The highly anticipated north London derby of the season is set to take place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. With both teams currently positioned in the top four, it promises to be a thrilling encounter between these rivals. Arsenal and Tottenham have yet to taste defeat in the Premier League this season. Under the new guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are showing potential to secure a top four finish, and who knows, they might even contend for the title.
Arsenal is buoyant following a significantly improved season under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. Their impressive performance led to a long-awaited return to the Champions League after a six-year absence and a thrilling battle for the title with Manchester City.
Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 24th September 1:00pm
Kick off 2:00pm
When comparing both teams this season, it's easy to see why they are among the early front runners.
Both teams share a preference for dominating possession and playing aggressively in the opposing team's third. However, they exhibit distinct dissimilarities.
Tottenham excels in applying immense pressure on their adversaries, surpassing all other teams except Manchester United in generating turnovers in the Premier League this season. Furthermore, Tottenham has showcased dominant pressure in the final third, with only Everton and Bournemouth exerting more, while Arsenal ranks a mere 10th in this regard.
Arsenal's slightly lower pressing statistics can be attributed to their dominance in possession. This season, the Gunners have already recorded an impressive 30 build-up attacks, which is a total surpassed only by Manchester City. On the other hand, Tottenham exhibits a more diverse approach, excelling in both build-up attacks and direct attacks, placing them in the top four rankings.
Arsenal and Tottenham Premier League rankings this season
Stats per game | Shots | Touches in opp. box | % touches in final 3rd | Possession | % passes into final 3rd | High turnovers | Build up attacks | Direct attacks | Pressures in final 3rd |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arsenal | 15.6 (PL rank 7th) | 37.4 (4th) | 32.3% (11st) | 66.3% (3rd) | 51.4% (1st) | 43 (6th) | 30 (2nd) | 5 (14th) | 298 (10th) |
Tottenham | 20.2 (1st) | 43.4 (1st) | 31.3% (2nd) | 61.4% (5th) | 44.4% (3rd) | 56 (2nd) | 21 (4th) | 13 (4th) | 422 (3rd) |
This season, Postecoglou's aggressive and attacking style of football has revitalized the team. As Celtic manager, he has already secured five major trophies in just two seasons, impressing everyone with his high-pressure, possession-based game. In comparison to Antonio Conte's previous approach, Tottenham now boasts higher averages in shots, touches in the opposition box, possession, high turnovers, and pressures in the final third. This significant shift in tactics reflects a departure from what was once seen as Conte's negative strategy in previous years.
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Arsenal Tottenham Hotspur
A shining light in Postecoglou's Tottenham side this season is James Maddison.Maddison, who was signed for a staggering £40m during the summer, has seamlessly settled into life at Spurs and was bestowed with the highly coveted title of Premier League player of the month for August. In an eagerly awaited clash on Sunday, the English prodigy will lock horns with Martin Odegaard, Arsenal's esteemed captain, as their midfield scuffle takes center stage in determining the victor of the north London bragging rights.
Maddison has recorded the highest number of assists and chances created for Tottenham this season, surpassing any other Premier League player in terms of shot-creating actions.
While not as innovative as Maddison, Odegaard still stands as one of Arsenal's highest-scoring players in the Premier League this season. Moreover, he leads the club in terms of applying pressure with 70 instances in the final third and forcing 23 turnovers.
With Maddison on top form, Tottenham fans will be dreaming of a first Premier League win at the Emirates since November 2010.
However, in a clash between two evenly-matched sides, whatever the outcome, it is sure to be a fascinating encounter.
Watch Arsenal vs Tottenham on Super Sunday, live on We from 1pm; Kick-off 2pm