Arsenal vs Tottenham: Spurs’ targets are now higher than Gunners’ so North London derby win is more vital than ever
Gooners are a Europa League team now while we are busy thumping European champions Real Madrid
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IT'S that time of year again folks.
My least favourite game of the season. It's hostile, it's gritty and all philosophy goes out the window.
New tactics are forged and during a congested fixture schedule packed with injuries, anyone can get the call up - just ask Kevin Wimmer last season.
For both Spurs and Arsenal, this particular derby means a lot.
It's fair to say over the last few seasons, the tide has begun to turn. Spurs are up their with their counterparts, not matching their silverware tally but their stature.
We're witnessing a Tottenham team that has put up a stronger fight in the Champions League than Arsenal have since the 2006 final 11 years ago.
Mauricio Pochettino's team thumped European champions Real Madrid and have been touted as potential winners. The Gunners often struggling to get out of their group.
The Lilywhites are simply moving on to bigger and better things nowadays, as was reflected in Pochettino's comments on the League Cup. Arsene Wenger's side, however, face a make-or-break season.
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The final derby at White Hart Lane last season was the first time I sat back comfortably to watch this tricky tie.
There was no stopping Dele Alli and Co in that game. With an undefeated record to protect in their final season at that famous stadium and with a title gap to close, they were hungry. Arsenal were toothless.
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It's time we acknowledged this shift.
There came a time where regardless of how well Spurs were performing, this fixture sent fans into a whirlwind. This myth is no more.
But whether capable or not, there are some factors that present quite the worry for the North Londoners heading into another game against a top six side.
They've won just one away game against the top six under the management of the Argentine coach.
Last five Premier League North London derby results
Feb 7, 2015 - Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
Nov 8, 2015 - Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
Mar 5, 2016 - Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal
Nov 6, 2016 - Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham
Apr 30, 2017 - Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal
Worse still, Spurs have lost four of their last five road trips to England’s elite.
This needs to be corrected with a win at the Emirates, as another defeat casts serious doubt over Tottenham's title credentials.
So how can Spurs win this game?
Look no further than Kane - a man that has scored six goals in five against the Gunners. He will score this weekend, I'm sure of it.
Last season, the England forward returned from his lengthy injury at the Emirates to level the score with a thumping penalty. The year prior, a wonderfully worked finish from a delightful Danny Rose pass giving Spurs the lead.
And let's not forget his goals against them at the Lane.
Arsenal fans often lie to themselves and say he's a Gooner at heart. His passion and sheer joy at scoring against them says otherwise.
Victory in the derby could contribute towards a rather fruitful two months for Spurs.
With the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund to contest with, the fixture schedule was less than kind. Defeat to Jose Mourinho's Manchester United the only real hiccup.
But with a visit to Germany on the cards next Tuesday, the Wembley residents have the chance to put themselves in the driving seat in December.
Let's go and beat the Gooners on their own turf, Spurs. They are a Europa League team nowadays after all.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-2 Spurs
Twitter @TalkingTHFC
