Spurs vs Arsenal

October 28, 2005 Tottenham Hotspur can beat bitter rivals Arsenal at the 13th time of asking on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners have won eight and drawn four of the last 12 cup and league matches against Spurs since their last defeat in November 1999.
 
Spurs have made their best start to the season in more than a decade and currently lie in third spot, a full five places higher than the Gunners. Martin Jol has watched his side lose only once in their opening 12 league matches, and that was against the defending champions.
 
It is hard for the neutral fan not to be impressed by how Spurs are progressing with a whole host of next generation England players now in the ranks. Recent signing Jermaine Jenas looks far happier than when in the Northeast, and had his best moment in a Spurs shirt when striking a glorious freekick at Old Trafford last weekend.
 
A 1-1 draw against Manchester United will have done wonders for morale at Spurs, especially as they know all three points were there for taking but for a rare Paul Robinson blunder. They were also unfortunate not to win there last term.
 
While Arsenal haven’t made their best start to a season, they have still won five of the previous six league and cup matches. There may be numerous injuries, but there are still plenty of talented youngsters waiting for their chance to shine.
 
Perhaps the most crucial aspect about the 3-0 victory over Sunderland in midweek was the return of Sol Campbell. The England centre-back is a rock at the heart of the Arsenal defence, although his presence will only add to what should be a far more intense atmosphere at White Hart Lane than normal.
 
Naturally for such a massive game, there will be plenty wondering who is in charge. That honour goes to Steve Bennet who in his eight Premiership matches has booked 30 and sent off 2. Saturday afternoon will be his most difficult assignment yet and it wouldn’t be totally surprising if several names find themselves into his notebook.
 
It should be noted that this fixture over the past five years has seen a total of only 17 players booked. However,  on none of those occasions though were Spurs realistically challenging for a Champions League spot.
 
This time they are and that should really spice up the occasion, especially if the Arsenal squad have been listening to Martin Jol predictions about Spurs overtaking Arsenal. Unfortunately, it isn’t all positives for those interested in the bookings markets, as Edgar Davids is suspended.
 
Sporting are quoting the books at 48-52, and while I wouldn’t put anyone off buying, stakes should be kept to a reasonable level given Davids won’t be involved and this fixture last exploded almost six years ago.
 
As for the result, despite the loss of Egdar Davids, Spurs should be backed at 19/10 to see of the Gunners. The loss of Thierry Henry is a huge loss to the visitors, especially for such a crucial game.
 
 

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