Game of the week

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspurs

Comment: 0 February 20th, 2012 by: admin
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With both squads giving surprise results in their last FA Cup fixtures, fierce rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur face each other at the Emirates Stadium to try and steer their seasons back on track.

The Gunners have been in a slump – possibly one of their worst since manager Arsene Wenger took the helm in 1996. They were handily beaten by Milan 0-4 in the first leg of their Champions League match-up, which almost assures their bowing out of the competition. They also are out of the race for the FA Cup after a Sunderland 2-0 upset.

They desperately need a win in order to restore some order in the club; more importantly, a Premier League victory that will help their struggle to remain fourth in the table. Bit it will not be easy: they battle a Hotspur team that believe they can win it all.

Currently trailing five points against defending champions Manchester United and seven against Manchester City, Harry Redknapp’s boys feel they can pull off an upset. Though they were surprised in the FA Cup by Stevenage holding them to a 0-0 draw, they should handily take care of business in their return tie at White Hart Lane.

Though the Spurs have only won one out of their last five away games in the Premier League, they hold the advantage over the wounded Gunners, after stealing a 3-2 win during their last visit to the Emirates.

The battle of the North Londoners will undoubtedly be intense. They both need the win for their respective reasons – and not one inch of the pitch will be given as breathing space for either squads.

Firing blanks
By Wayne DeVille

The double whammy that struck the Gunners in their last two outings was simply horrible! First, they were shamed at Milan in the Champions League but what rubbed more salt to their wound was their defeat to Sunderland in the FA Cup.

Both away setbacks will hound the team and Arsene Wenger for sure. If they want to wake up from those nightmares, they need to beat Tottenham Hotspur at home. But that’s another tough obstacle to hurdle.

The Spurs won’t mind if they are the visitors. All they think about right now is to stay within sight of leaders City and United and pounce when given a nice piece of daylight. For the Gunners, another defeat would put them in danger of losing fourth spot as well as gaining more ridicule, especially on Arsene’s part.

Wenger and his men could not afford another loss. The Gunners are under heavy pressure and if they don’t watch out, the Spurs might steal the 3 and leave them with more worries to think about.

Locked and loaded
By Jamie McClough

Arsenal have been a bloody mess on the field lately, and their reputation isn’t helping at all.  Their only hope for redemption is to qualify for the Champions League next year.  And with Chelsea tied with them in points, their fourth place position is in danger.

They need a win. Whether they could get it in the hands of Tottenham is another question, and the answer could very well be a no if you look at the numbers.  Their recent form is ridiculous, and Wenger is right to give them a proper scolding.

But nevertheless, this is still a top team who can either pull an upset, or hold Tottenham at a draw.  The Spurs might be good but they’re not unbeatable.  A come-from-behind force could knock them and their expectations off the perch.

Let’s not forget that the Spurs are near-garbage on the road.  One win in 5 away games might not be enough against the Gunners’ 1 loss in 5 at home.

To the Gunners, I say this is your chance to claw your way out from underneath.  As for the Spurs, don’t get your hopes up mates.  I see an Arsenal comeback in the offing.

North London showdown
By Noah Thatcher

Though both teams are in the top quartile of the table, the season has been completely different for either one.  Tottenham Hotspur still believe they’re in contention for the Premier League title and the FA Cup, while Arsenal are struggling to stay in fourth place and are assured of having no trophies this season.

Looking back to their 5 meetings from 2010 until the present, the Spurs have won 3 matches while the Gunners were victorious with 1. A win will do great for both teams – as Tottenham will inch closer to the two Manchester teams while Arsenal will find themselves with some breathing room against Chelsea, Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Unfortunately for Wenger and the rest of the Gunners, their guests (and fiercest rivals) are favourites to beat them at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal seem to have lost their touch and may only find it as they get new players for next season. The Spurs have proven potent and they’ll surely put that in display.

The Spurs will take this in a very close and physical encounter.

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