Arsenal vs Tottenham: 5 key players with anticipation brimming

3. Sead Kolasinac

Unai Emery made a clear statement by pulling of Sead Kolasinac about a half hour from the final whistle. With how much work the Bosnian has been putting in lately, Emery wanted to save his energy for the North London Derby.

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And I don’t blame him. Because, against all odds, Sead Kolasinac has been our primary creative outlet for the majority of the year. No matter who does or doesn’t show, no matter who does or doesn’t create chances, Kolasinac will do his part, and as long as that is the case, he is easily going to keep slotting into key positions on this tea because unlike so many other players, he can be counted on.

Of course, formation is also going to play a big role in the magnitude that he is allowed to influence the match. If Emery opts for three at then back, Kolasinac has that added freedom to be himself, but with Koscielny unlikely to feature, it might be more practical to get Kolasinac in at fullback, which makes his defensive output even more key.

Whatever happens, Kolasinac will attack, and in the (likely inevitable) event of a brawl, Kolasinac is needed to scare all the Spuds back into their holes.

Next stop, No. 2.