Spurs vs Arsenal: 4 pre-match discussions for the derby

4. Who Will Be Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky?

This author’s favourite Emirates era player was Tomas Rosicky. Yes, above him, and him, and him…and him too, yes.

With the current crop there is every chance that could change but, for now, he continues to reign supreme.

There are numerous fond memories of Rosicky at Arsenal. Great goals and fabulous performances aplenty. But for all his finest work at the club, he holds an honour that he should no longer be keeping watch over. Especially since he last played for the club in January 2016.

Of course, everyone knows what this is. Sadly, Rosicky remains the last Arsenal player to score a winning goal against Tottenham away from home in the Premier League. By the time the game kicks off on Thursday, that goal will be 8 years, 1 month, and 26 days old.

Pain in the Arsenal, indeed.

While Rosicky’s rocket at the Lane will never be forgotten, it is someone else’s turn to take over the mantle. Someone else in this team – or an own goal we really, really couldn’t care less – should be ending that hideous 8-year hoodoo. The agonising fixtures since that day still hurt.

Top scorer Saka? Smith Rowe off the bench? Tomiyasu evoking his inner Sagna and firing a bullet header past Lloris? Nketiah making the biggest statement of his career?

Anything will do.