Paul Merson says Spurs have a player who takes them to 'another level' and who Arsenal will struggle to match

09/12/2024 02:15 PM

Tottenham Hotspur are getting ready to take on Arsenal in the latest edition of the North London derby.

Both Spurs and the Gunners are in tricky situations ahead of the fixture as they failed to win their respective last games before the international break.

In addition, both Tottenham and Arsenal have some personnel issues ahead of the North London derby.

Spurs are sweating on Yves Bissouma’s fitness, while the Gunners could be without three key midfielders.

Both teams have strong front lines who could have a big say in terms of where the points and bragging rights will go.

Much of the attention will be on Dominic Solanke, Tottenham’s record signing and the man expected to lead their line.

Spurs paid an initial £55million – with a further £10million in add-ons – to sign Solanke, whose contract at N17 runs until 2030.

Paul Merson has now given his verdict on the England international’s signing, what he expects from him, and what he needs to get used to.

Paul Merson says Dominic Solanke needs to get used to scrutiny for his efforts in front of goal

Merson, writing on Sky Sports, believes Solanke will take Tottenham to “another level” and has backed him to get to 20 goals this season.

However, the Arsenal legend also stressed that the 26-year-old will be under the microscope when it comes to putting chances away, something he’ll need to get used to.

“Dominic Solanke is a good signing and takes Tottenham to another level,” said Merson.

“What he’s got to get used to is if you miss a few good chances then you’re under the microscope.

“With no disrespect, when you’re playing for Bournemouth and you miss three chances, there are no headlines about it. He’ll have to get used to being at a big club and putting his chances away.

“When he starts scoring, I think he could get 20 goals this season whereas Arsenal might be short of a centre-forward. I’m not sure they did enough in the transfer window.”

Solanke has a chance to endear himself to Tottenham fanbase immediately

Solanke had to miss out on Tottenham’s last two games due to injury, while his first game was always going to be a case of finding his feet as he didn’t have a pre-season with Spurs.

Now, he has had more time to get used to Ange Postecoglou’s methods, so he should hopefully hit the ground running.

To impress in the North London derby – perhaps even get a goal or assist – will immediately endear him to his new fanbase.

READ MORE: Paul Merson shares why Arsenal should be worried about Tottenham on Sunday

Tottenham v Arsenal team news

Spurs will hope to have Micky van de Ven back after he missed the Newcastle loss before pulling out of Netherlands duty.

Likewise, Solanke should return, while Richarlison is not expected to be fit and Bissouma is a doubt.

As for Arsenal, Martin Odegaard is a serious doubt with an ankle injury, while Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also sidelined.

Riccardo Calafiori suffered a knock on Italy duty, while Gabriel Jesus has been dealing with a groin problem of late and Declan Rice is suspended.