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Arsenal v Tottenham: 5 reasons Spurs will win the North London Derby

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur embrace after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 30: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur embrace after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on April 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

3. Arsenal are short of options up top

Alexandre Lacazette will almost assuredly lead Arsenal’s line in this match. Some Gunners fans may see that as God’s providence, but the lack of alternatives could be a real concern for Wenger.

In fairness, Lacazette is Wenger’s most talented number nine. Alexis Sanchez can certainly play there as well, but he’s better off just behind a central striker. Injuries to Danny Welbeck, Alex Iwobi and Olivier Giroud could force the Frenchman to play the full 90 minutes.

That isn’t something he’s shown a real knack for doing since arriving in England. Wenger’s use of Lacazette has been inconsistent at best. The French gaffer certainly won’t be relishing the thought of having to rely on solely him in this derby.

Tottenham will be delighted not to have to deal with Giroud in particular. The bulky Frenchman has a knack of hurting the Spurs defense late in matches. Fortunately for Pochettino, he picked up a slight knock while on duty with France and has been ruled out entirely.

Tottenham may not have a bevy of options behind Harry Kane, but they’ll have the advantage in striking depth for this match. Ultimately, that could prove to be Arsenal’s undoing.

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