The Sun

ARE Tottenham genuinely in a relegation battle?

Most would say no chance, even in spite of the atrocious recent run in the league, but consider this.

In 1977 - the last time Spurs went down, finishing bottom of the old First Division - they lost exactly half of their 42 games.

Tottenham this season have been defeated in 11 of their 21 league fixtures which is a marginally worse ratio.

Their current points-per-game average stands at 1.14, which puts them on course for 43 for the campaign.

In the 2008/09 season under Juande Ramos, the team picked up just 20 points after 21 games.

They were slumped down in 19th place ahead of the manager being axed and replaced with Harry Redknapp.

These are just some of the absolutely damning statistics that Spurs fans have been puzzling and poring over the morning after their latest loss in Wednesday’s North London derby.

And they're why many have been calling for manager Ange Postecoglou’s head, with Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit even urging Daniel Levy to sack the Aussie.

Embattled Postecoglou regularly reiterates the need for context in everything and has, with some justification, pointed to a crippling amount of injuries, particularly at the back.

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But whichever way you square it, there is no dressing up how ugly the league numbers are right now.

For Spurs fans, this will read like a particularly painful maths lesson, but pay attention as this is important.

Since the 4-0 battering of Manchester City on November 23 - the standout result of Postecoglou’s tenure - his side have just one win in nine league fixtures.

Never at this stage of the season have Spurs lost more Premier League games.

Ipswich, who inflicted one of the most painful defeats on Postecoglou’s side just before the City tonking, emphasising their inconsistency, are only above the drop zone on goal difference but have lost one fewer game than Tottenham.

In fact, only Wolves, Leicester and Southampton - the bottom three - have suffered more defeats than Postecoglou’s side this term.

The gap to the dreaded dotted line is eight points, so the unthinkable prospect of dropping down to the Championship does not seem a genuine fear right now.

But what is undoubtedly true is Postecoglou’s side are showing relegation form.

It is just five points taken from the last 27 available. Worse still, it is 30 from the last 84, suggesting a malaise in the league that predates the crock crisis.

Missing Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Guglielmo Vicario and more has left the squad badly short, no doubt.

But injuries are hitting most sides now - Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, ten points above Spurs, have just lost their two centre-forwards - and Postecoglou knows if he uses that as an excuse, it will fall on deaf ears.

The 59-year-old, who finished fifth in his first season, has made the argument that most of his side’s losses this term have come by the odd goal and are down to bad “moments”.

But when themes recur, the manager has to take some slice of the blame.

Such as Spurs conceding from a corner for a FOURTH time against Arsenal since the Aussie took charge with the Gunners’ leveller on Wednesday, though the set-piece should have never been awarded in the first place.

Postecoglou has not wavered from his attacking philosophy, even when he has not had the personnel to carry it out, and it could cost him.

Fraser Forster was never cut out to play out from the back like Postecoglou demands.

And though ambidextrous Antonin Kinsky is here now, those losses when Forster was in the team have taken their toll.

His midfield has been too easy to play through too often and Spurs were lucky not to be punished more by a wasteful Arsenal when he picked three No10s in Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall for a middle trio in the second half at the Emirates.

Gunners icon Petit eviscerated Postecoglou in his post-match analysis for talkSPORT.

The World Cup winner said: “When I look at this team, I have no idea what they want to do on the pitch, what kind of system, what kind of movements, even the commitment and the behaviour of the players.

“When you look at the quality individually and collectively in this team, something has been broken.

“They’ve been losing so many games, they’re dropping down the table, they’re not far off the relegation zone.

“We’re talking about a team that should be playing for the top position in the Premier League.

“Something is broken in this team and you can’t sack all of the players and so you have to make the easiest decision and that’s to sack the manager.

“I don’t like saying that and I feel for Postecoglou, but he deserves to be sacked because they are going down game after game, so change something.”

It would be a safe bet to say Postecoglou’s future hinges on four days at the start of February, provided he makes it that far.

They have Liverpool away in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, where they hold a 1-0 lead, and then Aston Villa away in the FA Cup fourth round.

This season has become solely about the cup competitions and Europe which can be Postecoglou’s saving grace.

That is provided they do not actually get sucked into a dropzone dogfight, with a ‘six-pointer’ at Everton up next.

A treble-winner at Celtic, Postecoglou has said that success at Spurs will be all sweeter given what they have had to go through this term.

But some supporters already think things have turned too sour.

It remains to be seen if that is, or soon will be, the view of Levy, who up to now has backed his man.

The Spurs supremo has proved himself to be a canny businessman in turning Spurs into a behemoth with a world-class stadium, albeit one still starved of silverware.

He will know numbers do not make for good reading right now for Postecoglou.

Back in the 2016-2017 campaign, their last at White Hart Lane, Spurs took 53 points at home, alone.

That is ten more than they are on course to win from this entire sorry league season.

ANTONIN KINSKY is a Czech goalkeeper who signed for Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £12.5 million.

The star comes a footballing family, as his dad - who shares his name - was also a professional goalkeeper.

Generational talent

Antonin was born in Prague, on March 13, 2003.

He played youth football for Tempo Prague before moving to Bohemians 1905 and, later, Dukla Prague.

The footballer made his senior debut with Dukla Prague, in a match which saw his team win the Czech National Football League.

When he moved to Slavia Prague, on a four-year contract, he was named the greatest Czech goalkeeping talent of his generation.

He remained with the club until the end of the 2024-2025 season and conceded only one goal during the first nine league matches of the season.

Antonin's success, coupled with his 6ft 3in height, saw him become one of the most sought after goalkeepers in the world.

Signing to Tottenham

On January 5, 2025, Antonin signed for Spurs on a six-and-a-half year deal.

His signing bagged Slavia Prague a reported £12.5 million.

Antonin made his debut on January 8, 2025 in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Tottenham defeated Arne Slot's Liverpool side 1-0 and the youngster, who could be seen cuddling his mother in the crowd, won man of the match.

Antonin became the first Tottenham goalkeeper in 101 YEARS to keep clean sheets in his first two games.

However, his incredible run ended when Arsenal managed to turn around his first North London derby, coming from behind to win 2-1 with the keeper partially at fault for both goals.

Antonin's famous dad

The young keeper has a famous father who shares his name.

Antonin Sr played almost 400 games across the Czech and Russian leagues, making him one of the most accomplished goalkeepers of all time.

He is one of his son's biggest supporters and helped coach him through negotiations with Tottenham.

Antonin Jr told iSport.cz: "I have been listening to my dad until this moment.

"I would not have this chance without him.

"From the start, I considered Tottenham to be a great opportunity, but I waited on a green light from my father.

"The meeting with Mr Levy convinced him."

ANGE POSTECOGLOU has a worse Tottenham record than former bosses Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Spurs' 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last night made it just one win in their last nine Premier League outings.

The North Londoners' awful form has seen them slump to 13th in the Prem table.

Postecoglou, 59, went unbeaten in his first 10 league games in charge last season, winning eight of them.

But that honeymoon period now feels long ago, with Tottenham struggling with injuries and incapable of stringing together strong performances.

The Aussie has won 36 of his 73 games in charge - while drawing 12 and losing 25 - giving him a 49 per cent win percentage.

Conte, 55, lasted three more matches at the helm with 76, winning 41 of them at a percentage of 54 - drawing 12 and losing 23.

Mourinho, meanwhile, took charge of 86 games at the Spurs helm.

The Portuguese achieved a win percentage of 51, triumphing 44 times, drawing 19 and losing 23.

Sandwiched in between the two former Chelsea bosses was Nuno Espirito Santo, who lasted just 17 matches in charge.

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The Portuguese, now flying high with Nottingham Forest, won eight times, drew just twice and lost seven games.

Tottenham's last truly long-term manager was Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine, who transformed Tottenham into legitimate contenders both in the Premier League and in Europe, managed 293 games as Spurs boss.

He won 159 of them, giving him a win percentage of 54, drew 62 and lost 72.

Tottenham's lowest finish since Pochettino's appointment was eighth in the 2022-23 campaign - although they are currently on track to be worse this time around.

ARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby.

Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.

But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner asGabriel Magalhaes' header was bundled in as an own goal byDominic Solanke.

Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.

Here's how the players rated...

David Raya - 6

Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.

Jurrien Timber - 6

Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.

William Saliba - 6

Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 8

Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 8

Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.

Thomas Partey - 7

Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.

Declan Rice - 7

Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.

Raheem Sterling - 5

Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.

Martin Odegaard - 6

Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.

Leandro Trossard - 6

Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.

Kai Havertz - 4

Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.

SUBS

Gabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) - 5

Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.

Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) - 6

Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) - 6

Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.

ARSENAL cannot hit a barn door – but they have somehow given Liverpool something to think about in this Premier League title race.

The Gunners displayed yet more of their attacking frailties in a North London Derby bereft of much quality or spark.

Fourteen shots against Tottenham and just one 40th minute goal from Leandro Trossard, and another – a Dominic Solanke own goal – from a corner that should never have been given.

It cancelled out Heung-Min Son’s deflected 25th minute opener that briefly sent shivers down the spines of a nail-biting Emirates.

The gap at the top is now just four points to Arne Slot’s fumbling Reds, who still have that game in hand. Arsenal continue to trip over their own feet, but moving forward they continue to do.

If Mikel Arteta’s men can cling on like this playing this averagely, just imagine the sort of run they can put together when Bukayo Saka makes his hero’s return from a hamstring injury.

Not that Ange Postecoglou’s injury-plagued Spurs put up much of a fight, now just eight points off the bottom three in 13th without a win in their last five league games.

After being taken to extra-time by part-timers Tamworth in the FA Cup, Ange ripped up his starting XI with four changes, bringing back old faithfuls Son, Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski.

Arteta went one better with five changes – Declan Rice and Thomas Partey returned to the midfield while Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling sandwiched Kai Havertz up top.

Clearly, this was not an attacking threesome brimming with confidence. Sterling was making just his third Prem start since joining the club – his last coming in October in a defeat to Bournemouth.

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Havertz lead the line again despite still being shaken by the vile abuse his pregnant wife received on Instagram in the wake of his shoot-out miss in the shoot-out loss to Manchester United.

Gabriel Jesus ruptured his ACL in that FA Cup third round exit, joining Saka in the medical room – the England star watched his side warm-up from the sidelines on crutches as he recovers from hamstring surgery.

The Arsenal players walked onto the pitch donning a shirt with his name and No.9 on the back with the message ‘Stay Strong Gabby’.

And the hosts started strong, sticking to the script of their last two outings – producing 49 shots and one goal – of dominating proceedings, wasting half-chances before giving the opposition hope.

Inside a fizzing and crackling atmosphere at the Emirates, Havertz went into full derby-mode straight away, flying in with a sliding tackle as Myles Lewis-Skelly nearly put in Sterling through the middle.

Then came the set-pieces. Three corners inside the ten minutes was a real test for this put-together Spurs back four, but they dealt with it well, especially new keeper Antonin Kinsky.

Martin Odegaard crossed for Rice at the far post and Trossard had an attempt blocked by Archie Gray.

Ange was left frustrated by ref Simon Hooper with a few 50-50 fouls, but in truth, this young Spurs group were getting battered and bullied by Arsenal’s burly giants.

Kinsky started to look nervy, charged down by an onrushing Havertz before smothering well. The Czech then nearly did the same way out of his box minutes later.

But the tide was turning. Djed Spence stormed down the left and with the outside of his boot picked out Solanke but for a brilliant Gabriel interception.

Arsenal were ragged and loose. Pape Sarr was allowed to run over 60 yards to win a corner, and from there, the visitors pounced with an unlikely but completely inevitable opener.

Gabriel headed away a short corner to Son, so unmarked that he was able to watch the looping ball onto his boot and cushion a shot off the foot of William Saliba and past a helpless David Raya.

Son shushed the crowd, and the home supporters obliged, collapsing into nervy silence.

Yet the answer came from Arsenal’s seventh corner of the game. Rice’s in-swinger targeted the far post.

Kinsky on this occasion was blocked and Gabriel evaded Radu Dragusin to nod in off Solanke.

It should not have counted of course. Trossard’s cross bounced off Pedro Porro and back onto the leg of the winger before trickling out.

Ange was seething. He also felt Sarr had been fouled by Lewis-Skelly in the build-up.

Four minutes later, Yves Bissouma then lost the ball in his own half to Partey.

Odegaard broke and fed Trossard, that tricky little Belgian involved again, this time doing what his teammates have not done in a long time: whack a ball towards goal with anger and see what happens.

It smacked the side-netting through a weak, flappy Kinsky wrist and Trossard celebrated by cupping his ears to an unwelcoming away end.

Surprisingly, but not really, Ange went for broke at the break. James Maddison and Brennan Johnson were thrown on leaving his side top heavy and exposed.

It led to a disjointed, end-to-end second half, like two groggy boxers throwing biggun’s without really landing anything.

Havertz had a header straight at Kinsky and Odegaard missed a sitter late on. Spurs had a few decent counters that left Raya unmoved.

Arsenal, incredibly, are still alive. Spurs' season is on life support.

ARSENAL came from behind to defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the North London derby.

Son Heung-Min had given the visitors the lead in the 25th minute against the run of play.

But as they have done so often, the Gunners scored from a corner asGabriel Magalhaes' header was bundled in as an own goal byDominic Solanke.

Leandro Trossard then put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time with an fine finish.

Here's how the players rated...

David Raya - 6

Spectator until kept out Kulusevski shot midway through first half, then beaten by deflection for Son goal. Didn’t make a save in second half.

Jurrien Timber - 6

Solid enough defensively to keep Son Heung-Min mostly quiet but less sure of himself going forward, wasting good chances to cross.

William Saliba - 6

Untroubled until Son’s shot went in off him. Started second half hesitantly but kept his concentration to minimise Tottenham openings.

Gabriel Magalhaes - 8

Brilliant interception to deny Solanke then decisive at other end to force equaliser. Excellent against Solanke twice more in calm and steadfast second half.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - 8

Fine pass to play in Sterling set tone for excellent, mature, all-round display from second youngest Arsenal player to start a North London derby.

Thomas Partey - 7

Strong presence who won the ball back well, not least ahead of Arsenal’s second goal. But sometimes looked vulnerable to Spurs’ pace on break.

Declan Rice - 7

Covered lots of ground and finally found a good set-piece delivery to create equaliser. Still not quite at his best, but much closer.

Raheem Sterling - 5

Saw plenty of ball, but with little end product, including golden chances at start of both halves. Curiously reluctant to take on his man. Deservedly hooked.

Martin Odegaard - 6

Prompted and probed without finding killer pass but released Trossard for second goal. Missed chance to make it 3-1, fewer signs of return to form than Rice.

Leandro Trossard - 6

Frustrated home fans with lack of killer instinct and poor decisions until he fired Arsenal in front. Did little after break to merit staying on for so long.

Kai Havertz - 4

Barely involved first half apart from nicking ball off Spurs keeper Kinsky. Headed wide from close range early in second. Nothing coming off for him.

SUBS

Gabriel Martinelli (for Sterling, 61) - 5

Slow to get up to speed and contributed little apart from one penetrating run into the box and a blocked shot.

Kieran Tierney (for Trossard, 77) - 6

Brought on to shore things up and did it well enough.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (for Lewis-Skelly, 87) - 6

Useful legs for dying minutes, almost created chance.

Live Blog

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC

Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE SCORE: Premier League clash on NOW as Son fires Spurs ahead in North London derby – updates

Spurs' skipper breaks the deadlock

ARSENAL are taking on fierce rivals Tottenham in a huge Premier League clash RIGHT NOW.

Spurs skipper Son Heung-min fired the visitors ahead with a superb volley against the run of play on 25 minutes.

The headline team news from the Emirates is that Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard replace the injured Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, who starts on the bench.

TV channel: TNT Sports 1

Live stream: discovery+

Arsenal team: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard

Tottenham team: Kinsky, Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence, Bissouma, Sarr, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Solanke, Son

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Follow our live blog below...

Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

He seemed to be trying to prevent the game being restarted.

Arsenal have it all to do here now, despite their domination, they trail in the North London derby.

Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham

The cauldron of noise has now turned into a North London library.

As a cross comes in, Son takes it on the volley and shows great technique to stroke it into the bottom corner of the goal.

It did seem to take a slight deflection on the way through, not that it will matter to the visitors.

Goal - Son Heung-min (Tottenham)

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

As a corner comes in, Arsenal fail to deal with it and it drops to Kulusevski.

He skips past his man and has a sight of goal but goes for the near post and Raya parries it behind for another corner.

That is the difference between a decent Premier League player and a world class one right there.

The Spurs winger should have been looking to shoot into the far corner there.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

The Tottenham keeper is making Raya look like Pirlo his passing range.

Spurs counter and a dangerous ball into the back post almost finds Solanke but Saliba puts it behind for a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

He seems to feel confident with the ball at his feet but every game he has played in for Spurs so far, he has got himself into trouble either dwelling on the ball or playinng a loose pass.

All that matters so far is that it has not cost his side a goal.

Around the grounds - half time

Not many goals about this evening - just Alexander Isak doing what he does best.

The Toon forward continues his remarkable scoring stream, slamming in from the edge of the box just before the break to give Newcastle the lead over Wolves.

Elsewhere, we're still waiting for an opener at Everton and Leicester.

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Leicester 0-0 Crystal Palace

Newcastle 1-0 Wolves

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Arsenal have had a lot of practice at these already in this game, despite only 17 minutes having been played.

Odegaard swings it in deep but Kinsky punches clear.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

His follow through seemed to catch Partey, although the midfielder did make the most of it.

It is almost like Arteta has trained his players with the approach 'if you feel any contact, go down like you've stepped on an IED'.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Partey had the goal at his mercy but as he opened up his body to shoot, Bergvall was able to head it clear.

Tottenham are struggling to get out of their own half currently.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Kinsky is wise to the tactic and standing firm to punch clear.

The pressure is taken off the visitors as the referee awards them a free-kick on the halfway line.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Kinsky does well to block at the near post, giving the hosts another corner in the early stages.

Wimbledon, I mean Arsenal, look to capitalise from another set-piece.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

The visitors last won here fifteen years ago, that is quite a baffling stat.

Sterling gets down the wing and looks to cross but Gray blocks at the expense of a corner.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

It has been one-way traffic since the kick-off.

Tottenham are just looking to survive the early onslaught.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

Lewis-Skelly threads it through the middle for Sterling, who has a free run on the Tottenham goal.

Kinsky comes charging off his line and it is almost as if the former Chelsea winger spotted him and went into the challenge half-hearted.

Toon vs Wolves update

Still goalless at St James' Park, where goal machine Alexander Isak has just gone close.

Fascinating tactical battle so far at St James’ with Wolves’ high-press leaving Newcastle bamboozled at times, writes SunSport's Gary Stonehouse.

Jacob Murphy has had Toon’s only two efforts on goal so far, while Goncalo Guedes could have put the visitors ahead but dragged his shot wide.

One man on the pitch is shining brightest under the lights though and that’s Anthony Gordon, but we’ll have to wait and see whether he can conjure up some magic for a breakthrough.

Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham

In his first two games for the club, he has kept two clean sheets, another tonight would be a dream start to his Tottenham career.

Sterling is fouled in a wide position and referee awards a free-kick.

Rice swings it into the danger area but the visitors just about manage to clear their lines.

Kick-off: Arsenal vs Tottenham

We are underway at The Emirates.

The battle of North London, with so much at stake for both.

Tottenham get the game started.

Forwards with chance to make their mark

Kai Havertz and Dominic Solanke lead the line for the respective teams in tonight's North London derby.

Neither has scored as many goals as the fans would have liked to see and still have someway to go to justify their monumental price tags.

Scoring the winner against their local rivals could go some way to giving them cult status with the fans.

Slow start

No goals as yet in the early kick-offs, with Villa's Morgan Rogers going closest to breaking the deadlock.

His rasping drive was well saved by Jordan Pickford - but Moyes' men have struggled to get out of first gear at Goodison Park.

Everton 0-0 Aston Villa

Leicester 0-0 Crystal Palace

Newcastle 0-0 Wolves

Spaniard calm before big clash

The Arsenal manager spoke with TNT Sports about the North London derby and taking advantage of Liverpool and Nottingham Forest's draw last night:

We all love these games, especially at home. That is the moment of the season, you have the chance to close the gap. Take things as they come, make the most out of it. We want to recreate the feeling that we can make a lot of our fans very happy.

Mikel Arteta

Gunners massive favourites for win

The bookies cannot see anything but a win for Arsenal in the North London derby this evening.

Arsenal - 3/8

Draw - 17/4

Tottenham - 6/1

All match odds brought to you by Betway.

Huge game for both sides in North London

Arsenal cannot afford any result other than victory this evening if they are dreaming of a title race still.

Defeat to their local rivals would be a serious dent to Mikel Arteta's hopes of challenging for the Premier League title.

Ange Postecoglou has come under criticism for his tactics and attacking style, however, you feel tonight that could be the key to any success they get at The Emirates.

View of SunSport's Gary Stonehouse at St James' Park

Isak is looking to become Alexander the Great tonight after overcoming his hamstring issue to start for Newcastle.

The Swedish star is aiming to eclipse Alan Shearer and team-mate Joe Willock by becoming the first Toon star to score in eight straight Prem matches.

The Mags are also hoping to make it nine wins on the bounce - but a resurgent Wolves stand in their way.

ARSENAL host fierce rivals Tottenham this evening with boss Mikel Arteta having plenty of key decisions to ponder.

The Gunners go into the match with the right side of their attack having been decimated by injury.

Bukayo Saka remains a long-term absentee with a hamstring injury, while Ethan Nwaneri also has a muscular injury.

Gabriel Jesus became their latest attacker to be struck by the injury bug on Sunday, when he was taken off on a stretcher with an ACL issue.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou will have little sympathy for Arteta, with the Lilywhites having plenty of injury issues of their own.

Nevertheless, the Spaniard will have his work cut out in selecting the correct combination up front.

Gabriel Martinelli would seem a shoo-in to start on the left flank, with Kai Havertz likely to continue down the middle.

The right wing is harder to predict, given Arsenal's injury issues.

Raheem Sterling replaced Jesus on Sunday, and could come in to make just his third Premier League start for the Gunners.

Arteta could alternatively turn to Leandro Trossard.

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Arsenal's goalkeeper and centre-backs pick themselves, with David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to start.

Jurrien Timber is likely to begin at right-back, although Arteta could go for Thomas Partey.

Myles Lewis-Skelly may get the nod over Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back.

Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard are certainties to start in Arsenal's midfield three - and could be partnered by any of Partey, Mikel Merino or even Kai Havertz.

Should Havertz play in midfield, Sterling could be an option to fill in up front.

In addition to Saka, Nwaneri and Jesus, Arsenal also have defensive injuries to deal with.

Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori are all out with knee injuries.

Tottenham, meanwhile, have several absentees of their own.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is out, as well as defenders Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

Ben Davies has returned to training, but is unlikely to feature.

Rodrigo Bentancur remains sidelined with concussion protocols, while Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner will miss out with muscular issues.

ARSENAL host Tottenham this evening in what is set to be a mouthwatering North London derby.

The Gunners will be desperate to resurrect their spluttering title chase, following devastating cup defeats to Newcastle and Manchester United.

Tottenham, meanwhile, hope to shake off their FA Cup scare at Tamworth to derail their fierce rivals' campaign.

Arsenal will have to cope without the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri in their front-line, with the trio all crocked.

While Spurs' defence remains decimated, as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie miss out.

Here, SunSport runs through the tantalising clash that could make or break both clubs' seasons.

How much pressure is on the manager going into NLD?

Arsenal: This is the most pressure Mikel Arteta has been under in years, but is he close to the sack? No chance.

Yet there is now an expectation and understanding around the club and the fan base that going a few games without a win is unacceptable.

Lose to their most bitter rivals at home and that will be ramped up another notch with major questions being asked of Arteta, as well as putting another dent in their withering title charge.

Tottenham: Some, but not as much as you may think given Spurs have lost half their 20 Premier League games this season.

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Ange Postecoglou remains backed by the hierarchy who are understanding of his injury crisis, while the Aussie still has the team in all cup competitions.

The “very poor” form in the league, as Postecoglou put it, must improve though and you would fear for him if the losing ratio does not improve.

Supporters, at least the ones that attend games, are still generally on Postecoglou’s side too.

Unlike his predecessors, the 59-year-old has not aimed any thinly-veiled digs towards Daniel Levy and the board over backing and says the responsibility lies squarely with him.

That will not be enough to save the ex-Celtic boss if there is not an upturn eventually, but cannot hurt when Levy is mulling over his latest manager’s fate.

Where has it gone wrong this winter?

Arsenal: To put it simply: injuries, illness and key players out of form. Losing Bukayo Saka was a huge blow, and without him the squad look bereft of ideas, inspiration or belief.

Kai Havertz and skipper Martin Odegaard suffered the most from the Christmas sickness bug that hit the players, and their performances have slumped as a result.

The likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus are also either injured or preparing to come back from injury.

It has been a brutal winter for Arsenal, one they need to shake off fast.

Tottenham: Injuries mainly, and also, in part, Postecoglou’s refusal to adapt in spite of them.

Spurs have been decimated, particularly in defence.

Starting centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven – as well as back-up Ben Davies – have all been out for a while and continue to be absent.

The same can be said for left-back Destiny Udogie, while Guglielmo Vicario’s fractured ankle was so key that the club pushed forward plans to buy another goalkeeper and brought in Antonin Kinsky last week.

Yet Postecoglou continued to persevere to play out from the back in Vicario’s absence, even when Fraser Forster, the man who came for the Italian, was ill-suited to it.

But being down the to the bare bones, as Harry Redknapp would put it, was the key.

Richarlison is back for the North London derby but has been injured for nigh-on the whole season.

Do they need to buy in January?

Arsenal: Yes, badly. An attacking threat is required with Saka, Jesus and Nwaneri currently out as well as Havertz missing his shooting boots the last few weeks.

Arsenal are actively on the lookout for recruits, but they have their limitations when it comes to finances, and could even eye a makeshift loan move.

That is how desperate they are.

Tottenham: Yes, and they already have.

Kinsky, 21, has been recruited from Slavia Prague for £12.5million plus add-ons.

He has made an electric start and became the first Spurs keeper for a hundred years to keep a clean sheet in his first two games after Sunday’s shut-out against Tamworth.

But more is needed with the club identifying centre-back, central midfield and a versatile attacker before the window opened.

A midfielder is looking less likely at the moment but up top is definitely an area they want to have bolstered by February.

What is an acceptable finish to the season?

Arsenal: While top spot is what Arteta, the players and the fans dream of, there must be a realisation that given how this season has gone and the gap between themselves and Liverpool, a top four finish – preferably in second place – would just about be acceptable.

However, supporters will not be happy if the Gunners end up battling for fourth spot with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea.

Tottenham: The cups and Europe have become hugely significant.

For fans, the league is gone. Spurs are nearer to the drop zone than fourth spot, so hopes have dwindled of reaching the Champions League.

Postecoglou still feels his side can go on a run when they get their players back but winning the Europa League looks their best route to qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition.

Levy and the board will not like to see regression after last season’s fifth-placed finish and generally have not seemed to put too much stock in the cups.

Indeed, Levy even hinted that the League Cup should be done away with when speaking at a fans’ forum earlier this season.

Ironically though, if Postecoglou can win that competition, then it could go a long way to quelling the fan disharmony towards Levy, given the lack of trophies is the stick they beat him with during his 25-year tenure.

Describe the mood of the manager in three words…

Arsenal: Edgy, impatient, determined.

Tottenham: Jekyll-and-Hyde (IF THAT’S ONE WORD), spiky (then) charming.

Where will the derby be won and lost?

Arsenal: The wide players.

Arteta has a choice of whether to throw Raheem Sterling on the right, or use one of either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli as a makeshift right winger to link up with playmaker Odegaard.

Get that right, and Havertz could finally get the service he needs to end his mini-rut.

Tottenham: Arsenal’s struggles in front of goal, especially without stricken striker Gabriel Jesus, is an obvious boost to Spurs.

But for all the talk of Postecoglou’s side being wide open at the back, Spurs’ nine goals conceded on the road in the league is actually the lowest in the division.

Tottenham looked more pragmatic in their 1-0 win over Liverpool and Postecoglou could try to replicate it here.

Too often his midfield has been too easy to play through but one of Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma and wonderkid Lucas Bergvall could be more resilient.

That of course would mean benching James Maddison, but that Postecoglou has done that quite frequently this season and will not be afraid to again.

Arsenal’s 1-0 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium earlier this season was a tight affair and a similar game would not be a surprise.

Predictions

Jordan Davies: 2-1 Arsenal

TOTTENHAM new boy Antonin Kinsky has been tipped to join Real Madrid.

Kinsky, 21, has enjoyed a whirlwind start to his Spurs career since signing from Slavia Prague nine days ago.

With Guglielmo Vicario still out with a fractured foot, Kinsky went straight into the starting XI for Tottenham's 1-0 League Cup semi-final first leg with over Liverpool.

The Czech ace then experienced the other side of English football, playing the full game as Spurs beat Tamworth 3-0 after extra time in the FA Cup.

Prior to breaking into Slavia's first team, Kinsky spent seasons on loan at Czech sides Vyskov and Pardubice.

While with the latter he displaced stopper Viktor Budinsky, who remains with the club.

Kinsky's emergence at Spurs has caused great excitement among Czech football fans.

And speaking to Czech paper MF DNES, Budinsky did little to dampen the hype.

"Great boy. Already at the first training session it was clear that he was different," he said of Kinsky.

"Strong in the head, healthy confident and purposeful. He can be even higher in three years."

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Quizzed over where he sees Kinsky going next, he added: "At Real Madrid. Plus, he is learning Spanish, he’ll be ready, he won’t get lost there.

"When Tonda [Kinsky] came to us in Pardubice from Vyskov, who were playing in the second league, many would not have said that he would be in the Premier League within two years.

"And yet. I think Tottenham is an intermediate step for him, that an even bigger club is waiting for him."

Kinsky is contracted to Spurs until 2031.

Upon joining the club, he said: "I’m really happy to be here and to sign the contract.

"It’s a pleasure for me because Tottenham is a big name in Europe, in the world, especially in the Czech Republic so, as I say, for me it's a big honour and I’m really happy.

'THE RIGHT CHOICE'

"I spoke with the coaches, I spoke with the sporting director, almost with everyone, and I really got the feeling that this is going to be the right choice.

"I’m looking forward to everything. For me, it is a new experience. I’m really happy to make that first step outside of the country (Czechia).

"I’m really happy, I’m really excited and I’m looking forward to the training sessions, to the games because, of course, it is the aim of every player to be on the pitch.

"And that is what I am going to do; I’m going try to push in the training session to get the minutes."

Vicario is expected to remain sidelined for at least another month.

It is then not a given that he will return straight to the starting XI, with Kinsky signed to challenge for the No1 spot.