Tottenham face London rivals Arsenal on Sunday. Tottenham beat Belgian side Anderlecht on Thursday evening while Arsenal suffered their biggest Champions League defeat at the hands of German side Bayern Munich. So ahead of the derby we spoke to ReadArsenal.com writer Sam Baker to get his thoughts on the season so far.
1. How do you feel your season has gone so far?
The season has been mixed so far. Our opening games were shaky and left us wondering if we were set for another disappointing season, and with the side struggling in the Champions League things weren’t looking great. However, it seems we have picked up momentum and look capable of beating anyone, especially after the wins against Munich and United, they were huge wins and no doubt boosted the confidence of our whole side.
2. Who has been Arsenals best player so far this season?
There have been a couple of standout players, Ramsey before his injury, Sanchez when he rediscovered his shooting boots and, of course, Mesut Ozil who seems to have found his rhythm and is shutting his critics down. I feel, however, that Petr Cech has been our best player this season. Too often in the last decade we have lost points due to silly goalkeeping mistakes, and sure Cech made a couple in his first couple of games, but overall he has been outstanding and has reminded us of the benefit of having a world-class keeper between the sticks.
3. What area of the team would you like to strengthen in January?
In January, I would like a couple of signings. We need an interim replacement for Debuchy, someone who is willing to be used as when they are needed until Jenkinson returns next year and challenges Bellerin. I would also like another left-mid. Sanchez is brilliant, but we don’t have a natural substitute for him, I don’t like Wenger’s tactic of utilising Wilshere and Ramsey on the wings. Also another central midfielder. With Arteta, Rosicky and Flamini on the way out, we need a youngster with potential who we can have confidence in to play any game in the season.
4. What have you made of Tottenham’s start to the season?
Tottenham seems to have found their mojo this season. Obviously they are outside of the top four at the moment, but they are right on the heels of United and Leicester. I have been impressed with the improved defensive aspect to your game and feel as though you will definitely be more trouble than you have been in the last couple of encounters.
5. Which Spurs player would have in the Arsenal side?
There are two of your players that stick out. For me, Son is a fantastic signing and is one that I would welcome into the Arsenal team. The other is Eriksen, I have always been a fan of the Dane and it was a real shame when you snatched him from Ajax.
6. What’s you best memory of Tottenham V Arsenal?
There are a lot of good memories surrounding Arsenal vs Tottenham, winning the League at your ground, the 5-2 demolition and Thierry Henry’s legendary goal. For me, though, I loved Rosicky’s goal. It was such an outrageous finish from a very poor lay off from the Ox. Really, he had no right to score it, he had all four defenders plus the keeper in the way and it was such a tight angle, but when it hit the back of the net, you can bet I was ecstatic.
7. Where do you see both sides finishing at the end of the season?
Realistically, I don’t see us winning the league again this year. Second is a very realistic target, obviously it would be nice to win the league after such a long wait, but I feel our lack of action in the summer window crippled any chance we had of winning the league. With the way that Chelsea have been struggling, you have got to suggest that Spurs have a genuine chance of claiming fourth or even third. United aren’ t anything special this season and Leicester are riding their luck a bit. Once the season calms down I can see you securing a Champions League spot.
We would like to thank Sam Baker for taking the time to answer the questions. We would love to hear your thoughts and scores for Sunday’s game or tweet us @ReadTottenham.
