Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has predicted this weekend’s North London Derby to finish all square between the Gunners and Tottenham.
The two sides meet in the latest instalment of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a game that looks crucial to each of their seasons. The Gunners currently top the Premier League standings, and could potentially go eight points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City with success.
Arsenal head into this weekend’s clash having only lost one Premier League match so far this term - that coming at the hands of Man Utd back in September. They were however held to a 0-0 stalemate last time out by Newcastle United to halt their five-match winning run.
However, Spurs could potentially move into the Champions League places with a win and will thus be desperate to halt their near neighbours as the Gunners’ push for the title. Despite what is set to be a competitive affair, former Arsenal star Parlour is expecting the game to end level.
Speaking to Lord Ping, he said: “Form goes out of the window in the North London Derby. Tottenham are struggling right now but if they get a result in the derby then that could turn their season around.
“It's a game that's more for the fans. In my era it wasn't the hardest game of our season, that always came against Manchester United. The North London derby is all about the bragging rights for the fans, being able to go into work on a Monday with the win.
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“If Arsenal continue the great form that they've shown of late then of course they'll go into the game as slight favourites. I think it'll end in a 1-1 draw. I think Antonio Conte is still the right man to lead Tottenham forward.”
Despite that, Parlour has suggested that the Gunners’ habit to start games on the front foot could see them have success against Spurs.
“What I like about Mikel Arteta 's team is that they start games so well,” the 49-year-old added. “In the first 15 minutes they come out of the traps and are right at it.
“I always got told as a youth team player, 'always make sure you win that first tackle' because that puts the team on the front foot and Mikel Arteta has done that. Even in the second half, Arsenal are really quick whereas a lot of teams start slowly to try and ease themselves into the game.”
Following the North London Derby, Arsenal’s Premier League assignments do not get much easier afterwards. They are set to host in-form Man Utd at the Emirates Stadium next weekend.
