Arsenal: 4 key player battles vs Tottenham in the derby

3. Aaron Ramsdale vs Heung-min Son

Given how deep Harry Kane drops these days in a bid to facilitate play, Heung-min Son is likely to be the main goal threat for Tottenham.

The scenario we’ve all seen before and played through in our heads is Arsenal dominating the ball and being hit with a Son sucker punch on the counter-attack. Each time it’s replayed the ball ends up in the back of the net.

But there is a new goalkeeper in town.

Aaron Ramsdale is now the undisputed number one and it he’ll have to make a couple of crucial interventions throughout Sunday. Even if Spurs have recorded the lowest xG in the league this season, they boast a player like Son who can score from near enough anywhere. Arsenal know that all too well.

With the high line set to be implemented, the threat of Son in behind will be prevalent.

Ramsdale has been superb since coming into the team but the area of his game where he’s weakest is how he gets off his line in one-on-one situations. Sometimes too hesitant or other times too cautious, that balance hasn’t been struck and it’s one of the key areas of doubt supporters had upon his signing.

Son rarely misses and his conversion rate from shooting is obscene. There are few players in the division with as many techniques of striking the ball: Ramsdale will have his toughest test in an Arsenal shirt by far on Sunday. Never mind Burnley, he’s facing top class talent now.

Continued…