Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
It is hard to think that, had this match been played a fortnight ago, it would have been a clash between the sides at the top and bottom of the league.
That was a moment where rival fans in North London of a Lilywhite persuasion could really embark on some serious banter with supporters of their arch rivals.
That was because there was the rare instance where one half of north London (Spurs) was at the Premier League summit, while the other (Arsenal) was bottom of the table.
Then Crystal Palace came along and soared, while Arsenal eked out a win against newly promoted strugglers Norwich.
Another week passed and Spurs conceded a further three goals without reply at home to Chelsea, just as the Gunners were again edging out an opponent, Burnley, by a solitary goal.
What all that means is that another Arsenal success this weekend will move them level on points with their city comrades – a full nine-point swing in just a fortnight.
With that incentive,and Spurs looking to bounce back from two heavy defeats, pride will be at stake as well as points in a fixture which so often delivers Premier League highlights.
Talking Points
Spurs have in their ranks the leading scorer ever in this fixture.
In England captain Harry Kane they possess the man who last season snatched the outright crown from former attacker Emmanuel Adebayor, who previously notched up 10 goals during spells with both clubs, as did Bobby Smith.
Kane certainly enjoys playing Arsenal like no other opponent, although it’s fair to say he is yet to hit top form this term – perhaps that is down to his Euro 2020 exertions and/or a combination of frustration that a hoped-for summer move to champions Manchester City never materialised.
Spurs started their clash with Chelsea last weekend fairly brightly and were arguably the better side in the first half. The hard fact though was that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side managed just two shots on target throughout and struggled to find a response after going behind.
Kane was kept quiet and restricted to just two chances and often looked lost at the top of the pitch. Indeed, it is the first time since 2015-16 that he has failed to score in his first four Premier League appearances of a season.
Even in their first three league matches this term, Spurs eked out 1-0 victories so have hardly been as prolific so far as in more recent seasons.
Arsenal had a disastrous start with defeat at newly promoted Brentford and at home to Chelsea before a disaster as they went down in a 5-0 rout and ended with 10 men at City.
As mentioned, things have improved slightly since then for Mikel Arteta’s men, although the quality of a wonderful Martin Odeegard freekick at Turf Moor last Saturday belied an Arsenal performance that failed to click for long spells.
So two arch rivals who have yet to click – this could be the scene for a change of fortune or a match littered with mistakes on Sunday.
History
Their clashes have produced so many Premier League highlights you could write a book.
I remember a fair few of them in recent years, including this fixture three seasons ago which was a classic.
It was Unai Emery’s first North London derby as Arsenal boss and he saw his side take an early lead through Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang before two quick goals from Eric Dier and Kane gave Spurs an interval lead.
Aubameyang soon levelled and then two goals in three minutes sealed a home win through Alexandre Lacazette and Lucas Torreira.
A draw and last March’s 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium extended Spurs’ record at Arsenal in the Premier League to one win in 28 visits (lost 16).
Spurs did win the match on their own turf last season, however, with Son Heung-Min and Kane on target in a 2-0 success which took Spurs top of the league at the time.
Overall, Arsenal have won 83 games to Spurs’ 66 with a further 54 being draws.
Betting Tip
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Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur | Over 2.75 @ 2.42 |
| September 26, 23:30 (GMT+8) |
Arsenal have a slight edge with the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.
The Gunners can be tipped 1X2 @ 2.38 with Spurs slightly further out @ 2.93.
Asian Handicap odds are also leaned towards the hosts -0.50 @ 2.38 compared to Spurs 0.00 @ 2.35 and +0.25 @ 1.93.
A repeat of last season’s 2-1 Arsenal triumph with Correct Score odds are on offer @ 8.00.
It’s a rarity that you get a goalless draw in a North London derby and that is reflected on total goal 0-1 @ 3.10, 2-3 @ 1.90 and 4-6 @ 3.80.
I’ve considered the 1X2 draw @ 3.25 but my *** prediction is over 2.75 goals @ 2.42.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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