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Tottenham Hotspur will be desperate to come out on top when they face Arsenal on Sunday evening in the first north London derby of the season.
Spurs remain without a win in their last six outings against the Gunners, which only adds to the pressure on Thomas Frank’s side to change the narrative.
Frank’s personal record against Arsenal is also not inspiring, as he has just the one win in nine games against Spurs’ rivals.
A victory on Sunday would give Tottenham bragging rights, and it would also reduce the eight-point gap between the two to five.
Spurs players must step up if they have any hope of earning a rare win at the Emirates, but there are three in particular who need to have great games in the derby.
Guglielmo Vicario needs a big derby performance
Guglielmo Vicario has been one of Tottenham’s best players this season. Of course, the Italian has had his bozo moments early on, but of late, he looks to have put it behind him.
Since the fixture against Leeds United before the October break, Vicario has looked unbeatable in goal for Tottenham.
He was good against AS Monaco and Chelsea, just to name a few. Against the French side, he helped Spurs earn a point with several top saves, while against Chelsea, he helped keep the scoreline respectable.
Against Arsenal, he would be vital once more. Keeping Spurs in the game for as long as possible could go a long way in deciding this game if those up top take their chances.
Spurs need Xavi Simons to be creative against Arsenal
It is about time Simons put in a statement performance in a Tottenham shirt. One could count the number of good games he has had since his move, and for a 50 million pounds signing, that is rather disappointing.
There have been glimpses of his quality, but in a north London derby, glimpses would not be enough – he simply has to deliver.
Putting in a top display against Spurs’ bitter rival would be one statement performance, and if Frank opts to start the Dutchman, then he must go in with the mentality that he can make a difference here.
He would be crucial, especially against an Arsenal defence that is watertight. Breaking it down with intricate play and passes is exactly what would be required of the 22-year-old, who must step up and be ready for the physicality of this fixture.
Richarlison needs to be ruthless for Tottenham vs Arsenal
The last time Tottenham secured a victory against Arsenal was back in 2022, with Kane and Son on target for the Lilywhites. The players up top are often the ones who decide such games.
Spurs no longer have the quality of Kane and Son to save them, and now new players must step up.
Richarlison is most definitely going to be the one leading the line, given that Solanke is injured and Muani is also out. The Brazilian simply needs to take his chances and must stay competitive when up against Arsenal’s robust defence.
Chances will be hard to come by, and when they do, he needs to take them because with Arsenal, you do not get many.
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