North London derby match is on Sunday in 15 o'clock Central European Time. Team with roots in part of South London called Woolwich will come to N17 to play Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs lost two previous derbies on their ground, first thanks to Hugo Lloris punching ball inside own net, second thanks to anti Tottenham daemon Oliver who made obvious and deliberate errors to push Arsenal to win. So first thing is to check who is referee tomorrow ? It's Australian referee Jarred Gavan Gillett. I didn't notice him making too big mistakes so far and let's hope he'll have good job on Sunday and let us watch clean football and enjoy this match!
Other question are injuries. Tottenham coach told yesterday that Van de Ven is ready to play, that Solanke is almost there, while Bissouma is under question mark. Richarlison is still injured! Van de Ven return is big boost, just like return of real striker Solanke if that happen. FA decided to announce investigation against Bentancur because he made interview for Uruguayan media saying something like all Koreans look the same to him. He tried to make joke, but this is considered as racism in England and breach of rules of FA and he is facing ban between 6 and 12 games, but final decision will be made on after this game so he's available.
Arsenal had issues with Rice suspension, Merino and Odegard's injury. While they might be able to replace Rice with Jorginho I don't know who will be on Odegard's place. I expect Sterling, Martinelli or Havertz while Jesus could start in attack. There are couple more injured guys in away side like Tierney and Tomiyasu. Calafiori should be fine for this game.
What worries me more than good opponent is what Ange told yesterday which is that he doesn't plan to change anything in his exposed tactics no matter if it's Arsenal or Coventry in front of him. I must say I don't understand that approach. Real coach should make his team play in style which suit his players the best, in which their quality come to the force, while at same time try to nullify qualities of opponents. Stubborn play tactics which your players can't play well does not make you big coach, but push you closer to being sacked. You can play all out attack with two at the back on center if you have the best players who are faster and more skillful than opponents, but when other side is on your level or even better that leads to disaster. Playing all out attack style of football against better opponent lead to situations when you risk to concede 5 goals. Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Havertz, Jesus they all have pace and skill. They were not in the title race until the end of last season for no reason!
Let's see what will happen and will Ange Postecoglou be upset on same level like against Manchester City if loss happen? I wonder will he point on rotten culture if Spurs lose tomorrow or will he be calm ? Arsenal fans are over confident and under estimating Spurs and I'd love to see them crying after the game. Spurs fans need to make atmosphere like in hell for away side with booing and whistling every time they have ball and cheer every time they make wrong move and uproar on every 50/50 situation with possible foul on Tottenham players.
One thing is sure, we are going to see goals tomorrow, so don't miss this game! Until then COYS!
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