Heurelho Gomes had been below average for most of last season, making terrible mistakes but he had his best game in the match against us. Unfortunately, he managed to keep everything out and Spurs edged the fixture 2-1. Spurs are on the way up again, becoming a force to reckon with once more. I've never been this excited about a North London Derby before and maybe it just shows that the fixture is regaining its importance. Or maybe I'm just really optimistic after we beat them 4-1 at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup this season.
We've been in resilient form this whole season but our less that convincing performances at the Emirates this season must be gnawing on Wenger's conscience. But we have positives in the form of Nasri and Wilshere, the latter having confirmed his match fitness a few minutes ago. Nasri is having the most consistent season of his life, and we all know how influential he is to the game while Fabregas is out. He, along with Wilshere were the Men of the Match in the 4-1 victory over Spurs. On the other hand, Gareth Bale has been absolutely PHENOMENAL this season. After his performance and goal against Arsenal at White Hart Lane in 2007, I knew he'd be something special. We won that game 3-1 anyway.
Harry Redknapp is going to have a headache about his priorities. He'll be caught between pushing towards another year in the Champion's League or going all out for this year's. Spurs have a game against Werder Bremen and that's massive because if they win, they qualify for the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Wenger is going to have a midfield headache as almost our whole midfield is match fit, but I'll get to the team selection later. Jermain Defoe is back for Spurs, and this spells trouble for the Gunners as he's a game changer. Defoe, Bale, van der Vaart, Pavlyuchenko. It just isn't the same Tottenham side, they've got better.
Arsenal need to be solid defensively, because if they can keep the ball, then Spurs will never get it. Fabianski's been good this season, making only one high profile error, which, incidentally, is good for an Arsenal keeper. Djourou and Squillaci will keep their places in the centre, but I think that Squillaci is a liability. If any forward targets him for his lack of pace, it's a goal. Fortunately, only Didier Drogba has had the brains to do that this season. Sagna will be the next right-back to check Bale, and I hope he's up to it. Clichy will stay at left back as usual, but the headache's the midfield. I would go with Fabregas in the central and Song in the holding position. Nasri could play attacking on the right, with Wilshere playing the loose central midfield role with Fabregas. I'd place Rosicky on the left side, but I know that Wenger is going to give Arshavin a start on that side. I think Rosicky's creativity would be a plus for this game, but Arsene will give the place to Arshavin for his work rate and assists, and I see where he's coming from. Van Persie isn't matchfit, so Chamakh will start up front and he'll be an aerial threat. We've got enough in our ranks to jolt Spurs, so it'll be a good game.
If we beat Spurs tomorrow, then we go on top until Chelsea play. If Chelsea win or draw, we're still second but it's a realy good position to be in with more than a third of the season over. It's been the most open season in recent history, with teams like Newcastle, Bolton and Sunderland playing well home and away and with teams like Villa, Birmingham, Wolves and City playing well at home. Call me optimistic, but I'm going for ANOTHER 3-1 to the Gunners, especially if Cesc plays like how he did against Braga. Being different from the previous fixtures, we've got to keep our concentration for the whole 90 minutes. The key men to watch out for, Fabregas and Gareth Bale will make this an exhilarating fixture.
Let's paint North London red.
Come on, you Gunners.
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