Martin Keown believes Tottenham will stick to their guns vs Arsenal
Arsenal legend Martin Keown insists that the Gunners should replicate the approach that Eddie Howe took against Tottenham Hotspur and acknowledges that winger Gabriel Martinelli should start for the visitors this Sunday.
Spurs are set to host a high-flying Arsenal side at the weekend as the headlines turn to the all-important North London Derby. While the hosts chase Aston Villa to finish in the top four and come through with Champions League qualification, the visitors aim to contend for the Premier League title going into the final run-in of the season.
The Lilywhites, last time they played, were triumphed by Newcastle United at St. James Park as Eddie Howe’s side out-smarted them on all facets of the game. It, possibly, stood as the worst performance from Tottenham since Ange Postecoglou took over the reins at N17. However, Spurs have had two weeks to look back, reflect on their shortcomings, and regroup to bounce back stronger in the upcoming fixtures.
Arsenal legend Keown insists Martinelli must start against Spurs
Former Arsenal player Martin Keown is of the opinion that Mikel Arteta should replicate what Newcastle did against Spurs while insisting that a road-running firepower starts on Sunday to take advantage of the Spurs defensive high line.
‘It is extremely unlikely that Tottenham will change their tactics for this one,’ Keown wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
‘They are a team that prioritizes attacking over defending, even when they go down to nine men!
‘Ange Postecoglou’s philosophy is to push players up the pitch, and that inevitably leaves a high defensive line.
‘That was dismantled in Tottenham’s last game by Newcastle’s lightning-fast forwards, and, with that in mind, Arteta may pick Gabriel Martinelli to make his first Premier League start in nearly two months. His pace could be vital on the left alongside the speed of Bukayo Saka on the right, and they will be capable of latching on to Martin Odegaard’s balls in behind.’
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Trossard or Martinelli, either is going to be a challenge to contain this weekend for Tottenham as both teams prepare for a high-stakes derby.
