Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur: Match prediction - Premier League prediction, and more
Arsenal has started the 2019-20 Premier League season better in terms of performance and results. They sit two points above Tottenham on the table and could inflict some real damage on Spurs with a win at the Emirates.
Poor results don't always accompany poor performances, but Pochettino's Tottenham has been poor for the most part so far. They were bailed out by Christian Eriksen, having trailed Aston Villa in their opening Premier League fixture. That was followed by a fairly lucky draw against Manchester City and the shockingly poor 0-1 defeat to Newcastle at home.
There is friction behind the scenes, and it's showing on the pitch. Some players, such as Eriksen, Ndombele, Kane, and Winks have shown good initiative and performed admirably, but they seem to have lost the chemistry that often saw them breeze past opponents such as Newcastle.
Apart from addressing the chemistry issue, Pochettino also needs to figure out how to defend against the pacy and creative Arsenal attack.
The Arsenal defence will suffer
All summer, one of the points of discussion was Arsenal's top-heaviness. It would have been very obvious against Liverpool, had the Gunners not adopted a more defensive approach. When Spurs come to town, however, Arsenal may be inclined to give it a proper go, and their questionable backline may be exposed in the process.
If Spurs can get Son, Kane, and Eriksen clicking again, producing form like last season's which took them to the Champions League final, they will give this Arsenal defence more than just a few scares.
If Unai Emery chooses to play Matteo Guendouzi and Dani Ceballos in midfield once again, Spurs may be able to play through that midfield press without any issues. Neither has shown the ability to provide cover for the backline against some of the elite sides in the Premier League so far.
Should they go with that double pivot, they may just have to outscore their opponents, and we'll have a stellar game on our hands.
Match prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur