Arsenal: 4 key player battles vs Tottenham in the derby

4. Gabriel vs Harry Kane

This particular battle is an interesting one as it may not be anywhere near as lengthy as it was in the previous home meeting between these sides.

When Arsenal claimed a 2-1 win over Spurs back in March, Gabriel had Harry Kane in his pocket. He bossed him that day. The Englishman didn’t get a sniff. So minimal was his impact that he ended up changing centre-back and targetting David Luiz hoping to get more joy.

After a brilliant start to the season for Gabriel with strong displays against both Norwich and Burnley, the simple task of dealing with a world class striker faces him next.

How deep will Kane be dropping? There will be a plan to try and cut off Partey’s supply line and there is a decent chance that Kane will be tasked with doing so. Aerially, however, seeing whether he goes for Gabriel or Ben White will be interesting.

Ask Gabriel and he’ll want to renew his tangle with the 28-year-old. Having got the better of him once, and with the England captain not in his finest form at present, sticking at him and shutting him down early will be the ideal way to set the tone for the match.

What’s great as well is that the fans trust Gabriel to do this job. Kane is an outstanding footballer, so to have that faith speaks volumes of the Brazilian.

Another monsterclass needed.