Arsenal vs Tottenham: Laurent Koscielny’s battle with Harry Kane and Harry Winks vs Aaron Ramsey could prove the difference
ON SATURDAY, Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London derby of the season and it promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Over the past few seasons, Mauricio Pochettino has developed Spurs into a very strong unit, one that has outperformed their city rivals in the league.
Football Whispers breakdown the key battles that will help decide the result of this weekend’s fixture.
Spurs go into the game sitting third in the Premier League table, winning five of their last six league games. Arsenal are sixth, four points behind their rivals, and three away from the top four.
The Gunners haven’t lost to Spurs at the Emirates since 2010 and victory on Saturday would mean an incredible amount to both sides’ league aspirations.
Here are three key battles which will decide the result.
Laurent Koscielny v Harry Kane
The defender sat out of France’s game against Germany on Tuesday due to pain in his Achilles. Arsène Wenger confirmed on Thursday that the 32-year-old would be back for the derby and the away side are sure to test his fitness.
Koscielny is Arsenal’s most experienced centre-back, and in the back three, it could be a difficult afternoon up against Harry Kane.
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Only Thierry Henry has a better minutes per goal ratio in the derby than the English forward. The 24-year-old finds the net every 116 minutes against the Gunners.
Kane has scored in the last five league meetings, and he will fancy himself to make it six against a defence which has conceded eight goals in four games.
Aaron Ramsey v Harry Winks
After a great showing at Euro 2016, much was expected of the Welsh midfielder at the Emirates, but it’s another tale of unfulfilled potential. These are the games where Ramsey needs to make a difference.
With three goals and four assists this term, he is showing good form, but against Spurs he needs to show another level.
He will be taking on Harry Winks on Saturday, the new kid on the block at Spurs. The England midfielder was sensational against Real Madrid, showing composure, poise and intelligence. Now, his credentials will be challenged in a derby atmosphere.
If the 21-year-old can contain Ramsey, while helping Spurs dictate play, Mauricio Pochettino’s side could prevail.
Sead Kolasinac v Kieran Trippier
This is a fascinating battle between two of the Premier League’s best full-backs.
When both clubs play a back-three, it’s the two defenders who benefit from the freedom to push forward.
The Bosnian arrived on a free from Schalke in the summer and has settled in well, scoring once and picking up three assists.
Previously, Arsenal have lacked power, fight and an aggressive streak, Kolasinac ticks all those boxes and has quickly become a fan-favourite.
Sead Kolasinac has impressed since his summer move to Arsenal
Spurs fans think very similarly about Trippier. Once back-up to Kyle Walker, now the former Burnley man has established himself as a key part of Pochettino’s first-team.
He has shown in the Champions League he can mix it with the best, marauding down the flank to deliver some deadly crosses, helping him to provide seven assists in all competitions this term.
Both the Arsenal left-back and the Spurs right-back will be battling for the same space and looking to push the other back. Whoever comes out on top could make all the difference.
