How would you reflect on Arsenal’s start to the season? A good performance against the champions at Emirates Stadium last time out?
Jamie: “Returning off the back of the historic season that saw Arsenal claim the Champions League title, expectations for the new campaign were sky-high. However, not all has panned out in the way fans would have wanted as the Gunners continue to face new challenges as the season progresses. Draws to Aston Villa and Manchester United, as well as an uncharacteristic loss to Manchester City, put a hole in the side’s title hopes almost immediately. Arsenal looked to gather more confidence in a 1-1 draw against WSL Champions Chelsea, however, that momentum was short lived after a collapsing 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich midweek. Unlike Ho’s Spurs right now, it’s difficult to pinpoint the identity Arsenal are looking to play under. At times the side appear as if they can beat anyone, and then a minor obstacle arrives, and the answers are no longer there. It is safe to say that Arsenal have not been at their best this season.”
The impact Olivia Smith has made since signing for the Club in the summer?
Jamie: “She was the name on everyone’s lips this summer as it became rumoured that she would depart Liverpool. The Reds put a price on her head, and Arsenal were willing to pay the fee to secure her signature in north London. Her debut for the Gunners was exceptional, as a thumping top-corner strike against London City Lionesses made her presence known. She is a direct player who likes to press on to defenders with the ball at her feet, a sort of “I’ll do it myself” aura to her playing style. Since her strong start, Smith has struggled to pick up regular minutes after sustaining a minor hip injury on international duty with Canada. Rotating with Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, she is yet to find her foothold in the Arsenal starting eleven. However, at 21 years of age, it is safe to say that all good things will come with time and Arsenal must nurture her growth as it comes.”
Any other players to keep an eye on this weekend?
Jamie: “Caitlin Foord is always a player that seems to trouble Spurs, and given her recent form for the Gunners, that could be the same this weekend. The Australian has arguably been Arsenal’s best performer over recent weeks, putting on a dignified account for herself against Chelsea last weekend. Leading the press and dragging full-backs into vulnerable positions, I expect the winger to be at her ruthless best.
“You can’t mention an Arsenal team without mentioning Alessia Russo. She was emphatic in both north London derbies last season and it will be interesting to see what her role is on Sunday. Against Leicester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Russo played in an attacking midfield role with Stina Blackstenius as the central striker. This allowed Arsenal to gain control over the central areas using Russo’s hold up play and strong progressive vision. However, it’s probably likely she will return to a striker’s role this weekend in order to press Spurs high and support the wingers inside of the box.”
Anything different tactically from Renée Slagers this campaign?
Jamie: “Last season for Arsenal was a season of fairytale as they overcame Jonas Eidevall’s departure to go all the way to lifting the Champions League in Lisbon. However, there were concerns in the pre-season as to how the side would progress this season without the push of underdog adversity. With a squad full of exceptional talent, it wouldn’t be harsh to say that the side are underperforming under Renée Slegers this season. The Head Coach has often fallen victim to routine substitutions that allow the opposition to pick apart her tactics, leaving Arsenal answerless in some situations. She has struggled in the absence of injured spearheads Leah Williamson and Kim Little, and the players stepping into their places seem to lack the clinical edge that they used to have. Formation is almost always the same, but the personnel seem to be caught up in the confusion of what each player’s role actually is. With the WSL title almost already gone and Champions League in disarray, Slegers will need to get a foothold on what her identity is as a Head Coach of this side. The north London derby presents Arsenal with a strong opportunity to return to the style of football they so desperately want to play, whatever that may be.”
How do you think it will pan out on Sunday?
Jamie: “Under Martin Ho, Spurs have looked like a side reborn. Each player on the pitch has a role in the system, and it’s clear that the identity Ho is aiming for is already coming up to the surface. The side have identity in the press, and each player knows what pockets to drop into depending on the situation in front of them, something we didn’t see last campaign. Cathinka Tandberg and Olivia Holdt pose a real threat, and one Arsenal will certainly have to watch out for in transition where they are most vulnerable. Defence is often the hardest part of the pitch to immediately improve and Spurs – despite improvement – still seem to have vulnerabilities there against top attacking sides (Man City, London City, Chelsea). Picking up victories against the bottom five sides is something this Spurs side struggled to do last season, and now they arrive on the eve of the weekend of the north London derby with the knowledge that they have beaten this Arsenal side before. However, the north London derby comes at a tricky time for Tottenham because Arsenal must prove that they are the same side that won the Champions League, so there is an assumption that they will show up with more bite than usual. Arsenal’s plethora of attacking talents proved far too much for Spurs last season in 0-3 and 0-5 respective losses. However, that wasn’t Martin Ho’s Spurs. This weekend I expect to see a side that play with a new sense of dignity and identity, but an Arsenal side that know they must get the job done at all costs.”
Watch | Thomas' historic goal in our win over Arsenal in December, 2023