Arsenal vs Tottenham: 5 key players in North London Derby

1. Nicolas Pepe

Talk about a rapid rise to the top. Nicolas Pepe just got his first start against Liverpool and he’s already weighing in as our most key player in his first ever North London Derby. But anyone that watched his efforts against Liverpool can clearly see why. Pepe has something that the Gunners have lacked for some time, and with a full strength attack, likely with the front three we’ve been dreaming of, all he has to do is repeat his performance at Anfield and the goals will flow.

Pepe completed seven dribbles alone against the Reds, ending Virgil van Dijk‘s streak of consecutive matches not being dribbled past. Van Dijk is better than anyone on that Tottenham back line, so Pepe can have a field day of creating space if he wants it.

Obviously his missed chance on a fluffed shot against Liverpool will still be fresh in our minds, but on the day, he was the best performer, and at home, for his home debut against Spurs, Pepe is going to feed off the atmosphere and put in a performance to be remembered.

With his abilities from wide, Spurs will be stretched, and with his inventiveness to work the ball back inside, there will be plenty of openings for him to improve upon the foundation he already laid against Liverpool.