What did the London derby show us? Arsenal is a real title contender, Tottenham can’t handle games against top teams

The highly watched London derby was very interesting this time as it was a battle for the top of the table. Arsenal managed to score fully and Tottenham were already 4 points behind. Manchester City is in the same position, with a city derby against United. What did Saturday’s game between the Gunners and Spurs show?

Arsenal have what it takes to realistically challenge for the title

Arsenal have strengthened well in pre-season and everyone was wondering how they would fare. It is now clear that the initial great results were no fluke and Mikel Arteta’s charges continue to collect full baskets after the break.

Even the statistics prove that it is not just a coincidence. The Gunners have the 4th highest percentage of ball possession – 56.6%. After Liverpool (19.5), they send the most shots at the opponent’s goal of the whole league – 17.3.

We could go on like this for a long time. But the fact is that apart from a bad game against Manchester United, in which they were definitely not the worse team, they have managed to win all their games this season.

Moreover, Tottenham was another big test, of which Arsenal are now facing a lot. In the next league round, Liverpool will visit London and after the duel with Leeds, Manchester City will also visit.

If Arteta’s charges can manage these duels, they will become a real competitor of Manchester City and Tottenham in the fight for the top spot. Of course, we cannot write off Manchester United, Chelsea and up-and-coming Liverpool.

Tottenham have a problem with the better teams

Tottenham have been performing very well this season, but there is one big but! That is games against better teams, who Spurs manage to outplay.

Antonio Conte doesn’t exactly think twice about his charges not keeping the ball on their feet more than the opposition. Virtually all the better teams can outperform them in this statistic.

However, that doesn’t mean that Spurs are just waiting for some counter attacks. On the contrary, Kane and co. attack often and happily, but somewhat more directly than others, as evidenced by the number of shots per game, which stands at 14.4, the 5th best statistic in the Premier League this season.

However, the board doesn’t know much about the better teams this season. The game against Chelsea ended in a draw, but a very happy one for Spurs. Another win against Wolves was deserved, however, if their opponents had someone on the pitch who can finish the chances created, a draw would have been fair for sure.

Tottenham didn’t deserve a point against West Ham either. That was followed by a loss to Sporting and now Arsenal. At the top of the table it is kept by victories over weaker teams, which the London team manages to beat. If this doesn’t change soon, Conte’s players can forget about the title.

Source: Premier League