Arsenal start a testing run of fixtures by internet hosting arch rivals Tottenham, who’re unbeaten away from house within the league. BBC Sport examines a few of the key themes earlier than Sunday’s 198th north London derby.
The Gunners’ 10-match successful streak ended with a 2-2 draw at however they’re nonetheless in a commanding place – high of the Premier League and boasting an ideal document within the Champions League.
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However that is the beginning of a troublesome week for Mikel Arteta’s facet, with the derby adopted by Wednesday’s house sport towards Bayern Munich – arguably Europe’s most in-form group – earlier than one other match versus London opposition, away to
They should negotiate this era with out key centre-back Gabriel, who’s prone to be out for at the least a month after being towards Senegal at Emirates Stadium final weekend.
Arsenal have beforehand suffered when the first-choice partnership of Gabriel and William Saliba has been disrupted, however they invested in high quality cowl this summer season. Cristhian Mosquera, Spain Beneath-21s captain, arrived from Valencia, whereas Ecuador worldwide Piero Hincapie joined on mortgage from Bayer Leverkusen.
Even so, Gabriel’s absence is important. Arsenal have gained 64% of the Premier League video games he has performed in since arriving 5 years in the past, in comparison with 40% with out him.
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He’s additionally a potent set-piece risk, scoring 11 objectives up to now two years – together with the one purpose in final season’s win at Spurs.
[BBC]
Frank’s first north London derby
The injury-time equaliser Tottenham conceded within the 2-2 draw with means they continue to be winless at house within the league because the opening weekend.
Away from north London, it’s a completely different story. Spurs are the one Premier League facet but to lose on the highway this season.
Nonetheless, new head coach Thomas Frank has struggled to win over supporters along with his model of play. His group have but to click on in assault, averaging fewer than 10 pictures per match, the third-lowest determine within the high flight.
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Tottenham had been booed off of their final London derby underneath Frank, a 1-0 defeat by earlier this month. They posted an anticipated objectives whole of simply 0.1 in that defeat – the bottom by any group in a Premier League sport this season.
Victory in Frank’s first north London derby could be an enormous assertion, however historical past presents little encouragement. Spurs have gained simply considered one of their previous 32 league visits to Arsenal.
[BBC]