Arsenal: Why the Gunners will beat Spurs

The north London derby is arguably the biggest game in the Premier League this weekend. Third placed Arsenal take on fourth placed Tottenham in a match that is sure to produce fireworks, but in my eyes there is only going to be one winner and that’s Arsenal.

The Gunners were tipped by almost every pundit in the land to drop out of the top four this season but Arsene Wenger’s young guns have been in sparkling form so far and their trophy drought could well end this year.

Arsenal have come out of the blocks in every game striving to win. They’ve been pressing high up the pitch, the players are full of energy and everyone (even Eboue) is liable to stick the ball in the back of the net. And it’s that attacking ethos, which runs through their whole team, which leads me to believe that it will be the red half of north London that will be celebrating on Saturday.

For example, Thomas Vermaelen is more than just a defender, he is a natural finisher to boot. He cost Wenger just £10 million in the summer and already he looks like being the steal of the season. The Belgian international has forged a great partnership with Gallas, is strong in combat and lethal in front of goal. When you think that Manchester City boss Mark Hughes splashed out more than double that amount to sign Joleon Lescott from Everton, it makes the former Ajax man look like an absolute bargain.

But let’s not forget about Gallas. The former Chelsea man has looked like a new signing this season. The pressure of being club captain has gone and so has his moody, sulky exterior to be replaced by a rejuvenated, confident Frenchman who looks to be on top of his game.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Defensively Arsenal still have issues to address, but I think they should be able to cope with the threat of Crouch and Keane quite comfortably.

Arsenal have longed been hailed for their slick brand of total football and this has only got better with the addition of Andrei Arshavin. The Russian magician is as strong as an ox but glides around the pitch like a gazelle. He has the potential to be Wenger’s greatest ever signing and is already a firm favourite with the fans. He can turn a game in an instance with a moment of brilliance and it’s just a shame that Wenger didn’t sign him sooner. And let’s not forget about the leadership qualities of Fabregas, the return of Rosicky and Nasri from injury and the goal threat of Robin Van Persie.

Tottenham have come on leaps and bounds under Harry Redknapp and only a mug would say otherwise. They have tightened up at the back, been a lot more threatening in the attacking third and Harry, as he always does, is managing to get the best out of his players. However, they will be without three of their main key players on Saturday as Defoe is suspended and Lennon and Modric are both injured. They are three huge players for Tottenham and although they have international class players to replace them Spurs will not be as dangerous without them.

Redknapp has managed to hold Arsenal the last two times he has faced them as Spurs boss but Arsenal, and Wenger in particular, seem to hold a sign over their north London rivals. Spurs haven’t beaten Arsenal in a league game for a decade and they haven’t triumphed on the Gunners home patch since 1993. I wonder how many Spurs fans can remember who scored past the Gunners on that May day 16 years ago?

Both clubs will be gunning for victory and the atmosphere inside the Emirates is sure to be electric, but it’s more than just local pride and bragging rights at stake here – there are three crucial league points up for grabs too. Arsenal will be raging after letting two points slip through their grasp against West Ham last weekend while Spurs will also be looking to get back to winning ways after going down at home to Stoke City. This will be an ideal chance for Arsenal and Spurs to keep the pressure on Chelsea and Manchester United at the top of the Premier League, but for me Arsenal should be victorious as they have the skill to unlock the meanest of defences.

The Gunners have more quality players than Spurs, they have the psychological edge in games like these, more experience of the big occasions and are not just relying on one or two players for goals. They also look hungry for silverware.

Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off should be an absolute cracker and it will be a game to enjoy for the full 90 minutes. Spurs will create their fair share of chances but for me Arsenal will just edge it.

 

<a href="http://articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2009/10/why-spurs-will-beat-arsenal-this-weekend.html">Why Spurs will beat Arsenal this weekend</a>

· Calling all Arsenal fans. How confident are you of beating Spurs on Saturday? Who do you think will play will be the main man for Arsenal? What do you think the score will be on Saturday? What other reasons are there for thinking Arsenal will beat Spurs? I’d love to hear from you.

· Calling all Spurs fans. How confident are you of beating Arsenal and making me look like a complete tool? What do you think the score will be? How do you think Spurs will cope without Defoe and Lennon? I’d love to hear from you.