Tottenham vs Arsenal: 3 key battles for the North London derby

It is never usually a dull affair.

Breathtaking drama and bitter enmity make derby day a major highlight of the football calendar, and sparks will fly again on Sunday evening when Arsenal and Tottenham battle it out once more for north London supremacy.

The upcoming gameweek could prove decisive for our domestic campaign as an out-of-sorts Man City visit Old Trafford and any dropped points on enemy territory, coupled with NLD success, will further embolden the Gunners in their bid for title glory.

3 fascinating match-ups to watch out for as Tottenham and Arsenal clash on derby day

Hysteria about doing a ‘runner’ last season and Antonio Conte’s “complaining” jibes indicate no love was lost between these two clubs after their most recent Seven Sisters clash in May, and the heartbreak suffered on that occasion will incentivise Mikel Arteta’s rejuvenated squad to set the record straight.

The away side rarely comes out on top in this fixture, but Arsenal are well-placed to buck the trend and here are three battles that may swing matters in our favour.

#1: Yves Bissouma vs Thomas Partey

A proper away-day derby for our midfield fulcrum at last.

Persistent injury problems and lengthy absences mean the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is yet to see the best of Thomas Partey, but the Ghanaian is now fully fit and should wield great influence this weekend.

Partey offers us a psychological boost as he exudes composure and has vast experience at the highest level which will help to calm nerves in the cauldron-like atmosphere. And on the pitch, Sp*rs’ deep set-up often affords opponents time and space to move the ball, with this game-state giving our man licence to dictate play and sustain pressure in the final third – or even launch another derby rocket.

Although the loss of Rodrigo Bentancur would be a significant blow for the hosts, Bissouma’s work rate and tackling skills bolster their defensive strength and could disrupt our build-up rhythm, while his progressive inclinations might force the Gunners’ engine room to work in the opposite direction.

The reverse fixture suggests Partey will make the bigger impact.

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