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

2. Make Dominance Count

In the last two outings against Spurs, Arteta’s side has dominated. In Arsenal’s 2-1-win last time out, the Gunners had 53% possession and registered 13 shots to six. Earlier in that same year, despite Arsenal’s ‘dominance’, Spurs ran out 2-0 winners.

After having 69% possession and 11 shots to six, Arsenal was hit with two sucker punches from Son and Kane. This cannot happen this time around as there is simply too much riding on this result.

With full crowds now returning to the Emirates, the player should be buoyed by the noise created, and should Arsenal control the game as they have done in the last two meetings then goals should follow with a fully fit squad to choose from.

Dominating the ball in the early stages and getting players into the right areas will pile the pressure on Spurs. However, we have seen far too often that they can hit Arsenal on the counter with devastating effect. Santo likes his sides attack with verticality and pace. Because of this, when the Gunners are in a period of dominance, they must make it count.

Having Thomas Partey get another 60 odd minutes under his belt to further build his fitness levels for this one and to have the first choice back four available, it is even more crucial that Arsenal make their forays forward worthwhile. There is nothing more deflating than controlling the game for large spells only for them to score a soft goal going the other way.

It’s happened far too often.

Continued…