Arsenal's sublime momentum
Arsenal are on the rise with a 14-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, with a solid defense at the top of the league, keeping a 4-point gap in the top. In contrast, Tottenham have lost three of their last seven games, won just three of their 10 and have yet to show much under Thomas Frank.
Opta data shows the difference further, with Spurs rated at just 13.7% chance of winning, their lowest tally in every game this season. In addition, Arsenal are dominating the front line, having won five of their last six Premier League games against Tottenham, winning all three of them in a row. At home, they have only lost to Spurs once in their last 32 derbies.
Should Thomas Frank switch to a 3-center-back formation?
During his time in charge of Brentford, Thomas Frank was often flexible between a system of 3 defenders and 4 defenders. However, at Tottenham, he suddenly became rigid as all 17 matches in 3 arenas started with 4 defences.
This is in contrast to Thomas Frank's first official match at Spurs (European Super Cup against PSG). In that match, his team played 3 central defenders and performed very impressively. Despite losing on penalties, the "Roosters" played a fair match with the Champions League champions.
Against Arsenal with a series of injuries, the 5-3-2 or 5-4-1 option could be brought back by Thomas Frank. Kevin Danso is ready to play alongside Cristian Romero. A dense defensive system in front of goal, combined with the Palhinha - Bentancur pair, can help Spurs minimize the space in the middle.
Gabriel Magalhaes injury
Arsenal have suffered a lot of losses this season when key players such as Odegaard, Saka, Saliba and Havertz have all been absent at times. However, the depth of the squad is helping them overcome quite easily.
However, the loss of centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes at the moment could have a serious impact. The Brazilian star has maintained absolute stability, not taking a single minute off since the beginning of the season. Statistics show that Arsenal won 61.5% when Gabriel started but that rate dropped to 40% when he was absent, the number of goals conceded also increased to 43%.
Moreover, Gabriel is an important factor in set pieces, which was Arsenal's weapons under Arteta. With a 27-year-old central defender, both the Gunners' attack and defense have been weakened.
Although captain Mikel Arteta has alternative options such as Mosquera, Hincapie or putting Calafiori in the center, the absence of Gabriel is still a vulnerability that Tottenham can exploit.
What does Tottenham rely on?
Spurs have not improved their attack this season. They scored 19 goals, ranked 4th in the league but had poor performances, especially the loss to Chelsea with only 0.1 xG - the lowest in the Premier League this season.
Having to face Arsenal - a team that has only conceded 5 goals in 11 matches and has the best defensive statistics in Europe, Spurs have little reason to be optimistic. Arsenal have limited their opponents to the point of receiving fewer 20 shots (81), 10 shots on target1) and 4.3 xG (6.1) than the second- best team in the Premier League.
To keep hope, Tottenham need the return of Mohammed Kudus - who leads the team in creating opportunities, leading counter-attacks and passing expected assists. The Ghana star needs the support of Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert - players who can pull the ball up, this is something Spurs are lacking.
Leandro Trossard is an exorcism
If every team tries to block Saka, Tottenham is no exception. However, the problem lies in the fact that Saka's best form has not returned, while Trossard has been a prominent name recently.
Trossard has opened Arsenal's most goals since the start of 2023. The Belgian striker is a type of player who is less noticed but always knows how to create highlights. The decisive goals against Fulham, Sunderland or Tottenham last season made him a real threat. If Spurs focus too much on Saka, they could be punished by Trossard.
Are Spurs making things difficult for themselves?
A strange statistic is that Tottenham have scored 7 goals in the 2023-2024 season, the most in the Premier League. Arsenal opened the scoring in four of their last five derbies thanks to Spurs' own goal. This ruined the game Tottenham built and forced them to chase.
To get points at the Emirates, the "Roosters" must first avoid giving gifts to their opponents, something they have continuously had in the past 2 seasons.
