Tottenham Hotspur fans are feeling the pressure as they enter the November international break, following a disappointing performance against Manchester United, where they conceded a late equalizer that saw them settle for a 2-2 draw. This frustrating result leaves Spurs with dwindling momentum as they gear up for a crucial clash against their North London rivals, Arsenal, who currently sit atop the Premier League standings.
When Tottenham returns to action on November 23, they will face an Arsenal team eager to maintain their dominance. The weight of this rivalry is intensified for Spurs, especially after a lackluster display in their previous derby against Chelsea, where they were soundly defeated. As they prepare for this highly anticipated matchup, Tottenham is under significant scrutiny to deliver a strong performance in their first North London Derby of this season.
There may be some silver lining for Spurs as they look to exploit potential absences in the Arsenal lineup. The Gunners have kept tight-lipped regarding the fitness of their captain, Martin Odegaard. He is currently traveling with the Norway national team for the international break but will not be participating in any matches. Recent comments from Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed that Odegaard is still “some distance away” from full fitness, which could be a pivotal advantage for Tottenham.
The potential absence of Odegaard, known for his creativity and leadership on the pitch, could level the playing field. In contrast, Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, who has caught Spurs’ attention over the summer, poses a different threat. Eze, although a talented player, does not quite measure up to Odegaard’s level of impact. Nonetheless, Tottenham’s own midfield struggles mean they must focus on their performance rather than relying too heavily on Arsenal’s injury woes.
For Spurs, the challenge will be for key players like Xavi Simons and Rodrigo Bentancur to elevate their games in the face of adversity. As they prepare for what promises to be a fiercely competitive match, Spurs have the opportunity to regroup and come back stronger, with hopes of turning around their season and making a significant statement in this rivalry.