Look out for Frimpong!
Derby day is upon us again as the Gunners travel to White Hart Lane. Spurs are the favourites heading into the match, but Arsene Wenger’s squad have won their last three games. Emmaneul Adebayor will most likely (definitely) play an important part in the match on Sunday.
Injury News: Laurent Koscielnly is very doubtful to play, while Theo Walcott and Gervinho will have fitness tests on Saturday or Sunday to determine their fate. Arsene Wenger said that Sebastien Squillaci is healthy but not match fit. Another phantom injury to keep a mediocre player out of a match.
Speaking of phantom injuries, there is absolutely no chance that Manuel Almunia will make an appearance at White Hart Lane. Almunia has seemingly been collecting his cash this season and doing little else. The Spanish keeper has been sent to West Ham on loan for one month. Gooners around the world are dancing in the streets.
Our old friend Emmanuel Adebayor has a new kit. This season the emotional striker will be playing in the despicable all-white shirt. Every Arsenal supporter remembers when Adebayor ran the length of the pitch after scoring for Manchester City.
Adebayor has issued an apology to Arsenal fans for that celebration, but he will not hesitate to score (from ESPN): “What happened two years ago was an accident and I do apologise to all the fans of Arsenal. Sometime the emotions, we cannot control them, we are all human beings. I regret what I have done and I say sorry to everyone but at the end of the day sorry doesn’t change anything. For me it’s over.
“I’m looking forward to playing against Arsenal again on Sunday but believe me, if I have a chance to score, trust me I will score but as for the celebration, never in my life will I do something like that again.”
It was not an accident. A mistake, yes, but not an accident. Sprinting the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the away Gooners is not an accident. Arsenal fans have not forgiven Adebayor, and the away fans will certainly give him hell on Sunday. Frimpong will be gunning for him too.
Arsene Wenger said that the focus should be on the match and not Adebayor (from Arsenal.com): “That [abusive chants] is what you don’t want. You want people to support the team in a positive way, all the hate [is unacceptable].
“A football game is a fantastic day that everyone has to enjoy and with a positive atmosphere it is even more fantastic. So let’s get our fans to get behind our team and forget about the rest.
“If the game is great the attention will be on the game.”
Arsenal are entering the match with the confidence of three consecutive victories. The Gunners beat Shewsbury Town in the Carling Cup before smashing Bolton. On Wednesday night, Arsenal beat Olympiacos 3-1 in the Champions League. Remember when Tottenham played that one season in the Champions League?
Spurs are coming off two wins. They slipped past Wigan last week and beat Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night in the Europa League.
Some pundits are suggesting that Tottenham have past Arsenal in the Premier League power structure. Arsene Wenger said that it is simply not the case (from Arsenal.com): “At the moment we have been in the Champions League for 14 years and that is all we can say.
“Tottenham is a good side, I agree, and we have to try to be better and that is what we try to do. I believe the consistency has been on our side, but Tottenham has a huge potential. They played Shamrock Rovers on Thursday night and were sold out, so that is a massive potential.
“But we are at the end of September and the season finishes in May. Don’t come to quick conclusions about teams – there is a long way to go.”
I love how Wenger took the time to mention “Thursday night” and “Shamrock Rovers.” Meanwhile, his team has been Champions League regulars. But the pundits and writers will continue to praise their best friend Harry Redknapp.
Despite all my tough talk, it is difficult not to be nervous about this game. Our defensive frailities are still evident, but Per Mertesacker has been learning quickly. Alex Song, who played well at centre-back on Wednesday, may get another start at the back because of injuries.
As we have witnessed the last few seasons, anything can happen in a North London derby. My prediction: Plenty of goals and drama.
Match: Tottenham v Arsenal
Location: White Hart Lane
Kickoff: Sunday at 16:00 BST
Television: Sky Sports
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