North London Derby: Red Or White?

    Remember remember the 5^th of November, Guy Fawkes day is upon them in Britain, and when we look at the recent polls, Americans still cant decide if she is bad while he is worse or the other way round. I’d rather the US elections, Brexit and all the hum dum of political jargon be gotten over with so we can watch something more meaningful on CNN. Anyway V for vendetta was that movie, twisted, cynical  and it rabid dialogue was nothing short of brilliant. How Guy Fawkes goes from villain to a hero is beyond comprehension but hey this world is full of mysteries aint it…..thats ma opinion though.

Guy Fawkes Mask: V for Vandetta

     Back to Arsenal as this is what we do here, please pardon the digression. It’s the north London derby (NLD) at the emirates on Sunday and our first on this blog ……yippee. Arsenal face the first test of their mettle against Tottenham as they begin the fabled “crunch November” in the league. A lot of history in this one since 1992 when both teams met for the 1^st time in the EPL.  From cross carpeting players like Sol Campbel to managers like George Graham and Herbert Chapman (same Chapman with a statue), it really is a stuff of legends.

Arsenals 66 Wins to Spurs 50Wins, Spurs have never finished above the gunners in the league since Arsene came to town. Last season coulda been that season though, after pushing leiceter most of the way it looked like they would get 2^nd place above Arsenal (which they deserved if u ask me) but like the famous Lasgne of 2006, Tottenham bottled it yet again. We aren’t at that point of reckoning yet, just about a third of the league games played. Of the two sides, Arsenal are the form team even though they seemed to be getting themselves into tricky situations and then going on to get themselves out of it, just for the heck of it. One would thing a better team would punish the gunners more with their penchant for school boy defending in recent games. Spurs on the other hand though unbeaten in the league so far, here’s hoping we change that. They seem to have lost some mojo in their last few matches with just one win in four games compared to Arsenal's 3 wins in four. Yes the form guide points to an Arsenal win and I hope for that too….but derby is a derby and this happens to be one of the fiercest rivalries in football where no one wants to end up on the losing side. Form they say goes out the window when it comes to this and the day belongs to the team that shows to want it more. Can Arsenal do that to kill Tottenham’s high pressing game? BIG question that needs our BIG GUNZ to show up BIG time. Can we do that?  Sanchez seems to think so, saying this derby will have everything as he understands what the result  of this particular means to the team and the supporters in terms of morale and bragging rights.

“The Arsenal fans are amazing supporters and that really helps me to perform well, and  we want to give them something to celebrate” speaking to Arsenal.com

    I don’t think anyone can question our energizer bunny’s work ethic. The good thing is his attitude has rubbed of on the likes of Walcott and recently Oxlade who have spoken glowingly about how he gives that bit of extra. Özil is also reverse chipping in with more goals this season than assists so far and I hope he continues with both. Football is a team game and it would require the whole team to stay compact in defending without the ball and clinical when the chances come. Despite Spurs injury worries, without Anderwereld, Kane though proclaimed fit is not likely to start, spurs still posses a threat in Son(Spurs top scorer) Erikson, a fit Kane they are no slouch couch. Remember Arsenal has not won Spurs in the last four league meetings. The midfield will be a key battle area, if we win that, we have better finishers who can convert chances to hurt them real bad. Wenger has a few concerns too and a selection headache albeit a good one. Walcott and Monreal are likely to be back in the side after their short layoff while Santi the magician remains the doubt….still the ankle. My own preferred lineup will be to go with pace in attack and a strong midfield to stifle Dembele and Wanyama. Something like the usual back four with Cech, Nacho and Bellz returning, powerful midfield trio of Coq Xhaka and Ramsey in front of them then a front three of Wally Iwobi and Sanchez. …..yes I am leaving Özil on the bench with Giroud, keep them hungry for the second half. Having said that, I believe Wenger  who knows, will go with the team below depending on injuries(those in bold are almost a guarantee );

Sub: Ospina, Elneny, Jenkinson, Giroud, Ramsey Xhaka, Oxlade.

Predicted Lineups courtesy ; The Uk Guardian.

Whatever the team that's put out, here is hoping the players fight for everything like Sanchez said and get that win for the fans to celebrate. Till tomorrow, do enjoy the match wherever you may be.....Cioa