Battle for North London Supremacy

The North London derby proved, as always, to be entertaining this Sunday with a 2-1 score line in favor of Tottenham, sending them 7 points clear of Arsenal with just 10 games left in the season. Is this finally the changing of the guard in North London? Considering there aren’t many players in Arsenal’s starting 11 who could walk into the Spurs starting lineup, that argument could be made. Santi Carzola is most likely the only Arsenal player who would have no competition making it in Tottenham’s lineup. Some may argue Lukas Podolski could make it as well but that is mostly just due to Emmanuel Adebayor’s torrid form, and Jermaine Defoe’s injury. The last few years Tottenham has been right on the heels of Arsenal, who have seemed to hit their plateau with Arsene Wenger at the helm.

While Tottenham may look stronger on paper and seem to be in prime position to potentially pipe out Manchester City for second place in the league, it is impossible to say that Spurs are now the dominant team. Arsenal has been ahead of Tottenham for a long time and while this season looks promising at the moment, Spurs did blow Champion’s league qualification to Arsenal at the end of last season.

While this season it seems Tottenham may be outplaying Arsenal, people can’t forget their first meeting of the season ended 5-2 in Arsenal’s favor. I am very hesitant to declare anything until the season is over and just finishing one season above Arsenal does not prove there is a changing of the guard. It would be something if in a couple years we see Spurs consistently finishing ahead of Arsenal, but as of now Arsenal is still the bigger club in North London.

-Howard