THE SHARPE END: Arsenal look to attain uncommon feat of three wins on the spin away to Tottenham however they’ll miss Martin Odegaard’s inventive spark if he’s out

It by no means was like this. On north London derby day you might make sure of 1 factor: the crew on their very own turf would get one thing. They wouldn’t lose, that’s for certain, to not them. 

Earlier than January final yr, the final time an away facet gained the derby was in 2014 when Tomas Rosicky scored after 72 seconds at White Hart Lane to seal Arsenal’s first victory there within the league since 2007. 

But Mikel Arteta’s facet have taken bragging rights on their final two visits. They’ve by no means gained three in a row within the PL period and never since 1988. Will they? Discuss portray the city purple… 

Dwelling sides dominate north London derbies 

Solely 9 PL north London derbies have been gained by the away facet within the PL period.

Goalless draw vastly unlikely  

At the very least we all know it gained’t be goalless. No floor has hosted extra PL video games with out seeing a 0-0 draw than Tottenham’s (101). 

No floor has hosted extra Premier League video games with out seeing a 0-0 draw than Tottenham’s 

Odegaard’s absence may hurt Arsenal 

The anticipated absence of captain Martin Odegaard may closely have an effect on Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out injured captain Martin Odegaard. Wishful pondering or manifesting on his behalf, maybe, however with good motive. 

Odegaard is Arsenal’s inventive spark, sure, however that’s not the place Arteta will miss him most. He’s essential to how Arsenal press excessive up the pitch. With out him they win much less and lose way more. If he’s out, as anticipated, Spurs should take benefit. 

Odegaard’s creativity helps make Arsenal tick 

PS Earlier than this weekend, solely Fernandes, Pascal Gross and Kevin De Bruyne made extra possibilities than Odegaard (280).