This weekend saw the title race blown wide open, with victories for North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur putting them two points behind current leaders Leicester City.
Arsenal’s victory over the Foxes put them well and truly back in it, after a disappointing month, whilst Tottenham’s title credentials received a boost with a win over Manchester City- and now there’s genuine belief that Spurs could win their first league title in over half a century.
It could all come down to them and North London rivals Arsenal, who currently trail the Lilywhites on goal difference, and there’s a crucial encounter set for the 5th March at White Hart Lane, which sees the two title contenders clash.
Whilst Spurs, on a remarkable run, look to be the side most in-form, our landlord believes that Arsenal will beat their North London rivals to the Premier League title and he’s backed up his claim with five reasons why.
Hit the image below to see FIVE reasons Arsenal will beat Spurs to the title!
[ffc-gallery]
[/ffc-gallery]
Squad experience
Tottenham’s squad is full of young talents, including that of Harry Kane, Deli Alli and Eric Dier, but this could ultimately prove to be Spurs’ downfall as the season progress. In terms of experience, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are lacking.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have the balance between youth and experience. Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech have all won league titles before, whilst the likes of Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal and Aaron Ramsey have vast experience at international level.
When the going gets tough, Arsenal have the men to rally together and build success upon. Tottenham, meanwhile may see their lack of maturity cost them.
Success in recent years
The last time Tottenham Hotspur won a major trophy, which doesn’t include the League Cup, was in 1991. In the 25 years since then, Tottenham’s only successes have been twice in the League Cup- and even their last their was eight years ago.
Tottenham lack experience of winning things and they lack winners, whereas the Arsenal squad has won back-to-back FA Cup titles. This means that there’s not a single player in Arsenal’s first-team squad that doesn’t have a senior honour to their name.
Even the youngsters like Hector Bellerin have success in their career, which Tottenham don’t.
Arsene Wenger
He many have his criticisms but you wouldn’t swap Arsene Wenger for anyone, especially given his years of service to Arsenal. He masterminded the move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, ensuring Arsenal didn’t lose European football in the process.
Nine years without a trophy is far from ideal but Wenger has built a squad that boasts two consecutive FA Cups, as well as some of the biggest names in world football. Now pushing for the Premier League title, which may well be his last hurrah in his career, you wouldn’t bet against the Frenchman.
Form against title rivals
Arsenal are the only side in the Premier League’s top four to be unbeaten against the sides around them, although they still have to play both Spurs at Manchester City. Perhaps more impressive in this record is the fact that they’ve won three of their four against the top-four this season.
Tottenham may have beaten Manchester City twice and drawn with Arsenal but they also lost at home to Leicester. With Liverpool and Manchester United also to play in the run-in, again sides Arsenal are unbeaten against this year, it could be their undoing.
Ozil & Alexis Sanchez
Tottenham may boast the likes of Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen but Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are a class of player that Spurs do not have, as both Ozil and Alexis are amongst the best in the world in their positions.
Mesut Ozil has 17 assists in the Premier League this season, on course to break the record for the most in a single campaign, whilst Alexis Sanchez has proved to be decisive in the big matches. Whilst the Chilean needs to find his feet after an injury lay-off, you’d expect him to do exactly that.
If Arsenal are to win the Premier League crown, this pair will be crucial and, when compared to Tottenham’s elite players, they’re far superior.
