Match Day Thread Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

please log in to view this image

Sunday 12th July 4.30pm
Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium​

Another dull performance, but no win this time. Plenty more controversy, though. That's also become boring.
Something of a must win game if we're going to do anything with this awful season.
Our opponents are probably thinking along the same lines too, as neither side are particularly happy.
With Liverpool, Villa and Watford to come, they'll fancy their chances to finish strongly.
Can Mourinho grind out a result or will we continue to struggle to create anything?

Arsenal's season has lurched around all over the place and their manager's position has reflected that.
Unai Emery started the campaign off, but he was removed in late November after a meaningless loss.
Defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League group stage having already qualified?
Strange timing, if an understandable overall decision.
Fan favourite Freddie Ljungbjerg replaced him as a caretaker with an eye on the permanent position.

The Swede lasted a month and he managed a solitary success against West Ham in that time.
Mikel Arteta was approached to replace him and he rejoined his old club.
Their form since has improved quite dramatically, though they've drawn too many games.
They look to have a better overall idea of what they're doing and what the plan is.
Losing to Olympiakos and Brighton isn't ideal, of course, but the general feeling is positive.

Our visit to their place earlier in the campaign was another controversial draw.
Eriksen gave us an early lead before Kane doubled it from the spot, as Xhaka senselessly hacked down Son.
Lacazette pulled one back just before the break, as we failed to clear our lines.
Aubameyang levelled things up after Kane struck the post and we threw away a good lead.
Ceballos dragged Alli to the ground late on to add to the talking points, but the score remained deadlocked:

The game at Wembley last season ended in, yes, you guessed it, another controversial draw.
Ramsey gave them the lead after the whole defence let him wander through from miles out.
We wasted various chances to equalise before Mustafi barged Kane in the back to give away a penalty.
He put away the spot kick, which prompted Aubameyang to dive for one at the other end.
Lloris saved their one though, leaving just enough time for Torreira to get a straight red card:

Foyth, Tanganga, Parrott, Alli and Malachi-Walcott miss out through injury, while Dier is still suspended.
Chambers, Leno, Martinelli and Mari are out for the visitors and Ozil is a big doubt.
Nketiah is currently banned, though he's appealing it. Guendouzi is suspended by the club.

Lineups for each side's last league game:

Spurs: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Sissoko, Winks; Lamela, Lo Celso, Bergwijn; Kane.
Subs: Gazzaniga, Sanchez, White, Skipp, Ndombele, Fernandes, Moura, Sessegnon, Son.
League form: DDWLWD.

Arsenal: Martinez; Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Tierney; Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Subs: Macey, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Sokratis, Torreira, Willock, Nelson, Pepe, Nketiah.
League form: LLWWWD.

Ref: Michael "Are you taking the piss?" Oliver. VAR: Paul "Didn't you **** up the last game?" Tierney.

TV: Sky Sports.

How would you like to line up for this one and what would you change from the Bournemouth game?
Would you stick with much of the same lineup, make a few changes or go for a wholesale switch?
Which system and tactics would you use and what are you expecting Arsenal to go with?

 

Trying out some future usernames?

 

I'm not sure if Oliver?Pissed makes it past the forum swear filter.

 

Nketiah lost his appeal

 

Must we endure another game?
'pool are champions*, bottom three are going down. Just stop this nonsense NOW!

 

Michael " backhander" Oliver and Paul " I'll give you a reach round " Tierney , will that make it through the filter ?

 

First NLD in about a decade that I’m not looking forward too... It’s gonna be a tough watch.

Ndombele should start though, looked rusty but was the only player who showed intent when he came on against Bournemouth, he’ll only get better with game time so it’s pointless benching him. Besides, another viewing of Winks and Sissoko in a two or part of a three and I’m gauging my eyes out.

 

Or just don't watch?

 

Yeah that too.

 

Think this is the first ever NLD I have absolutely no interest in!

 

Yep, I’m working Sunday and actually glad I have a valid reason not to watch it

 

With these kind of prospects and record so far this season I expect we will win.

 

Not sure I understand that. Dreading, absolutely. Uninterested never. If we should turn them over it will still make my day, even though I am not expecting it.

 

No banners tomorrow then.

please log in to view this image

 

The leagues worst referee on the pitch and bozo the clown watching the video replays, what can possibly go wrong.

 

All I know is the boys better make sure that the term “form goes out the window in a NLD” definitely stays true today.

There's been a good few times over the years where we were the form side and still got tanked by Arsenal. About time we do the tanking.

And if there’s a game where Son decides he actually wants to turn up post-restart, this is ****ing it.

COYFS!!!

 

Yeah, you're not getting £10 a month...

Just a reminder: The Athletic have assigned this bloke as their Spurs correspondent, even though he supports...go on, have a guess which team he supports. I'll even give you a hint: we play them today

 

It must be terrible to be so insecure you have to create conspiracy theories before a game...

 

If there's an option for when a nailed on penalty is dismissed, then I'm in.