The North London derby is at all times probably the most anticipated fixtures of the Premier League season, largely as a result of it has change into a check-in on two groups wanting to disrupt the present cadence of affairs on the prime of the desk — Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. It means the most recent version of the rivalry has a becoming place as a high-stakes end-of-season encounter between two groups with lofty ambitions.

Sunday’s matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a must-win for each. Arsenal are attempting to maintain tempo in a three-way title race in an effort to win the Premier League for the primary time in 20 years, whereas Spurs eye their first Champions League berth in two years. Each targets are bold, but additionally highlight the variations between the rivals, one which’s arguably extra reflective of the place every workforce is than the 2-2 draw they performed to in September.

Take Arsenal, who’ve loved a near-perfect 2024 and stay within the title race. It comes on the again of a high-scoring season through which they lead the Premier League with 82 objectives and rank second for anticipated objectives at 68.56, however have maybe discovered most success as a defensively sturdy workforce. The Gunners have conceded simply 26 objectives this season, the least of the league, ato the purpose that they stored Manchester Metropolis goalless in league play this season because of their capability to soak up the opposition’s offensive stress. It is turning into more and more clear that Arsenal play with precision on each ends of the pitch when they’re at their greatest, and the great days have very a lot outnumbered the unhealthy ones.

As for Spurs, the recent begin that included a draw towards their North London rivals gave means for a season filled with inconsistency. It’s apparent what they need to do stylistically beneath Ange Postecoglou, who’s about to complete his first season within the job. They like a high-intensity, attack- first establish and rank second within the league for possession with 61.7%, third for passing accuracy at 87.3% and fourth for touches with 25,000-plus, forward of Arsenal in every of these classes. It is from a foul technique, however the execution has allow them to down at totally different instances this season. Current outcomes have ranged from a 4-0 win over Aston Villa to a 4-0 loss to Newcastle United, the latter of which factors at Spurs’ have to step issues up in assault and a less-than-ideal sloppiness within the again. They haven’t stored a clear sheet of their final 5, conceding 10 objectives in that point.

Why Arsenal are huge favorites

Regardless of the layers of intrigue this fixture can carry, the info means that the end result is a foregone conclusion. Arsenal are available because the oddsmakers’ favorites and the good thing about health. Mikel Arteta ought to have a full squad to select from on Sunday, whereas Postecoglou is probably going making ready for lineup tetris. Future Udogie’s sturdy first season for Tottenham is over after present process surgical procedure for a hamstring damage final week, whereas essential gamers like Richarlison and Pedro Porro might miss out with their very own points.

These should not the one variations between Arsenal and Tottenham, although. The percentages could also be stacked towards Spurs at residence and the snakes is perhaps excessive, however Sunday’s match doesn’t have to be a defining second for them as a lot because it does for the Gunners. Each are enjoying catch-up of their respective races to the end line, however for Tottenahm, this sport is merely a progress report in 12 months considered one of a rebuild. There have been glimpses of a superb basis, however a check towards a top-tier facet will provide some extra solutions on the place the workforce must go from right here.

Arsenal is perhaps proper to come back into this sport with numerous confidence, partly as a result of their interval of rebuilding is over — and might be thought of a hit by a number of metrics. Chief amongst them is that Arteta has led them to 2 of their greatest seasons in latest reminiscence, retaining them within the title race for 2 consecutive seasons. The Gunners are inching nearer to the purpose of the post-rebuild period when statement-making outcomes are a necessity, which implies the stress could be very a lot on them to ship on Sunday.

The onus, then, might be on them to keep away from a repeat of their 2-0 loss to Aston Villa just a few weeks again that broken their hopes of profitable the title. Arsenal had been unusually not medical that day, producing 14 photographs and limiting Villa to none on course earlier than conceding twice within the second half. Their defensive inconsistencies had been on show that day and though they’ve adopted that up with two video games through which they outscored their opposition seven to zero and conceded simply 4 photographs on purpose, it is perhaps value questioning whether or not or not Spurs can pull off a repeat. Scoring has been a weak point of types in latest weeks — they had been held scoreless twice of their final 5, rating within the league’s backside 5 in that stretch with simply six objectives scored and 22 photographs on purpose, underperforming their anticipated objectives tally of 8.69 within the course of. Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson are most likely nonetheless as doubtless as ever to attain, although, so it is laborious to completely depend them out.

So long as Spurs keep a aggressive edge all through, they will survive this sport and construct in direction of the long run. Whereas one venture in North London continues by way of the early phases, although, one other is beneath stress to ship the ultimate outcomes of their experiment. Sunday isn’t solely about bragging rights towards a rival, although these are undoubtedly essential. For Arsenal, it’s going to even be an train in turning trophy chases into precise silverware — one thing they should do sooner somewhat than later if Arteta’s tenure might be thought of a powerful success.

How To Watch

• When: Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 9 a.m. ET
• The place: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
• Comply with: CBS Sports activities App
• On-line streaming: fuboTV (Attempt without cost. Regional restrictions might apply.)