a Spurs shirt? I’d love to hear from you.