Arsenal vs Tottenham: Mikel Arteta’s opportunity to hurt the enemy

Historically, this fixture has been a source Arsenal could be confident in for three points, or at least one. That has all changed in the past seven years. Devastatingly so.

Arsenal were almost always favourites to beat Tottenham. Rarely ever was the pendulum swinging in their favour. Yet ahead of Sunday’s newest edition of the north London derby, the Gunners have a grand total of two wins from the last 13 Premier League meetings.

That’s shocking. It hurts, and it’s been a progressive suffering.

In this new variation of Tottenham, they’ve never been better suited to extending that torrid run further; indeed, soaking up pressure and allowing Arsenal to do Arsenal things is the best way to hurt Mikel Arteta’s side. Domination has become a burden.

https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1370427381350084621

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Mikel Arteta’s opportunity to hurt the enemy in Sunday’s Premier League north London derby

Few sides counter-attack as fluidly as Sp*rs, who have Harry Kane finding new found real estate in a slightly reserved role, where he can feed the dynamic duo of Heung-min Son and Gareth Bale just as must as he can leather one into the top bins. Those three are undeniable threats.

Improved defensive displays from the Gunners since the reverse meeting may evoke a welcoming sense of optimism that they can be silenced. It’s now individual errors that are costing Arsenal dearly above all. Try as you might, though, but stopping this trio is unenviable. Even the finest defences on the continent would struggle and Arsenal are not in that bracket.

Arteta will see his side have their share of the ball, usually decorated under the guise of domination, but in fact only as Mourinho willingly sees his side relinquish it.

Flinging crosses needlessly into the box in the reverse meet, the stench of desperation permeated through television screens; Arsenal had no idea what to do with the ball. They’re a different team now, one with structure and purpose, but still lacking goalscorers in the team.

Therefore, those available have to play. When you’re granted extended periods on the ball, individuals who make use of that stranglehold are essential: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can’t bear that mantle alone.

Inject flair, pace and instinct into the team. Give Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe minutes on the pitch. Get at Sp*rs. Hurt them.

Adopt progressive triangles further up the pitch, invite midfield bodies to run beyond and take shots at goal: less touches, less dallying on the ball and reasonable decision-making in and around the opposition box. Simple in practice, of course, but he has a fully fit squad to tinker with and the options are there.

Keeping the Tottenham threats quiet all afternoon would be more impressive than scoring at the other end. That’s how good they are. Thus, should they have their openings, ensure whatever comes of it isn’t detrimental to the scoreline. Get the goals needed to win the match and get the goals required to lessen whatever impact they may cause.

Importantly, too, keep the stupidity at a premium. Some sides punish mistakes better than others.