The North London Derby
The fierce North London derby took centre stage on Sunday, with a fully fit Spurs hosting a depleted Arsenal missing key players Rice and Odegaard. Early on, the game was more transitional, with both sides looking to move quickly up the pitch. It didn't take long for Spurs to dominate possession, exploiting Arsenal’s weakened midfield, but they struggled to break down their rivals' impressive defence.
Spurs' best chance came from Solanke, who held off Gabriel to guide a header inches wide, leaving Raya relieved. Arsenal, missing their captain and playmaker, found chances hard to come by too. An off-form Martinelli wasted a good opportunity, opting for a poor shot instead of squaring the ball to Saka.
The game’s defining moment came from the highest-scoring central defender in the world over the past four years, whose movement and a slight push on Romero allowed him powerfully head the ball straight over Vicario's head.
Set pieces remain a weakness for Spurs, with defenders overworked due to Vicario’s reluctance to claim crosses. Another pattern in Ange’s team is their struggle to break down sides that sit deep, especially top-half teams.
Arsenal’s defensive performance was solid yet again, continuing their unbeaten away record in 2024. However, with City next at the Etihad, that streak is at risk. Without Odegaard’s connection on the right with Saka, White, and Rice, Arsenal may struggle to push forward. Winless at the Etihad for nine years, they’ll need everyone at their best to break that run.
