Thomas Frank will aim to win his first North London Derby against Arsenal this weekend
As the final international break of the year comes to an end, Tottenham prepare to face local rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby this weekend. The Lilywhites make the short trip to the Emirates Stadium for a blockbuster Premier League showdown. It has not been a favourable venue for Spurs in recent years, with their last away win against the Gunners coming all the way back in 2010.
Thomas Frank may need a little help from the footballing gods if he is to guide the Lilywhites to their first victory over Arsenal in just over three years. Mikel Arteta’s side are in excellent form, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to four points. They have also looked solid defensively and remain unbeaten at home in the league this season.
Spurs, however, have also performed well on the road under Frank. The Lilywhites are unbeaten away from home this season, winning four of their five league matches. Supporters are far more confident of securing a result when Frank’s team travels, as the Dane’s pragmatic approach tends to work effectively against top opposition in hostile environments.
Even so, Frank may need to make some tactical adjustments to his starting eleven to have any chance of securing an unlikely result against Arsenal. Here is a look at what the Spurs’ manager could consider causing an upset away from home…
Destiny Udogie needs to start as left-back
More often than not this season, Frank has chosen to deploy Djed Spence at left-back. While the England international has played a key role in helping Tottenham register eight clean sheets in all competitions, he has been predictable in attacking areas. Being naturally right-footed, Spence struggles to offer the width required on the left flank, which limits Spurs in the final third.
It may be time for Frank to turn to Destiny Udogie and allow the Italian to play in his natural position on the left side of the defence. The 22-year-old made a strong impact against Manchester United before the international break, providing the assist for Mathys Tel’s equaliser. He is far more effective in advanced areas and offers greater attacking contribution.
Udogie’s natural left foot also enables Wilson Odobert to cut inside while he provides the width. The defender is still regaining his rhythm after recovering from injury, so Frank should give him the minutes he needs to build on his impressive performance against United.
Wilson Odobert deserves to start on the left-wing
Despite his poor showing against Copenhagen, Frank opted to start Richarlison on the left flank against Manchester United in Spurs’ last Premier League fixture. The Brazilian struggled to influence the game, failing to link up effectively with Randal Kolo Muani and lacking the speed needed to exploit the wide areas on the counter. He rarely beat his marker and looked off the pace.
The match changed only when Frank introduced Wilson Odobert. The Frenchman immediately caused problems for United’s defence, creating danger on the left wing and combining well with fellow substitute Udogie. He carried over his bright display from the Copenhagen match and played with renewed confidence.
Odobert capped off his lively performance with a stoppage-time assist for Richarlison, making a strong case for a place in Frank’s starting eleven. While his end product still needs refining, the winger’s explosive pace and ability to evade pressure make him an ideal option against a disciplined Arsenal defence. His attributes also suit a counter-attacking approach, which Spurs may adopt at the Emirates.
Mathys Tel is the right option to start up front
Mathys Tel has been overlooked by Frank on several occasions this season, but the young forward has impressed whenever he has featured. The Frenchman brings a different dynamic to Tottenham’s attack and appears to be a better option than Richarlison in the #9 role, especially with the Brazilian struggling for confidence after a bright start to the campaign.
Supporters were quick to point out that Tel achieved more in five minutes than Richarlison managed in 84 during Spurs’ last league match against Manchester United. The 20-year-old entered the game late on with Spurs trailing and immediately made an impact, controlling Udogie’s low cross, turning Matthijs de Ligt, and calmly finishing past Senne Lammens to equalise.
Tel is growing in confidence and needs regular minutes to showcase his full potential at N17. He would also offer something different up front, troubling Arsenal’s centre-backs with his movement and directness. With Gabriel sidelined through injury, the Gunners lack pace at the back, making Tel the ideal candidate to start the derby. His ability to run the channels and link up with Odobert and Xavi Simons could cause significant problems.
Securing three points at the Emirates remains a difficult task for Tottenham, but an upset is certainly possible. A win would deal a major blow to Arsenal’s title ambitions, while also helping the Lilywhites close the gap on their North London rivals.