Tottenham vs Arsenal Prediction: 15/9/2024

Tottenham, a regular contender for the top four in recent years, has fallen short over the past two seasons. However, last season under new manager Ange Postecoglou showed promise. Spurs finished 5th in the Premier League, just two points behind the Champions League spots.

Although they missed out on Europe’s top competition, they secured a place in the Europa League group stage. Determined to improve this season, Tottenham began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Leicester before thrashing Everton 4-0. Despite a spirited effort, Heung-Min Son’s side lost 2-1 to Newcastle in their most recent match.

Arsenal, having come close to the Premier League title in both 2023 and 2024, is edging nearer to ending their title drought, which dates back to the Invincibles season of 2004. The Gunners have started this season strongly, winning their first two matches against Wolverhampton (2-0) and Aston Villa (2-0). However, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton just before the international break. Arsenal will also kick off their Champions League campaign against Atalanta next Thursday.

Tottenham’s attacking options are limited due to injuries, with summer signing Solanke and Brazilian international Richarlison unavailable. Additionally, key defender van de Ven is a doubt. Spurs will rely on captain Heung-Min Son, who has already scored twice in the Premier League.

Young French winger Odobert, a summer recruit, could also feature, while playmaker James Maddison, with two assists to his name, is expected to play a crucial role. Tottenham saw several departures over the summer, including Skipp, Emerson, Rodon, Sessegnon, Ndombele, Dier, Hojbjerg, Bryan Gil, and Solomon. In return, they brought in Gray, Bergvall, Solanke, Odobert, and Min-hyeok Yang.

Arsenal faces their own injury challenges, with new signing Mikel Merino, striker Gabriel Jesus, and defenders Tomiyasu and Tierney all sidelined. Captain Martin Odegaard and defender Calafiori returned from international duty with injuries, and midfielder Declan Rice is suspended after being sent off against Brighton.

Kai Havertz, who ended last season strongly, has continued his good form with two goals and one assist so far, and he is likely to start alongside winger Bukayo Saka, who has contributed one goal and three assists.

Arsenal also saw changes in their squad, with Smith Rowe joining Fulham, while Ramsdale, Nketiah, Nelson, Lokonga, and Nuno Tavares left or went out on loan. In terms of reinforcements, the Gunners signed goalkeeper Raya permanently, added defender Calafiori, brought in Merino from Real Sociedad, and secured Neto and Sterling on loan.

 

Prediction

Tottenham has struggled at home recently, winning only four of their last 18 Premier League matches, while Arsenal has fared well on the road, securing eight victories in their previous 14 away games. Given their current form and the challenges faced by Tottenham, Arsenal is likely to edge this match.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal