Spurs 5 Arsenal 2 Statts??? I wish [-o<
For the previous two seasons, Spurs have promised much, and delivered nothing, as the players form and physical fitness deteriorated markedly and there are tell tale signs already, that the same scenario could be repeated; this because again the Spurs squad is the weakest among the 'big six'.
It has long been apparent a striker of quality , to support the overworked Harry Kane, and a quality playmaker to back up Eriksen were urgent needs , which Pochettino, (for some unfathomable reason known only to him!
) thought to solve by bringing in two discards from other clubs; first Jansen, and then Llorente, and to utilise the always promising, but never delivering Sissoko . Blessed with, by far, the best defensive back four in the EPL, he then virtually gifted Kylie Walker to Guardiola. While providing opportunities to bring on some of the youngsters, notably Trippier, Davis & Winks , Spurs prospects of challenging for the title could hardly said to have been enhanced by these decisions. The long term injury to Lamella & Alderweireld, further compounded and emphasized the weaknesses of this squad.
So here we are again, for the third consecutive season totally without any hope of the EPL title, BUT with the major difference that we have a fully fit squad; a genuine chance of progressing past Juventus into the next round of the Champions league; probably rank as second favourites to City, to lift the FA Cup; and with only Chelsea & Arsenal seriously challenging us for that vital fourth place finish, below City, Utd & Liverpool.
I think the result of tonight's game is vital to both clubs; to Arsenal because defeat would almost certainly end any chance of the club grabbing the fourth spot, cause them to lose the momentum & optimism gained from the clubs successful January transfer activity, and place incredible pressure upon the players to win the remaining trophy open to them.
Arguably the outcome of this game could have more far reaching affect, extending into the summer. I believe that should Spurs lose, and then go on to miss out on a top four finish, and remain trophy less, all the good work put into the club over the last three years will quickly come to nothing, as the likes of Kane, Alderweireld & Dele Ali are lured away to far more glamouress, far better paying clubs.
Liverpool & Palace, to name just two teams, have demonstrated possible solutions to overcome Spurs high pressing game, with quick breaks using a long ball , and one on one situations, (remember the chaos caused by Zaha, & a certain Egyptian weekly impersonating the Scarlet Pimpernel! So I think it is time for Pochettino to make some adjustments to both his preferred formation and tactics, and also display some courage in his selections.
For example 4-3-3. Lloris: Aurier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen & Davis: Dembele, Eriksen & Rose: Moura, Kane & Son.
Bench: Vorm; Dier; Dele Ali; Trippier; Wanyama; Winks; Lamella.
Enjoy the game.
