EPL 2016/17: 5 reasons why Tottenham Hotspur will defeat Arsenal in the North London derby
Tottenham Hotspur are all set to play hosts to city - specifically North London - rivals Arsenal in Sunday’s evening showdown fixture. Spurs are on a hot streak of form (despite the FA cup setback against Chelsea) and will be looking to end their White Hart Lane days on a high, before moving to the new stadium in August 2018.
They have been sanctioned permission to play the home games of the 2017/18 season at Wembley, which means that this North London Derby will be the last one to be played at the Lane as we know it now.
Arsenal have been inconsistent and injury-plagued but their recent upturn in form must have given Gunners fans hope. Whether this derby truly lives up to the hype with local rivalry shadowing the bigger scheme of things (albeit for a short while) as form and logic go out of the window remains to be seen.
In the run-up to one of the most looked-forward games of the weekend (or season?!) which will have a lot of say in the title race as well that of the top four, we take a look at five reasons why Spurs have the upper hand over Arsenal in this one.
#5. Title tilt can prove to be crucial extra motivation
There is no other way to say this – the hosts have a lot more than ‘just derby pride’ to play for today. Sure, derby rivalries are unique but this time, it is not just about who is better in North London.
With just 4 points separating Chelsea and second-placed Spurs, and both having played the same number of games, the home side need a win to stay in the title race (the table says there is still one, you lot!).
The Blues face a somewhat tricky outing to Everton earlier today afternoon and a win plus anything other than 3 points for Spurs could virtually put paid to any aspirations the Lilywhites may have of becoming champions.
If a title challenge is not enough motivation for Spurs, there is more.
St. Totteringham’s day – celebrated by Arsenal fans as a way of taunting and mocking their rivals for not finishing above them since Wenger took over - could be ended this season.
Spurs have not finished above Arsenal since 1995; the hosts are 14 points ahead of the Gunners having played one more game and maximum points against the Gunners will guarantee them a league place above Wenger’s charges.
While Mauricio Pochettino may publicly deny that finishing above Arsenal is his target – the title is – it will certainly be playing on his and the players’ minds.
Also Read: Tottenham ambitions bigger than beating Arsenal, says Kane