Tottenham's Remarkable Resilience Sans Harry Kane Puts Arsenal in a Tangled Web, Declares Paul Merson

We have Paul Merson sharing his opinion on Tottenham's exciting new style of play introduced by Ange Postecoglou as Harry Kane slowly fades into the past. Additionally, he explores the challenges faced by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

Spurs better without Kane - Postecoglou brings style

Tottenham's strong start to the season has impressed me. I genuinely admire the manager and they consistently deliver entertaining football. Despite not fully understanding the concept of the 'Tottenham way' due to their lack of major victories, it is undeniably more enjoyable to watch their matches.

Initially, I doubted that they would secure a position in the top half of the league. However, I spoke to a dedicated Spurs fan who attends both home and away games, and he confidently claimed that they would perform better without Harry Kane. Three games into the season, it appears he was absolutely right.

There is a possibility that the person in question may not be Kane, but rather the manager - I have a favorable opinion of him and think he is highly skilled. However, I do not see them finishing within the top four due to their inconsistent style of play, but it will definitely be more entertaining to watch.

Undoubtedly, Kane's exceptional talent makes it difficult to find a direct replacement, but they do require someone to fill that role. It might be wise for them to wait until January and consider acquiring Ivan Toney. If they are not in contention for the top four by January, it is unlikely that they will make significant investments until the summer, after they have evaluated their first season under Ange Postecoglou.

'Predictable' Arsenal reverting to bad habits

Arsenal's lack of creativity is becoming evident as their gameplay has become predictable. The team tends to rely on two wingers staying out wide and a striker positioned in the middle, but there is a notable absence of movement and fluidity. It is reminiscent of playing Subbuteo football, where players do not interchange positions. This style of play has been recognized by opposing teams, and Arsenal must exercise caution as a result.

Arteta's system unnecessarily complicated

Arsenal's return to their old style of play is a striking embodiment of their renowned excellence when in possession of the ball alongside their glaring deficiency without it. With a dearth of accomplished ball-winners, only an exceptional talent like Declan Rice currently bears this responsibility. Consequently, accomplished teams of the highest caliber will find it remarkably uncomplicated to surmount the challenges posed by Arsenal.

I'm absolutely surprised by Kai Havertz's current position. It's beyond anything I could have imagined. As a devoted fan of Havertz, I know he excels as a centre-forward, scoring numerous goals in Germany. However, playing him on the left is not a suitable option.

It's quite unexpected that Gabriel is suddenly excluded from the team, and Thomas Partey is placed in the right-back position. Why would they attempt to adopt this full-back strategy? Even Pep Guardiola, a renowned coach, has abandoned this approach. On the other hand, John Stones seamlessly transitions from defense to midfield. Postecoglou made a jest about imitating Pep, but he doesn't actually employ that tactic. Hence, I find it perplexing why Arsenal is doing so.

In nine matches, Arsenal has allowed three goals within the first minute of football games. This recurring pattern cannot be dismissed as a mere coincidence. I am concerned about Arsenal's situation, as Arteta continues to make changes that I find hard to understand. Persistently experimenting might not be the best approach, and it is crucial to have faith in the abilities of the players. I question why Eddie Nketiah was not included in the starting lineup against Fulham. Despite being considered as one of Manchester City's strongest competitors, Arsenal has not encountered a challenging start to the season. The true test awaits on September 3 in the match against Manchester United (live on Super Sunday). Considering that Tottenham managed to defeat Manchester United, Arsenal must aim to replicate this result.

Arsenal

Manchester United

Sunday 3rd September 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

When Chelsea executed quick ball movement, they effortlessly tore through the Luton defense, demonstrating a supreme level of skill. However, there were instances when the pace of their game became sluggish. Nevertheless, certain instances showcased exceptional football mastery.

If Enzo Fernandez had successfully converted the penalty against West Ham, we would currently be raving about Chelsea's remarkable performance, as they would have gone on to secure a three or four-goal victory against West Ham on that particular day. We would have exclaimed, "What an extraordinary beginning!" A mere penalty miss can dramatically alter the trajectory of a team's standings, leaving them stranded in the middle of the table. These fine lines determine one's fate.

I am confident that Chelsea can secure a top-four finish this season, contrary to my initial skepticism. Nicolas Jackson has impressed me with his agility and speed, earning my admiration. However, Chelsea may face challenges when opposing teams adopt a defensive approach at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea is expected to excel in away matches this season, thanks to the dynamic duo of Jackson and Raheem Sterling, who possess immense energy. Additionally, the midfield is fortified with the presence of Fernandez, adding a touch of craftiness.

If Mauricio Pochettino manages to secure a top-four finish for Chelsea, it would undeniably be an exceptional season. Considering their previous position and the significant turnover, achieving a place in the top-four would be an extraordinary accomplishment. Pochettino is truly achieving the impossible if he leads them to the top four.

Chelsea a better team away from Stamford Bridge

Darwin Nunez, despite occasionally making incorrect passes or failing to spot opportunities, impresses me with his dynamic and sharp gameplay. He poses a significant challenge for opponents, making me believe that he should be included in the lineup every week.

My admiration for Dominik Szoboszlai is immense, as he showcased his brilliance in the match against Newcastle. He continuously displayed his prowess, effectively choosing the appropriate passes. I firmly believe that he is an exceptional acquisition. If Liverpool fails to secure a top-four spot, doubts will undoubtedly arise.

With a lineup boasting five forwards, each capable of scoring goals, Liverpool possesses a level of firepower that surpasses that of many other teams. The likes of Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Nunez all demonstrate their proficiency in finding the back of the net.

On the other hand, Manchester City boasts a team of talented providers, with the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva excelling in creating scoring opportunities. However, it is the Liverpool squad that shines in terms of their goal-scoring ability. The question lies in whether Jurgen Klopp can effectively harness this potential and strike the right balance.