North London Derby preview – can Arteta and Postecoglou overcome the odds?

Al Cameron September 13, 2024

Travel back in time to the banks of the River Lea on 19 November 1887, and you’d witness a football match between the amateur sides Royal Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, which ended 2-1 in favour of Spurs. The former team would later evolve into Arsenal as we know it today. However, the bitter rivalry between the two teams didn’t ignite until 1913, when the then-named Woolwich Arsenal moved north of the River Thames from Plumstead to Highbury, just four miles from White Hart Lane, the home of Tottenham Hotspur. This was the start of the North London Derby, now in its 111th year. From footballing greats like Thierry Henry and Paul Gascoigne to cult heroes like Jürgen Klinsmann and Nwankwo Kanu, many memorable players and managers have graced this fixture over the years. The current crop of stars is now looking to add their names to the history books.

What are the odds for Tottenham vs Arsenal?

This Sunday, Ange Postecoglou and Mikel Arteta will face off in the first meeting of the season. Arteta has already had to navigate numerous challenges in the opening matches. New signing Mikel Merino is out with a broken shoulder, and both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are long-term absentees.

The international break brought more bad news for Arteta, with captain Martin Ødegaard and summer signing Riccardo Calafiori both ruled out due to injury. Adding to his troubles, Declan Rice received a red card in the recent 1-1 draw with Brighton, leaving Arteta missing five key players who would typically contend for starting roles. There is some positive news for Arsenal, as striker Gabriel Jesus may return, and Deadline Day signing Raheem Sterling is set to make his Gunners debut.

Key players set to shne

Tottenham have also been hit by injuries, with Richarlison, Micky Van de Ven, and record signing Dominic Solanke sidelined since before the international break. However, Solanke may be fit enough to feature in his first North London Derby. There are also concerns over the fitness of Yves Bissouma, who was injured during Mali’s AFCON qualifier against Eswatini. Neither team has had a perfect run of form leading up to this fixture. Spurs have drawn one, won one, and lost one, with a 1-1 draw against Leicester City, a 4-0 victory over Everton, and a recent 2-1 defeat to Newcastle. Arsenal, meanwhile, have fared slightly better, with two wins and a draw: a pair of 2-0 victories against Wolves and Aston Villa, and a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton.

In recent meetings between the two sides, Spurs have lost five of the last seven Premier League encounters, with Arsenal winning their last two away games. The Gunners haven’t won three consecutive away North London Derbies since the 1980s. Notably, 26 penalties have been awarded in this fixture during the Premier League era.

Spurs continue to admire Arsenal’s progress under Arteta, with the Gunners aiming for their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 Invincibles season. Meanwhile, Tottenham are hoping to secure a Champions League spot after settling for the Europa League this year.