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

#3: Oleksandr Zinchenko vs Matt Doherty

An interesting department explored in different ways by each manager.

Full-backs have always been an offensive threat under Conte’s management and their advanced role helped reignite Doherty’s north London career, with the Irishman getting his first goal of the season last week and becoming increasingly important to Sp*rs’ project.

The direct methods they employ might trouble our own inverted system and proved quite dangerous back at the Emirates, when our rivals spurned several transitional opportunities in the first half.

Dominating possession and pinning the hosts back are effective to nullify this tactic, and Zinchenko represents our best hope of executing it. He boasts an incredible passing range and rarely surrenders the ball even if moving between the lines, while his central station will provide an extra, perhaps crucial presence in a congested midfield.

Both players are key to their respective teams, and the development of proceedings will determine who makes the greatest impression.