‘Arsenal could run riot’ – Paul Merson predicts result of north London derby 

Paul Merson has backed Tottenham and Arsenal to play out a high-scoring draw on Sunday but also warned that his former club could ‘run riot’ if Antonio Conte’s men look to take the attack to the Gunners.

Arsenal have a poor record at Tottenham over the last decade and a half, having won only once in the Premier League at their rivals’ ground since 2007.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men come into the clash high on confidence, sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table, and will be looking to make a statement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Conte’s men have been plagued by inconsistency over the last few months and will be hoping to have the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison back for the game.

Merson believes that the Gunners could run out of ideas if the home side defend deep with men behind the ball and picked out Harry Kane as the man who could cause problems for his former side.

He told Sportskeeda about the north London derby: “This is the only time I miss playing football. This game never lets you down. Everyone goes on about all the other big games, but you never come away from this derby with nothing happening. It’s the most entertaining Premier League game on a consistent basis – goals galore!

“Eddie Nketiah is playing very well at the moment, and I expected nothing less in his first three or four games. He needs to keep going now – that’s how the top players do it. He will score goals, and he’s got attributes that Gabriel Jesus does not have. He’s been patient and I’ll give him his due – I hope it keeps going for him.

“I think Odegaard and Saka have been great. Everyone has been outstanding for Arsenal, and that’s why they are where they are. Tottenham, on the other hand, are nine on ten in one game and five in the next.

“Harry Kane causes Arsenal problems, and Arsenal cause Tottenham problems. If Tottenham want to play defensively, Arsenal will run out of ideas quickly like they did against Newcastle. If Tottenham play a dangerous game, however, Arsenal could run riot. I don’t see this game as a foregone conclusion – I hope Arsenal wipe the floor with Tottenham, but I don’t think they will. Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Arsenal.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We know that Antonio Conte does not change his game plan irrespective of the opposition Spurs are facing.

Tottenham will certainly not press their opponents high up the pitch but will be brave and look to play through the Gunners when they get the ball.

Despite Arsenal coming into this game as favourites, we are more than capable of beating them, particularly if Kulusevski starts.

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