Arsenal vs Tottenham key battles
Today at 07:16 AM
It is the second installment of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign's North London derby, as Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Gunners were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United at home in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final before being eliminated from the FA Cup by 10-man Manchester United on penalty shootout on Sunday. Before the cup games, they drew 1-1 with Brighton in the Premier League, dropping points in the title race.
Spurs, meanwhile, just got the better of Liverpool at home in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final before beating non-league Tamworth FC in extra-time in the FA Cup third round at the weekend. However, they are winless in their last four Premier League games.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the key battles on the pitch.
#Dejan Kulusevski vs Myles Lewis-Skelly
Dejan Kulusevski has undoubtedly been Spurs' best player this season. Since being moved into midfield, the Swede has looked a player rejuvenated under Ange Postecoglou—creating chances, taking on players, supplying assists and scoring goals. However, he could start out wide on the right flank against Arsenal.
If that is the case, Kulusevski will likely come up against young left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly. The Hale End graduate kept Man United's Alejandro Garnacho quiet for large parts of the FA Cup fixture whilst impressing going forward on Sunday. In midweek, it will be a different challenge altogether as the teenager could come up against an in-form Kulusevski.
If Lewis-Skelly can lock up Kulusevski, Arsenal's chances of keeping a clean sheet will become higher.
#Martin Odegaard vs Pape Matar Sarr
Martin Odegaard has barely looked at his best since returning from injury for Arsenal. His poor form was compounded with a penalty miss against Man United in the FA Cup in normal time. The Norwegian did redeem himself by dispatching his penalty in the shootout, but when Arsenal required him to step up, he failed.
Nonetheless, Odegaard is a quality player and will be raring to put in a captain's display in the North London derby. With his eye for pass, elusive movement and link-up play, he can unlock the Spurs backline. Therefore, Pape Matar Sarr will have his task cut out.
Expected to operate as a No.8, Sarr cannot afford to give Odegaard space and time on the ball. If the Senegalese can disrupt the Arsenal playmaker's rhythm, the hosts might struggle to create chances in the final third.
#Dominic Solanke vs William Saliba
Dominic Solanke may have not been a prolific goalscorer for Spurs but his work rate, pressing, physicality, hold up and link-up play make him a real handful for any defence. Add to his constant running and movement, he can cause the Gunners problems.
Arsenal's best defender, William Saliba must assume the responsibility of containing Solanke's threat. The Frenchman's positioning and reading of the game make him one of the finest young defenders in Europe. However, he endured a poor game against Man United in the FA Cup and will be raring to put things right in the derby.
All in all, it will be a mouthwatering battle between two physical monsters. Whoever wins this contest will have a big say in the outcome of the game.
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