The north London derby has regained some of its mystique in recent years. With Tottenham’s emergence as title contenders, Arsenal now seem like rivals in more than just geographical terms.
And thus we go into the first Arsenal v Tottenham fixture of the season. An Arsenal side level on points with Manchester City and a Tottenham team unbeaten in the league will surely make for a fine Sunday spectacle for all football fans.
But what of the neutrals? Who should they side with when the teams get things started at the Emirates? Here’s some guidance on the matter.
Pass or press?
Two different teams, two very different approaches. While Arsenal are famed for careful, quick passing exchanges much in the mould of Barcelona, Tottenham have become one of the better pressing teams.
Spurs’ Marco Bielsa-inspired approach is enforced by a combination of youth and energy, embodied by players such as Dele Alli, Kyle Walker and Erik Lamela.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s controlled approach is anchored by masters of the ball such as Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil, and ambitious runners Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey.
Spurs put their approach to work in the 2-0 win against Manchester City, while Arsenal defeated Chelsea with their brand of the beautiful game. Which do you prefer?
Master or apprentice?
And with different styles, you guessed it, come different managers – and in many ways they don’t get much more different than these two.
Arsene Wenger is a 67-year-old veteran of the Premier League, managing the same club for 20 years with three league titles, six FA Cups and a Champions League final under his belt.
Mauricio Pochettino however is a 44-year-old who was playing club football for Espanyol as recently as 2006 (Wenger’s 10th year in the Arsenal job) and represents a new generation of coaches coming into the game.
Which is more to your liking? Master or apprentice?
Classic English striker or modern South American dynamo?
We think Harry Kane looks like a striker from the 1920s, with his quiffed hair, ingenuous face and rosy cheeks. A striker from a throwback era, with an all-round ability to make him a national treasure.
Meanwhile Arsenal’s main man up front is Alexis Sanchez. A short, dynamic South American forward with twinkly toes and an engine that runs for days.
Quite the contrast – which is your favourite?
Solo goal or long-range volley?
This is an important one, and if you haven’t made your mind up yet, maybe this will help. Solo goal, or long-range volley?
The reason we ask, is that we reckon Thierry Henry’s solo effort in 2002, and David Bentley’s 2008 volley from distance are the best goals from this fixture this century.
Henry’s goal had a pitch-length run, some wonderful shimmying and a supreme finish; Bentley’s volley had chest control and a great deal of distance to cover before it beat Manuel Almunia.
And if you still can’t decide, you’ll just have to let the teams help you make your mind up on Sunday.
