“That’s the only one” - Darren Bent names only Tottenham star who can get into Arsenal XI ahead of north London derby
Pundit Darren Bent is of the opinion that Tottenham Hotspur winger Heung-min Son is the only player from his team who would make it into the Arsenal XI. These comments came ahead of the north London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (September 15).
The South Korea international operates on the left flank, where the Gunners don't have a sure-shot starter. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are the players fighting for minutes on that wing.
When asked if Son would get into the Gunners XI ahead of Martinelli, Bent replied (via The Boot Room):
"That's the only one. Probably, yeah."
Emmanuel Petit, who was also present on talkSPORT chatting with Bent, added:
"Even without Odegaard and Declan Rice, I stick with the Arsenal players."
Captain Martin Odegaard is most likely to miss this tie due to injury, while Declan Rice is suspended. Andy Goldstein then suggested that James Maddison could feature in a combined XI, to which Petit responded:
"Maybe. So maybe two players maximum, even when Odegaard and Declan Rice aren't there. You have your answer (who will win north London derby)."
Son is, however, a crucial player for Spurs and, as we have seen in the past, can create something from nothing. So far this season, he's played all three Premier League matches of the new campaign, bagging two goals.
He will certainly need help from the rest of the squad if they are to overcome their north London rivals. The last time these two sides met at this ground, Arsenal emerged victorious by a 3-2 scoreline.
Ray Parlour suggests Jorginho can step in for Arsenal star Declan Rice in north London derby
Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour claims Jorginho could be the man to step in and do the job, with Declan Rice suspended for the weekend's north London derby against Spurs.
The Italy international has yet to make an appearance this season but performed well when called upon in the previous campaign. Speaking to The Sun, Parlour said (via Metro):
"Jorginhno won't be used a lot but he's probably a big influence in the dressing and can come in, when needed, to do a brilliant job for the team."
With Jorginho likely to partner Thomas Partey at the base of the Arsenal midfield, it will be interesting to see who replaces Martin Odegaard further forward. Kai Havertz could drop into the midfield, allowing Gabriel Jesus to occupy the number nine position.