3 Arsenal players to potentially come in for the North London derby

3. Takehiro Tomiyasu

Like his full-back counterpart mentioned above, Takehiro Tomiyasu has been in and around the first team but has been unable to secure his spot in the starting lineup. Part of that has been Ben White’s spectacular showings at right-back. The strains of a more physically demanding role for the Englishman, however, have led to him getting subbed off regularly before the end of games. With Tomiyasu being recalled from international duties earlier than expected, some suspect White may be nursing a niggle and the former Bologna man could get the nod on Saturday.

Part of Arsenal’s attacking success has been the fluidity in the attacking third. White has contributed to this largely with his intelligence. Adapting to his role, he not only slots into midfield to build play but he has started overlapping at opportune times to give Bukayo Saka the freedom to combine or provide deliveries into the box.

Tomiyasu has mostly played on the interior when in position; very rarely has he bombarded down the right-hand side. Part of White’s success has been the inability of defences to predict when White will burst down the outside. Tomiyasu must add this to his game if he wants to work his way back into being a starter. There are no questions over his defensive nous, ability to contain dangerous wingers and comfort when partnering Partey in midfield. His delivery is underrated and adding an overlapping threat to a balanced game will only elevate both his level and that of the team.

Against Tottenham, eyes will be on the Spurs front line. Son’s pace, directness and finishing have proven to be a problem in the past but William Saliba’s quality frees Tomiyasu from being penned back. He will still have to be aware of runners in behind but his style of play provides a sense of calmness throughout the backline. Additionally, his height will be crucial to both attacking and defending set pieces.

Tomiyasu could very well start against Tottenham and if he does, he will do brilliantly.

Arteta has a number of injury concerns going into the North London derby. His replacement options are, however, significantly better than they were in the past. Should any of the players above come into the team on Saturday, the team as a whole will continue to perform at an exceptionally high level. Hopefully, Arsenal can continue their red-hot form at the start of a busy October run.