Spurs started well, were dominant in the first 20 minutes but then afterwards we were the better team and I think deserved to win. Spurs completely stopped playing after 65 minutes and when in possession, essentially played keep-ball. I think by that stage they were happy with a point. Walcott was unlucky with that screamer but he and Iwobi's pressing was poor in the first half. We allowed Spurs too much time on the ball and to pick easy passes. Much better in the 2nd half, the penalty was soft and a 50% chance of being given in any game but I would be shouting if it were the other way round so can't really complain. Not sure why Koscielny put a leg out, Dembele was walking into trouble. You could tell from the respective managers reactions that this was 2 points dropped for Arsenal and a point gained for Spurs.
Wimmer is clearly an Arsenal fan. Sign him up. We could do with an extra ball boy. Or one of those guys waving an Arsenal flag behind the goal. Or one of those kids that get to stand with the players in the line-up before kick-off. Just imagine his excitement when he meets Koscielny.
@Excalibur- Lol, 5 key passes. Don't get cocky just because Hazard looks slightly interested so far, he'll disappear soon enough when he wants to get Conte sacked.
Indeed 3 man defense for Spurs, probably more due to Alli's injury than long planned tactical change as Tottenham's defense looks more shaky than ever. Wimmer were close being sent off, had he timed that tackle little earlier it could have broken Coquelin's leg and automatic red card. But right decision by Clattenburg to give him yellow, even more so because this looks to be another entertaining match between these two. And the most importantly: Has Wenger finally learned to use the zip? :D
@gunner162 I even suspect that Tottenham gonna score first! But then the game will turn on its head and Arsenal will take the game into his own hands! The entire second half will be held under the dictation of the Arsenal and the gunners will score at least two goals!
Arsenal should have the team who played Chelsea fit for this match! Santi, Walcott should be able to play with Monreal also coming in. I think it will be 2/3:0 to Arsenal! Spurs have not much to offer Im afraid and are missing key players in Kane, Dembele and Aldewireld.
Cazorla, Walcott, Bellerin and Monreal are reportedly fit for this game. I would revert back to the formation we've had in Giroud's absence since I believe it makes it more difficult for defences, in particular in respect to marking- Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Oezil, Iwobi, Alexis. Spurs' defensive record is very good but it's at the cost of goals, if we score twice then we'll likely win. Best Spurs can hope for is a 0-0 or 1-1. They will probably try to play like they did against City which could play into our hands since we have better midfielders. I'll be positive since we seem to be mentally tougher this season and say 2-0.
@What4- Ha, well I've liked his movement in recent weeks for sure, it's surprising after his poor start in that role. Maybe he just needed a run of games in that position- although I think Walcott's excellent start to the season has also helped, they play off each other very well. I also think given the time invested in him, 12 total games this season, we need to see him against Spurs, Utd and PSG otherwise what was the point? The potential benefits if he is successful in the 9 against big teams are huge and we already know what Giroud can and can't do in that role.
@SteveHyland Alexis offers different option up front and is difficult to mark as he likes to move around and make well timed runs. But most importantly he does have instinct what is required of top striker. But I can't help but compare him to Son in that role. Against City he played brilliantly since he closed down on City defense, but he is arguably much more efficient in a wide role. Both Son and Sanchez spend too much time out side the box which is very harmful against smaller teams at least where present of number 9 is needed. Against Spurs however, it would be probably wiser to start Alexis up front only bring Giroud as plan B if Tottenham succeed in their game plan.
@Castle- Yeah you do need both types in your squad and I'm a big fan of the typical #9, Lewandowski being my ideal in that role. Nothing he can't do in the middle. Teams who sit back and therefore provide little space can often call out for an old-fashioned striker who can hold the ball up and bring those around him into play. It never hurts to have multiple options though and we at least need to see Alexis against the 3 teams I mentioned above to know if that's a genuine option against the top teams who like to attack. I think where Alexis could be a genuine 9 and Son can't is anticipation. Alexis seems to think like a striker, Son looks every inch an attacking midfielder playing in the 9 and actually hasn't scored in the league when he has started there. Starting LW and cutting inside is where Son can do the most, or any, damage imo but I do like him.
@Overmars- I've read/heard 5 or 6 reports which state everything between none of the 4 being fit to all 4 being fit so I just don't know. Santi not training today looks bad so we'll probably have Coquelin and Xhaka starting. Bellerin seems the most likely to be fit and Gibbs has done well in Nacho's absence so I'm not too worried defensively. If Walcott isn't fit enough to start then I'd prefer Chamberlain to Ramsey.
@Overmars Cazorla is a major doubt as he didn't train today, Xhaka can take cazorla's role of deep lying midfileder with quick accurate forward passes and partner coquelin who will high up the pitch. Only concern is Xhaka's discipline, important that he gets his tackles spot on.
@gunner162- Yep, reading between the lines it seems Wenger is aiming to make Xhaka Cazorla's long-term replacement rather than a pure DM, which is good news. He doesn't have the right attributes to be a sitter imo but his passing is better than the typical DM. I agree about needing to refine his judgment, especially in these type of games where the atmosphere will be fiery and the adrenaline rushing.
@SteveHyland I've always have doubts Xhaka could develop into pure old fashioned DM too as we've discussed before. I think Xhaka-Cazorla partnership can still work in some matches but I wouldn't be too eager to make it our first choice option for bigger games. There's definitely potential for Granit to improve in the sitting role but it remains to be seen how much he can learn. As for the future Cazorlas' role, Xhaka isn't exactly the same type to carry the ball forward and make amazing passes forward from tight gaps. Wilshere could be but that's story of its own. What is sure Xhaka needs right type of players next to him. There's also a possibility to switch to 3 man midfield where he could operate in deeper role. But that's still long way to go as I hope to see Cazorla rocking this league for a quite some time ;)
@Castle- I definitely don't think he'll be the same player as Santi and I agree Granit's tight-situation passing, ball retention and control of the game isn't anywhere near his level but Xhaka can still act as the link between defence and attack as well as offer a bit defensively, provide a genuine long-shot option at the edge of the area (or halfway line, ha) while picking passes, albeit more obvious ones to spot. As you say, Santi has years left so I'm not talking long-term as in 2 or 3 seasons, I mean when Xhaka is in his peak circa 4 seasons time. DLPs can play into their mid-30s and Santi has no physical attributes that can diminish which will affect his performance (power, pace etc). It's all ball control and brain.
@cani08 Long passes maybe, but Cazorla can make opening passes while while running forward or any other situation and in that regard he's way ahead of Xhaka who's passing range is more limited.
If we start strong like we did against Liverpool, Chelsea and Basel and press them higher like Bayer did to force errors we'll have a chance to blow them away.
@SteveHyland I was reviewing past games and noticed this uncharacteristically uninformed comment from you. OK, I suppose you were being glib... Haha... but it's an opportunity to remind you that, before this season, Tottenham had played at the new Wembley five times since it reopened in 2007 - only three times fewer than Arsenal. Moreover, Tottenham actually won a trophy at the new stadium (Feb 2008) six years before Arsenal did (May 2014).
As an Arsenal fan definitely want the Gunners to win but will almost certainly be a v tight game. Two decent teams in good form... hope arsenal win but think it'll be a 1-1
Blatant penalty on Xhaka in the first half from a corner. Vertonghen had so much of Xhaka's shirt you could see his chest hair. Spurs are such cheats.
Many more prediction coming soon.
Spurs started well, were dominant in the first 20 minutes but then afterwards we were the better team and I think deserved to win. Spurs completely stopped playing after 65 minutes and when in possession, essentially played keep-ball. I think by that stage they were happy with a point. Walcott was unlucky with that screamer but he and Iwobi's pressing was poor in the first half. We allowed Spurs too much time on the ball and to pick easy passes. Much better in the 2nd half, the penalty was soft and a 50% chance of being given in any game but I would be shouting if it were the other way round so can't really complain. Not sure why Koscielny put a leg out, Dembele was walking into trouble. You could tell from the respective managers reactions that this was 2 points dropped for Arsenal and a point gained for Spurs.
Wimmer is clearly an Arsenal fan. Sign him up. We could do with an extra ball boy. Or one of those guys waving an Arsenal flag behind the goal. Or one of those kids that get to stand with the players in the line-up before kick-off. Just imagine his excitement when he meets Koscielny.
Did Ozil play today? Was he on the pitch? lol, another choke job from the mythical Ozil.
@Excalibur- Lol, 5 key passes. Don't get cocky just because Hazard looks slightly interested so far, he'll disappear soon enough when he wants to get Conte sacked.
@excalibur 5 Key passes, more than anyone else in the game. Are Chelsea going to implode again this season for our amusement?
good match for the neutral.
@ZcodeSportSystem.com Pretty boring 1st half tbh
@excalibur boring? it's really good match, dynamic, fast, sharp.
@fervour21 but without end product
Indeed 3 man defense for Spurs, probably more due to Alli's injury than long planned tactical change as Tottenham's defense looks more shaky than ever. Wimmer were close being sent off, had he timed that tackle little earlier it could have broken Coquelin's leg and automatic red card. But right decision by Clattenburg to give him yellow, even more so because this looks to be another entertaining match between these two. And the most importantly: Has Wenger finally learned to use the zip? :D
Dele Alli faking injury surely.... to miss England games and so that his pussy manager can play extra defensive team. COYG
Get ready to have your teeth kicked in, Spuds.
Wow, so Kane actually starts. Interesting to see how he gets through the game...
1-2 Tottenham. Arsenal to score first.
Last few days, I have been looking some betting phone number which inspired us to grasp us. This is absolutely disgusting.
3:0
1-1
This Match Gonna be Draw. 1-1
@SoccerCeo Thanks All.
Easy win for Arsenal something like 3-1!
@Ars I doubt it will be easy though. COYG!!
@gunner162 I even suspect that Tottenham gonna score first! But then the game will turn on its head and Arsenal will take the game into his own hands! The entire second half will be held under the dictation of the Arsenal and the gunners will score at least two goals!
Christian Erikson will kill Arsenal. Arsenal 1-3 Tottenham Ozil. Erikson - 2, Jansen -1. Ozil to score first with 1-1 at half time.
@vikasjoshi9617 And then the drugs wore off...
Arsenal will lose by a goal margin
It's a shame that both teams will probably be missing key players.
North london "Bottlers" derby.
@WazzaFC This is hilarious coming from a Man U fan. Enjoy getting knocked-out early from the Europa League.
@What4 Hilarious is deluded arsenal fans think they can win the league in November..lmao Come may like every year you will bottle the league.
@WazzaFC Bottle the league - oh the irony! Third in a two horse race anyone?
5-1 or 5-2 for Arsenal . i'm a WHU fan btw
we all like 5-2
3-0
I love you whoscored. Yea, Arsenal is going to win this.
Arsenal win for sure. Totenham d ont play weel in this period but Arsenal yes
Well, well, well. Ben finally came round to his senses. Never too late to be on the right side of history, old boy ;-)
Arsenal should have the team who played Chelsea fit for this match! Santi, Walcott should be able to play with Monreal also coming in. I think it will be 2/3:0 to Arsenal! Spurs have not much to offer Im afraid and are missing key players in Kane, Dembele and Aldewireld.
1-0 Arsenal. We'll miss Cazorla a bit.
@Overmars Don't worry Xhakalaka is baaaack
@cani08 His discipine is a issue though, tottenham players will kick him to provoke, hope he just carries on with the game and his forward passes.
2-1 Arsenal
Cazorla, Walcott, Bellerin and Monreal are reportedly fit for this game. I would revert back to the formation we've had in Giroud's absence since I believe it makes it more difficult for defences, in particular in respect to marking- Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Oezil, Iwobi, Alexis. Spurs' defensive record is very good but it's at the cost of goals, if we score twice then we'll likely win. Best Spurs can hope for is a 0-0 or 1-1. They will probably try to play like they did against City which could play into our hands since we have better midfielders. I'll be positive since we seem to be mentally tougher this season and say 2-0.
@SteveHyland Dele Alli and Son pose the danger. Arsenal should not give them any room.
@gunner162 sounds like "Dele Ali and his son". lol.
@SteveHyland It looks like you're starting to like Sanchez as the striker.
@What4 yea bro, he remind me a chilien version of aguero :D but it's good tho
@What4- Ha, well I've liked his movement in recent weeks for sure, it's surprising after his poor start in that role. Maybe he just needed a run of games in that position- although I think Walcott's excellent start to the season has also helped, they play off each other very well. I also think given the time invested in him, 12 total games this season, we need to see him against Spurs, Utd and PSG otherwise what was the point? The potential benefits if he is successful in the 9 against big teams are huge and we already know what Giroud can and can't do in that role.
@SteveHyland Alexis offers different option up front and is difficult to mark as he likes to move around and make well timed runs. But most importantly he does have instinct what is required of top striker. But I can't help but compare him to Son in that role. Against City he played brilliantly since he closed down on City defense, but he is arguably much more efficient in a wide role. Both Son and Sanchez spend too much time out side the box which is very harmful against smaller teams at least where present of number 9 is needed. Against Spurs however, it would be probably wiser to start Alexis up front only bring Giroud as plan B if Tottenham succeed in their game plan.
@Castle- Yeah you do need both types in your squad and I'm a big fan of the typical #9, Lewandowski being my ideal in that role. Nothing he can't do in the middle. Teams who sit back and therefore provide little space can often call out for an old-fashioned striker who can hold the ball up and bring those around him into play. It never hurts to have multiple options though and we at least need to see Alexis against the 3 teams I mentioned above to know if that's a genuine option against the top teams who like to attack. I think where Alexis could be a genuine 9 and Son can't is anticipation. Alexis seems to think like a striker, Son looks every inch an attacking midfielder playing in the 9 and actually hasn't scored in the league when he has started there. Starting LW and cutting inside is where Son can do the most, or any, damage imo but I do like him.
@SteveHyland Cazorla isn't fit according Ben Dinnery but then neither is Dembele.
@Overmars- I've read/heard 5 or 6 reports which state everything between none of the 4 being fit to all 4 being fit so I just don't know. Santi not training today looks bad so we'll probably have Coquelin and Xhaka starting. Bellerin seems the most likely to be fit and Gibbs has done well in Nacho's absence so I'm not too worried defensively. If Walcott isn't fit enough to start then I'd prefer Chamberlain to Ramsey.
@Overmars Cazorla is a major doubt as he didn't train today, Xhaka can take cazorla's role of deep lying midfileder with quick accurate forward passes and partner coquelin who will high up the pitch. Only concern is Xhaka's discipline, important that he gets his tackles spot on.
@gunner162- Yep, reading between the lines it seems Wenger is aiming to make Xhaka Cazorla's long-term replacement rather than a pure DM, which is good news. He doesn't have the right attributes to be a sitter imo but his passing is better than the typical DM. I agree about needing to refine his judgment, especially in these type of games where the atmosphere will be fiery and the adrenaline rushing.
@SteveHyland I've always have doubts Xhaka could develop into pure old fashioned DM too as we've discussed before. I think Xhaka-Cazorla partnership can still work in some matches but I wouldn't be too eager to make it our first choice option for bigger games. There's definitely potential for Granit to improve in the sitting role but it remains to be seen how much he can learn. As for the future Cazorlas' role, Xhaka isn't exactly the same type to carry the ball forward and make amazing passes forward from tight gaps. Wilshere could be but that's story of its own. What is sure Xhaka needs right type of players next to him. There's also a possibility to switch to 3 man midfield where he could operate in deeper role. But that's still long way to go as I hope to see Cazorla rocking this league for a quite some time ;)
@Castle- I definitely don't think he'll be the same player as Santi and I agree Granit's tight-situation passing, ball retention and control of the game isn't anywhere near his level but Xhaka can still act as the link between defence and attack as well as offer a bit defensively, provide a genuine long-shot option at the edge of the area (or halfway line, ha) while picking passes, albeit more obvious ones to spot. As you say, Santi has years left so I'm not talking long-term as in 2 or 3 seasons, I mean when Xhaka is in his peak circa 4 seasons time. DLPs can play into their mid-30s and Santi has no physical attributes that can diminish which will affect his performance (power, pace etc). It's all ball control and brain.
@Castle Actually I think Xhaka can make better passes than Cazorla.
@cani08 Long passes maybe, but Cazorla can make opening passes while while running forward or any other situation and in that regard he's way ahead of Xhaka who's passing range is more limited.
I would give anything for a win vs Sp*rs, I wonder if it will be an advantage having 1 more days rest - I wonder if Kane or Toby will be fit.
@Overmars Else it will be a tight game but Arsenal will grind out a victory hopefully.
If we start strong like we did against Liverpool, Chelsea and Basel and press them higher like Bayer did to force errors we'll have a chance to blow them away.
@Overmars Yeah, but we had to travel to Bulgaria.
@What4- But Spurs had to travel to Wembley. Surprised they didn't get lost. :-p
@SteveHyland I was reviewing past games and noticed this uncharacteristically uninformed comment from you. OK, I suppose you were being glib... Haha... but it's an opportunity to remind you that, before this season, Tottenham had played at the new Wembley five times since it reopened in 2007 - only three times fewer than Arsenal. Moreover, Tottenham actually won a trophy at the new stadium (Feb 2008) six years before Arsenal did (May 2014).
spurs in for another draw
1-1 harry kane and sanchez to score
1-1 Harry Kane and Sanchez score
As an Arsenal fan definitely want the Gunners to win but will almost certainly be a v tight game. Two decent teams in good form... hope arsenal win but think it'll be a 1-1
@lwpgooner It will be a tight game but we will grind out a win.
@lwpgooner How is Spurs on good form? have lost 2 and drawn 4 in last 6 games???
@albgunn yeah they aren't in amazing form but they have second best defence in the league statistically
Arsanel win 2-1 Sanchez score