Arsene Wenger was bristling this week in the press conference ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates on Saturday. He had been asked whether they were underdogs.
“No, not at all,” he said. “We have the quality to win this game.” Whoever asked the question was no gambler, that’s for sure. Arsenal underdogs at home? That hasn’t been the case for yonks. Indeed they are +155 (Betfair) jollies for this bitter clash of rivals. Tottenham are +192 (Marathon) and the draw is +270 (Blacktype).
It is true, though that Tottenham are currently the kings of north London. They should finish above their neighbours in the league and they are now six unbeaten in the Premier League, their best sequence (four wins, two draws).
But is also true that Arsenal are a darn fine side at home. The Emirates is a fortress. And while the media would love to have us believe that they are a crisis club and that Wenger is a dead man walking, they are sensational on their own turf.
It’s now ten consecutive wins at home in the league. It’s another best-ever sequence. In all competitions they have not lost in 16. Does that mean that something has got to give then in this fixture?
Not really. In fact we’re talking about the status quo remaining here. Arsenal’s brilliant home form when married with Tottenham’s terrible record at the venue suggests the Gunners are a strong fancy. They have won only two of their last 23 league games there. The last of those was seven years ago, so even with Tottenham currently enjoying the upper hand in league position they have not managed to take the flag at the Emirates.
There’s more. Tottenham have not impressed on the road against top six teams last term. They managed only one win and the return of nine points from a possible 48 is stark.
If you are not too sure about a straight win for Wenger’s men here, the -162 on some green listed bookmaker +0.25 Arsenal on the Asian handicap could float your boat.
A word on Harry Kane, Tottenham’s prolific striker. Kane is +105 (Ladbrokes, Coral, BetVictor) to notch at any time. Despite favouring Arsenal it would be remiss not to point out this man’s record against the red half. He has scored in all five Premier League encounters, bagging six altogether. Kane also has 13 goals in his six league away games.
Bwin rate Kane a +350 shot for the first goal. He is +550 with Betfred to be named man of the match and +500 (Betway) for two goals or more.
Calculators
