Alan Shearer has predicted the result of today’s North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.
There is a buzz around North London as the first North London derby of the season approaches, and all the pressure is squarely on one team.
Arsenal need a win to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table, with Man City now breathing down their necks.
Spurs will go to the Emirates Stadium to try and dent the Gunners’ title hopes and move back into the top four, with Thomas Frank admitting that he is excited about his first taste of the big derby.
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Alan Shearer believes it’s a must-win for Arsenal
Shearer admitted that while derby games are hard to call, he believes that Mikel Arteta’s men will not view anything other than three points as an option.
The Newcastle legend expects a tight affair at the Emirates, but he backed the home side to edge out their North London rivals.
When asked to predict the big clash, Shearer told The Metro: “Man City will have already played and claimed their points, or none. But whatever happens, Arsenal’s mentality is that they have to win the game.
“It’s always tough to predict a derby game, but I think I’m just going to go for Arsenal to edge it. I usually go for a draw, but I think I’ll just go for Arsenal to edge it.”
Shearer has seen an improvement in Spurs under Thomas Frank
There has been plenty of debate on the impact of Thomas Frank, whose decisions have come in for plenty of criticism of late, in light of Tottenham’s poor displays, especially at home.
However, Shearer insists that he has seen clear improvements with certain aspects of the Lilywhites’ play and suggested that the former Brentford boss needs time to get Spurs where he wants to.
The pundit added about Tottenham: ‘From 17th last season to where they are now, the football hasn’t been great from Spurs, but you can see a stamp from Thomas Frank on that team.
“They’ve improved at set-pieces, and I think it’ll take time. I think Thomas Frank will be quietly pleased with how things have gone so far.”