Despite the fact that these teams faced each other for the first time almost 120 years ago, having played a total of 190 matches, these matches are considered one of the most important in the history of these clubs. Today, in the North London derby, two teams will compete, which are still among the main contenders to fight for the "Premier League" champion title. Just three points behind the league leaders Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur will host Arsenal, who are trailing by six points from the leaders. Eurofootball.com provides you with a review of these matches.
"Tottenham Hotspur" vs "Arsenal"
Date and venue: March 5th at 14:45 at "White Hart Lane" stadium, London;
Referee: Michael Oliver;
Head-to-head history: Arsenal won 80 matches, Tottenham Hotspur celebrated victory in 61 matches, and 49 matches ended in a draw;
Teams' form: Tottenham Hotspur (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), Arsenal (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses);
Tournament situation: After 28 rounds, Tottenham Hotspur with 54 points is in second place, while Arsenal with 51 points is in third place in the Premier League. Leicester City leads the standings with 57 points.
Team news:
"Tottenham Hotspur":
Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele, who missed the last two matches, recovered from a groin injury and will be able to help his team. Dele Alli, who returned to the field from the bench in the last match due to a calf problem, could appear from the start this time.
Tottenham will still be without the injured Clinton N'Jie and Jan Vertonghen.
"Arsenal":
Arsenal fans received two pieces of bad news ahead of this game. Firstly, goalkeeper Petr Cech, will miss the game due to injury and will be replaced by David Ospina. Another loss for the Gunners is in defense - defender Laurent Koscielny also suffered an injury and will not be able to take to the field.
Arsenal will also be without defender Carl Jenkinson and midfielders Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Key facts before the match:
Tottenham lost only one of their last seven Premier League home matches against Arsenal (4 wins, 2 draws);
However, Arsenal won the last head-to-head match at White Hart Line stadium in a league cup match in September;
Tottenham's loss to West Ham ended their previously successful run of six consecutive victories in the Premier League;
Out of the last five matches at White Hart Lane stadium, the hosts won four times, with their only defeat coming against league leaders Leicester City;
Harry Kane scored three times in two league matches against Arsenal. In total, he scored 13 times in 17 matches in London derbies;
Arsenal has lost three matches in a row for the first time since October 2002;
In the last eight away games, Arsenal won only twice (3 draws, 3 losses);
Against the top four teams, Arsene Wenger's students earned 10 points - the best result in the league. Tottenham won 8 points against the first quarter of clubs;
Alexis Sanchez has not scored in the Premier League since October 17, and his goalless streak has reached 11 matches. In all competitions, he has scored only once in the last 10 matches - in the FA Cup match against Burnley.
