Can Tottenham possibly upset Arsenal in Sunday's north London derby.
Former Premier League players Michael Brown and Theo Walcott, who represented each club respectively, have had their say on The Football News Show.
Image source, Getty ImagesAnge Postecoglou says he will not "fall into the trap" of thinking that Arsenal are "reliant on two players" when his Tottenham side host the Gunners on Sunday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be without Declan Rice, Mikel Merino and almost certainly captain Martin Odegaard, but Postecoglou rejected claims that it could be a good time to face their rivals.
He said: "That's a hell of a trap to fall into, if you think they are reliant on two players. We were missing key players last year as well, and we still managed to give significant performances.
"They can fill the gaps they have because they have the quality in their squad. The key for us is to focus on our performance.
"If we go in there thinking they are somehow weakened, we are going to get punished. If we go into it thinking they are going to be very strong, which I think they will be, then we have got to be at our best.
"We know that at our best, and playing the football we can, we can match them."
After failing to beat Arsenal in the Premier League last season, Postecoglou is looking to narrow the gap on the Gunners this campaign.
"We were 20-odd points behind the top two last year, so I think it's more than one area," added Postecoglou.
"Whether it is set-pieces, our general game, defensive work, offensive work, individual players, the quality of our squad - all of it needs to improve.
"It's not just about shutting them down in one area, it is about nullifying their strengths and accentuating ours to overcome them."
Tasnim Chowdhury
BBC Sport Journalist
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Postecoglou has given team news update before the weekend. Yves Bissouma has an issue but it is "not serious". Micky van de Ven has "trained fully" over the international break and Dominic Solanke is back training with the first team. Richarlison and Will Lankshear remain in rehab.
Postecoglou spoke about Rodrigo Bentancur's charges by the FA: "It's not unexpected from our perspective. We know it’s something the league will look at and we need to let the process play out. Rodrigo's well aware of the ramifications. We will just wait and see what they come out with."
On Spurs' start to the season: "Results come sooner rather than later. We have got to stay consistent in our approach. We dominated all three games. Results haven’t come but if we maintain that over 38 games we’ll be in a good position. We got to keep at it. Stay focused on the important elements of our game."
On rivalling Arsenal, he said: "Not specifically Arsenal, we want to be a club that can challenge everyone. That's what we are trying to aim to become. To do that, you've got to perform at a certain level, at a consistent basis, the squad's strong enough to do that. We've started the season fairly solidly, from a performance perspective. The results haven't reflected that but I think we're in a good place to push on from last year and improve on all areas. There’s no reason why we can’t [challenge] this year."
On the north London rivalry: "Every derby is a bit different, obviously this one, you can tell it's fairly intense between the two clubs, obviously geographically situated in the same part of town. On the same turf, there's a little bit of an edge. I thought both games last year were entertaining. I thought we played well in their place, and really matched with them. We know what it means to our supporters and the club. We've got to go out there and perform."
On what winning would mean for the rest of the season: "It's hard to say. I've never felt like there is an easy way to success, I don't think one thing can change the trajectory to a great effect. It helps, a win in a big game, in a derby, but it's a game against one of the top sides so that gives you more belief and confidence and potentially that can inject some real momentum into our season."
On Arsenal: "Consistency and approach and mentality. The last two years they’ve had a real relentlessness about them. They haven't had to change their team too much. They have this confidence in themselves that they can challenge over the course of a Premier League season. That helps build momentum from season to season. They’re going to be a tough nut to crack, but it’s a great opportunity for us."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesThe rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal resumes on Sunday with the first north London derby of the season.
However, the Gunners go into the game depleted in a key area, with Declan Rice suspended and captain Martin Odegaard set to be missing for three weeks after injuring his ankle on international duty.
The loss of Odegaard would mean the loss of their most creative spark, with no Arsenal player having created more chances than the Norwegian since the start of last season.
Arsenal were deadly from set-piece situations last season, scoring 22 times from them - more than any other team.
That is twice the amount Tottenham managed, with Spurs conceding 16 times from dead balls last term including two in the 3-2 defeat against Arsenal. Only Sheffield United, Luton Town and Nottingham Forest conceded more.
The Gunners have seen a big improvement in this area since set-piece specialist Nicolas Jover joined in 2021.
In the 111 matches before Jover's arrival, Arsenal scored a goal every 32 corners. In the 111 fixtures since his arrival, they have found the net every 16 corners - a significant improvement.
We are only three games into this season, so a minimal amount can be read into any team's set-piece strength this campaign. Arsenal are yet to score from one but Tottenham have.
However, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has previously indicated that set-pieces - both defending them and scoring from them - is not something he is overly concerned about.
"I'm not interested," he said in May, external. "Never have been. Not in the least.
"It's not the first time I've been questioned about set-pieces in my coaching career. There is an underlying reason for that, which I'm very, very comfortable with."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League winger Matt Jarvis believes Tottenham have shown they are a "really dangerous side" but says their results this season have not yet showcased their ability.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live to preview Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal, Jarvis said: "This Spurs side is dangerous. I don't think their results have quite shown what they are capable of.
"They just haven't scored when they have been really dominant - and that has cost them [in the opening games] - but they are a really dangerous side."
Journalist Kate Mason added: "That is a common Tottenham problem though.
"From their perspective, they are probably relieved to see that Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are out. That is the midfield Mikel Arteta wants to play, so he would have wanted them at the helm in the north London derby.
"But Tottenham do have a theme of being in these brilliant positions, like they were against Newcastle, and I don't know how they didn't go on and at least get something out of that game [at St James' Park]. So it is a common problem."
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is not confident that the Gunners will take all three points from the north London derby on Sunday and has told 5 Live Breakfast: "It will be tough. I mean, this game is a big game - four games in or even if it is a pre-season friendly - it is a huge football match in north London. I was very bullish last year with Arsenal about winning. I'm not sure this Sunday, I think Tottenham have got every chance this Sunday.
"I'm really worried, if I'm being honest. So I've got to concentrate on dancing [for Strictly Come Dancing], for a week of dancing practice, and in the back of my mind I'm thinking Tottenham might get a result. That will not be good."
Going on to speak about Arsenal's upcoming fixture list, Merson said: "I don't think it's been kind, to have your first three away games at Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City. It's harsh. You don't want to give Man City a head start. These are two big games coming up.
"A couple of weeks ago against Brighton, 1-1 was a disappointing result in the end. It hasn't been the worst start but these are big matches now, the next two. Arsenal need at least four points, otherwise they're going to be playing catch-up against probably the best team to ever play the game."
Image source, Getty ImagesIn the past, Tottenham would have taken confidence from playing a depleted Arsenal side, but this Spurs team have confidence regardless.
Ange Postecoglou has tried to build his squad into winners and that is why I see them differently this season. They play with an identity and regardless of whether Arsenal have key players missing, they will still be doing the same preparation to win this game of football.
They also have the home advantage, so they know they can use that to win.
The flow of the game might be disrupted due to Arsenal’s midfield losses but Spurs’ front-footed approach has not wavered under Postecoglou.
I highly doubt it will start wavering this week.
Nedum was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on what is going under the radar at Tottenham at the moment.
Here are some of your comments:
Tristen: All the media seem to do is lap up what Ange has to say and don’t seem to have any criticism of him. He is one-dimensional. Yes, if played by the best players his style is great, but we don’t have the best players. Our squad is mediocre. Ange has to learn how to adapt, or he will be sacked before the end of the season.
Oli: I worry that prior to Tottenham, Ange worked in Australia, Japan and Scotland. Does he really understand what a top player at this level looks like? The fact he gave the green light for players like Timo Werner, Brennan Johnson and now Dominic Solanke means I have my doubts.
Tom: The feeling around the club. We still appear soft mentally. You can’t win trophies with performances like at Leicester or dominate like we did against Newcastle only to lose. I fear Solanke isn’t the man to take the team to the next level but good luck to him. Spurs need to play Archie Gray and get Mikey Moore in and around the team!
Danny: Cristian Romero is a fabulous player and a World Cup winner, but his start to the season has cost us goals and points already. The lack of positional discipline from a senior professional and the team's vice-captain has really let Spurs down - must do better!
Doug: We are rebuilding a team. Arsenal started theirs five/six seasons ago and took them years to embed. Some of our fanbase have short memories, expecting things to improve drastically already. We are improving - we will continue to improve. Trust the process.
Paul: The thing no one is talking about is how well we have played in the three league games so far. We should have won easily at Leicester and at Newcastle and we hammered a poor Everton side. Some of the football we have played so far has been excellent with loads of chances created, which wasn’t always the case last season. If the defence can step up, we’ll be okay.
Tottenham, Newcastle and Arsenal lead the race to sign Lille's 24-year-old Canada striker Jonathan David, although Juventus are also interested. (TuttoJuve), external
Spurs are also interested in Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, 24, who has become Newcastle's top transfer target. Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund are keeping tabs on the newly capped England international too. (Sun), external
Meanwhile, Monaco and Brazil defender Vanderson, 23, has admirers at Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United, (Caughtoffside), external
remain keen on Lecce's 19-year old Denmark defender Patrick Dorgu, who is valued at around 40m euros (£33.8m). (La Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
A win, a draw, a defeat.
It's been a mixed start to the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur and they are 11th after three games.
But what's the one thing nobody is talking about for Ange Postecoglou's side - good or bad?
Tell us over here, external - and we'll feature your replies on Thursday
Image source, Getty ImagesThe north London derby is the Premier League fixture in which both teams have scored in more often than any other (43).
Just one of Tottenham's past 49 league home games has ended in a draw, including none of the past 22.
Of all Premier League grounds, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has hosted the lowest percentage of draws (9%), while it has staged more games without a 0-0 draw than any other stadium (101).
Tottenham rejected interest during the transfer window from Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain for defender Cristian Romero. (TyC Sports, via Mail), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesWe wanted to know how you're feeling going into Sunday's north London derby, as Ange Postecoglou's side prepare to face a potentially weakened Arsenal team, without Declan Rice (suspended) and Martin Odegaard (injured).
Here are some of your thoughts:
David: It is too early to say this game is 'make or break' for Tottenham's season, but this is the one game we really don't want to lose. A win on Sunday could change the mood around Spurs for the rest of the season. Likewise, a defeat will be pretty hard to take and could have an impact on the fixtures after the NLD, which are pretty tricky.
Pedro: Spurs will raise their game and get their act together by turning Arsenal over, giving themselves a massive boost, injecting some confidence and self-belief, while denting that of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. Bring it on!
Trevor: Without Rice and Odegaard, Spurs have a chance to get something out of the game. I'd be very worried if Arsenal are full strength. Spurs are desperate for a goalscorer and I'm not sure if Dominic Solanke is what we need. There will be goals in this game, so I'm going for a 2-1 win for Tottenham.
Oli: Arsenal will beat us comfortably despite their missing players. We lost to Newcastle without their first-choice defence. We can't defend and we can't score our chances - and I doubt this has changed during the international break.
John: Hopefully Solanke will be fit. We need to win this one before we lose too much ground on the teams above us. COYS!
Ben: Any Arsenal side is unfortunately better than a fully fit Spurs XI, in my opinion. I hate to say it, but Arteta has his squad drilled in all aspects of his vision, while Ange is still unable to get consistency out of this squad. At the moment, we appear to have not moved forward since the 2023-24 season, especially in defence.
Ali Speechly
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesOne of the positives so far this campaign is that Ange Postecoglou is reacting quicker with tactical changes compared with last season.
He is making decisive substitutions sooner - note in particular the introduction of Brennan Johnson 46 minutes into the Newcastle United game - and overall, despite not always getting the results we deserved, the performances are improving game by game.
"Trust the process" keeps echoing around my coaching brain, but the fan in me would love to see Ange do something exciting. I want to see Mikey Moore get some good minutes in the Premier League.
It is widely anticipated he will feature in our cup games and the Europa League this season, but I think his talent and pre-season performances make a strong case for him being used in the Premier League sooner rather than later - especially when you consider the lacklustre appearances from a few of our players recently.
Some say if you're good enough, you're old enough - but it is important to take care of all the players, especially those aged under 25.
Aside from the physical considerations that come with the increased risk of overuse injuries as the body develops and gets used to the intensity of one of the most competitive sports leagues in the world, the adult brain is not fully formed until we are between the ages of 23 and 25.
This often results in impaired decision-making, both on and off the pitch, for teenage players.
When managed properly, though, players who start their careers at a relatively young age can and do go on to have long and successful ones at the highest level.
The north London derby against Arsenal is not for the weak - whether it be the players or the fans.
Could it be the ideal game for Mikey Moore to kick-start his and Tottenham's 2024-25 campaign?
Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on X, external
Image source, Getty ImagesThe north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal takes centre stage this Sunday as the Premier League returns.
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may be without his first-choice midfield for the match due to the suspension of Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard limping off for Norway in the Nations League.
So, how are you feeling before one of the biggest games of the season? Do you expect to capitalise on a weakened Arsenal squad? Or do Spurs have enough concerns of their own?
Galatasaray are interested in signing 31-year-old Tottenham and Wales defender Ben Davies before the Turkish transfer window shuts on 13 September. (Takvim, via Football Insider), external
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is set to be confirmed as the new USA manager after a meeting with US soccer chiefs. (Mail), external
The Premier League’s summer transfer window saw clubs spend almost £2bn in all.
Data from Footballtransfers.com, external shows the biggest net spend by a club - that’s all the money spent minus all that came in from sales - was Brighton.
The Seagulls had a net spend of £153.5m.
On the flip side, the club who generated the biggest net summer profit on transfers was Manchester City, who made £115.8m, thanks in large part to the sale of Julian Alvarez.
Tottenham had a net spend of £77.4m.
Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesOne very noticeable difference in the game at St James' Park on Sunday was the willingness of Tottenham to have shots from long distance.
These rockets from long range have slowly become less popular over the past few years in the Premier League. Deep analytics discovered that they have a relatively low-percentage scoring rate compared with shots from closer inside the penalty box.
You don't say, Sherlock!
And so, when a team has more than a few pops from outside the area, it now looks unusual. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta, along with a legion of data analysts, would have been headbutting their computer screens at the number of shots Spurs had 'from range'.
Ange's team even planned routines from corners to set up shots from distance. Why? Maybe because they knew Newcastle United would defend deep with nine men behind the ball and so playing intricately through the black-and-white wall would be difficult.
Tottenham had 20 shots to Newcastle's nine. Refreshingly, most of Spurs' efforts were from outside the box, but the problem was their only goal came from a cross and an own goal by Dan Burn. The defender roofed an attempted clearance from a couple of yards out.
Annoyingly, on this occasion, the stats men can say: "We were right yet again."
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Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty ImagesNewcastle boss Eddie Howe had an unusually lengthy news conference last week, grumbling about the Profit and Sustainability Rules that are scuppering his club's attempts to become a force in the world game.
Like his opposite number Ange Postecoglou, he isn’t the naturally embittered moaning manager type, so both knuckled down to what became an interesting 90 minutes. Players usually decide matches but just sometimes the coaches have the decisive effect.
Newcastle led through a fine Harvey Barnes finish at the break; Ange didn't wait for the ubiquitous hour mark to wield his influence. Midfielder Pape Sarr was sacrificed, attacker Brennan Johnson was introduced and the system tweaked so James Maddison was free to find deeper space.
The net result was utter domination of the play, a goal made by substitute Johnson 10 minutes later and the game turned on its head. There was only one likely winner at that point, and it wasn't Newcastle.
Howe gave it five minutes and was then just as radical and influential with his changes. First, Jacob Murphy and then returning Italian star Sandro Tonali came on to regain a midfield foothold. Murphy himself then set up Alexander Isak for the winner.
I could spend pages on the intricacies of the tactical changes, but the headlines above are enough to underline that these are two gifted and adaptable technical coaches.
Is either likely to grab fourth place? Well, both teams are flawed to some degree, but then so are all the others vying for that position.
Pat Nevin was writing for the BBC Football Extra Newsletter
