Derby in perspective.
Two slaps
The Gunners’ last matches are the most painful. Bukayo Saka was injured in the 17th round, during a match against Crystal Palace. But first the absence of the leader was compensated (1:0 with Ipswich, 3:1 with Brentford). However, the last three games clearly show that the Londoners are not in good shape.
Arsenal drew against Brighton, then there were two defeats in a row. And they are all the more offensive as they were inflicted by the crisis giants Newcastle and Manchester United. The Magpies now have the wind in their sails. Eddie Howe managed to turn the situation around, so the victory over the “gunners” only boosted morale. As for the match against the Red Devils, it is an anomaly.
The Mancuniens entered the match barely alive. The team entered 2025 with four straight defeats, including against underdog Wolverhampton. To the starting area nuclear submarine were closer than they were to the European Cup, and in this state they somehow scored points with Liverpool (and they had to win the match). But overall, it didn’t mean anything. And despite this, the Gunners could not confirm the class difference – 1:1 and a defeat on penalties.
Attack Research
The Spanish coach is looking for the optimal combination in the attacking group. Only Saka was removed, but he provided a quality that cannot be maintained by any replacement. Additionally, Raheem Sterling was injured. There simply weren’t any professional right wingers left. There was an experience with Ethan Nwaneri – Yamal makes the difference for Barça. But in the case of the London junior, the expected effect was not obtained.
Now either one of the left wingers Martinelli/Trossard or Jesus plays on the empty sideline. For the latter, it is a special opportunity. Gabi loses his starting place because he lost the competition to Havertz. Perhaps this motivation will help him replace Saka during his absence, but for now the Gunners are struggling.
Clean composition
The Gunners traditionally do not take active action during the winter window. Arteta has once again confirmed that if reinforcement is expected, it will only be targeted. So a year earlier they had tried to bring Ivan Tawney to London, but he had remained at Brentford. Now the problem of a quality striker is just as acute. They wanted to join the fight for Marmus, but he was snapped up by City. There is also an option with Vlahovic.
Meanwhile, the “gunners” prepare to free the train. Apparently, Arteta wants to strengthen the quality of the rotation. Thus, negotiations are underway on the sale of Kieran Tierney (Celtic is interested in him), Alexander Zinchenko (Borussia wants him), Jorginho (the coach would like to keep him, but the midfielder is offered a extension of one year, it’s not enough for the footballer himself), they are ready in the future to part with Gaby Gessou and Thomas Partey. Certainly, there is no point in selling in peak season if it is not possible to immediately provide a better replacement.
The most unstable peak nuclear submarine
Enchanting battles with Southampton (5:0) and Manchester United (4:3) gave way to failures – with Liverpool (3:6) and Wolves (2:2). It turns out that Spurs often look great against top opponents (remember the two wins against City), but are completely cowardly against lower class teams. At the beginning of January, they again won an unexpected victory: they beat Liverpool at home in an English League Cup match.
This anomaly has a completely logical explanation: coaching style and the injury epidemic. The two factors are interdependent. Postecoglou stubbornly follows his philosophy and maintains a high line of active, pressing football, even when the team finds itself without main goalkeeper Vicario, main central defender pair Romero-van de Ven and Davis’ replacement, left back Udoji. Alongside them, Bentancur, Odobert and Richarlison are in the infirmary.
Postecoglou’s style is too adventurous to continue without defensive leaders, but Ange doesn’t change his plan and Spurs get the field ripped away.
Selection of controversial actors
Due to the defeats, Spurs’ main objective for the winter transfer window was to find a goalkeeper during Vicario’s absence. They got Kinski back – and so far he looks like a quality replacement for Guilhelmo. Another thing is that the remaining lines also require full amplification. And Londoners are still only interested in controversial candidates.
So, Tottenham is considered the favorite in the fight for Randal Kolo Muani (while we are talking about loan – Spurs compete with Juve and Manchester United) and wants to loan Marcus Rashford. Two years ago, they were excellent footballers with excellent statistics. Only now has the situation changed dramatically. Marcus is moving to another team as he has stopped producing results at United. Randal played in the Bundesliga for Eintracht, but with the move to PSG just disappeared into the field. Of course, ambiguous transfers periodically give results, but it’s a shame for a big club to live on them.
There was a class difference
In the last 20 matches, the neighbors are level: eight wins for Arsenal, seven for Tottenham and five draws. Only since the 22/23 season have Spurs never won a derby with the Gunners. But they have four wins and one draw. This is precisely when Arsenal gained a foothold.
Forecast Soccer.ru: The Gunners, of course, are far from in peak form, but they remain a competitor to the Merseysiders in the championship race. They have already achieved the desired result at a similar time and will do it again. Let’s bet on Arsenal to win.
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