“It’s going to be a great game, very interesting" - Sam Allardyce makes score prediction for Tottenham vs Arsenal
Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has predicted the result of Arsenal's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. The Gunners are fourth in the standings after three games, two points off leaders Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's side commenced their quest for a first league title in 22 years with a 2-0 home over Wolverhampton Wanderers before winning by the same scoreline at Aston Villa. It marked the first time in 52 years that they won their opening two games without conceding.
However, their perfect start to the season ended with a 1-1 home draw with Brighton & Hove Albion just before the international break, with Declan Rice receiving a controversial red card.
Meanwhile, Spurs have had a slow start to the season, winning once in three games. Ange Postecoglou's side - coming off a 2-1 loss at Newcastle United - are tenth in the standings.
Ahead of the season's first North London Derby, Allardyce said on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast (as per TBR) that the game could be riveting but tipped the Gunners to edge it:
“It’s going to be a great game, very interesting. The managers will have to be tactically astute throughout the game to cover what they may need to cover to block off what the opposition are doing for a while or to try to expose a weakness in the opposition defence.
“We want end to end and action in the box to show the quality both teams have got. My score is 2-1 to Arsenal. A 2-1, but I shall be sat down with a cup of tea and a biscuit.”
The Gunners finished second - both times behind City - in the last two Premier League seasons.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta extends Emirates stay
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has extended his stay at the club. The former Gunners midfielder - as per the BBC - has penned an extension that will keep him at the Emirates till 2027.
Having assumed charge in December 2019 from his compatriot Unai Emery, Arteta has transformed the fortunes of the club, having consistently competed for the Premier League in the last two seasons.
"I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next," Arteta said after signing his extension.
"I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired. I feel challenged. I feel supported, and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together."
The former Gunners captain has won an FA Cup and the Community Shield but is eyeing the big prize this season. In 235 games in charge across competitions, Arteta has won 143 times for a winning percentage of just over 60.