Player-turned-pundit Chris Sutton has backed Arsenal to end their winless streak in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this week.
Arsenal will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium for one of the most highly anticipated games on the English football calendar, the North London derby, on Wednesday, 15th January.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are carrying a three-game winless streak into the game on Thursday. They drew 1-1 with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on 4th January, lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the first leg of their semi-final on 7th January, and finally crashed out of the FA Cup after suffering a shootout defeat to Manchester United in the Third Round.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, are in a much better mood after bouncing back from their four-game winless run with two consecutive victories. They beat Liverpool 1-0 in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg on 8th January before beating Tamworth 3-0 in the FA Cup Third Round on 12th January.
Chris Sutton Looks Beyond Recent Form While Making Arsenal vs Tottenham Prediction
In his BBC column, Sutton disclosed what he expected to see in the upcoming North London derby.
“Arsenal have had a bad week and right now it looks like Tottenham have a better chance of winning a trophy this season than they do,” said Sutton.
“People are quite rightly pointing out that the Gunners are missing chances and, with Bukayo Saka out injured, they are just lacking that spark in attack. Having said all that, maybe they will find it again here, because I think the way Spurs play will suit Arsenal.”
The money spent on transfers by top six clubs since Mikel Arteta took charge in December 2019.
Mikel Arteta took over a side which sat 11th in the table. The dressing room involved an aging squad which was a mess.
Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea have all spent more… pic.twitter.com/WwrIog6vPN
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) January 13, 2025
He added:
“By that, I mean Mikel Arteta’s side can soak up pressure and counter-attack, and even without Saka or a recognised centre-forward, I think they will get chances in this game. It is whether they take them this time. I am backing them to stick a couple away.
“Of course, this derby is really important to Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham in their situation, but the expansive way they play means it is a tall order to expect an unfamiliar defence and new goalkeeper to step up again. I do see Spurs scoring, but they give up a lot of chances. Arsenal have to win this game to hang on in the title race, and I think they will.”
Sutton’s prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
The two teams have locked horns 210 times over the years, with Arsenal winning 88 games, Spurs 67, and 55 matches ending all square.
