Totts v Arsenal takes a twist.

Morning all.

Liverpool went to West Ham yesterday lunchtime. They went 1-0 down, 2-1 up and then dropped two precious points when West Ham grabbed an equaliser. I wouldn’t go as far to say Klopp’s team is now out of the Premier League title race but like us, they really needed to win all their remaining fixtures just to have a chance of lifting the Premier League

The evening game between Aston Villa and Chelsea ended in a draw which was good for us as it means Aston Villa can no longer match us for points, let alone overtake us. Their draw opens the door for Totts to take 4th place, perhaps 3rd if Liverpool’s bad run continues.

Arsenal make the short trip to Totts today for a 2pm kickoff. Both clubs need a win but for different reasons. I’ve not watched much of Totts since their trip to The Emirates earlier in the season.

Arsenal’s Adrian Clarke on what to expect from the home team:

Postecoglou has repeatedly insisted that his philosophy is set in stone. They will line up in a 4-2-3-1 and from that base they will try to play fast, possession-based football. Spurs average more than a 62 per cent share of the ball, which is second only to Manchester City, so we may have to spend certain spells keeping a robust shape out of possession. Off the ball they will squeeze their back four up to the halfway line in the hope of crowding space and upsetting our passing rhythm. When this ploy works it can have a suffocating effect, and statistically, Spurs do break up play with a defensive action every 8.8 passes; the joint-best record in the division. If we play our way past the press Tottenham’s high defensive line can be exposed and look vulnerable.

James Maddison is a top-class No.10 who creates two chances per 90 minutes in open play. Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner have blistering pace on counters, and Son Heung-Min remains a lethal finisher. His conversion rate this term stands at an impressive 28 per cent. Our job will be to quieten down a vociferous home crowd by controlling the match inside Tottenham territory. Chasing three points, we need to supply our forwards with as much quality service as possible in advanced areas.

Injuries:

Jurrien Timber is the only doubt for today’s match but at least he’s been back in action. Would I be surprised to see him on the bench, absolutely not.

Totts are without Udodge, Skipp, Forster, Sessegnon and Solomon. Richarlison and Porro are expected to return.

The rivalry between the two clubs goes back many many years, the hostility between fans is possibly like no other in the English game. Today though, this isn’t all about a local derby or St Totts Day – it’s about getting three points on the board. Three points which will keep us in the title race. They’ll be at it, we know that and with Champions League football still in their sights, they’ve all to play for.

The game at The Emirates earlier in the season was pretty even. Ange Postecoglou was not long in his new job with the footballing know it alls telling us he was the real deal. Totts were all about attacking and entertaining football and this was going to be a great season for them. On their day, they can be good and when they face Man City, I hope they are brilliant but today, I hope Mikel Arteta’s players are simply too good.

Totts go into this game having had a two week break. Their last fixture was a 4-0 thumping by Newcastle United. Admittedly, it was at St James Park but even so, a battering like that can knock the stuffing out of any team.

Arsenal however, go into this game with a 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea behind them so confidence should be high. No arrogance, just a whole lot of belief. Our midfield will be key and in my opinion, it needs one of Jorginho or Partey alongside Rice. I don’t think this is a game for Zinchenko though, certainly not from the start. Tomiyasu would be my choice but it’s not up to me. Thank goodness eh.

All I’ve heard about Totts is that they’re great in attack, but many a question mark has been raised about their defence. A ball over the top of their high defensive line and we could be in. After all, it’s not like our attacking players lack pace is it, especially if Martinelli starts.

I hope we give them nothing this afternoon. Not a sniff at Raya’s goal and not one decision for referee Michael Oliver to make. No mistakes for Totts to capitalise on and no holding back in front of goal. Be smart, be patient and be ruthless.

Three huge points are up for grabs today, go and get them Arsenal.

Catch up in the comments.