Arsenal v Tottenham: How to beat Nuno Espirito Santo’s team

Here we are at the stage of the season when Arsenal faces off against its bitter rivals Tottenham. The Gunners are coming into this off a relatively routine 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon in midweek, while Spurs needed penalties to get past Wolves in the Carabao Cup.

This is the game that really matters above all else. Playing at home and in the better form, Arsenal is the favorite heading in Sunday’s game.

Mikel Arteta has a full squad to choose from for the first time in what seems like forever as this is a true test of his game style, tactics, and players. Spurs defeated Arsenal once last season with Jose Mourinho at the helm and Arteta will want to build on the 2-1 victory over Tottenham back in March.

Arsenal can even leapfrog Spurs in the table if they win by two clear goals, even if the scrappiest of scrappy wins will do just fine as the inevitable 90-minute long agony awaits.

Arsenal v Tottenham: How to beat Nuno Espirito Santo’s team in Sunday’s crucial North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium

Excitement quickly turns to anguish as the suffering that comes with this fixture, particularly on home soil, seeps in. It’s the North London Derby. It’s a special occasion.

So, how do Arsenal go about securing what would be a vital three points at the Emirates on Sunday?

1. Stop Harry Kane & Son Heung-min

Easier said than done, right?

Reminiscent of Didier Drogba’s hold over Arsenal in his Chelsea days, Harry Kane always seems to find the net against the Gunners. With Gabriel and Ben White now established as the first-choice center-back pairing, it feels like Arsenal is finally equipped well enough to deal with Kane’s threats.

In Kane’s 12 matches against the Gunners, the Englishman has netted 11 times and recorded one assist, so his threat is clear. It’s inevitable he will extend his lead as the all-time highest goalscorer in this fixture at some stage in the near future.

While not being in the best form so far this year after his proposed move the Manchester City fell through, it just feels set up for Kane to score on Sunday.

As for Son Heung-min, his threat, like Kane’s, has been a constant against Arsenal. In his last three Premier League games, Son has scored and assisted twice so it is vital Arteta puts time into how to stop the South Korean superstar.

Gabriel bossed the England captain back in March and the usual threat in behind that Son poses has the scope to be better dealt with thanks to the improved pace at the back with Ben White and the Brazilian.

Continued…