Ange could now brutally ditch out Odobert to unleash Spurs wonderful ace in Arsenal match
Tottenham Hotspur aims to secure their second Premier League victory of the season in a challenging fixture against Arsenal this afternoon.
As local rivals, this North London derby brings extra pressure for both teams. Ange Postecoglou’s side faces an unbeaten Arsenal, who have already won two and drawn one in their opening three matches of the 2024/25 campaign.
Given Tottenham’s struggles against the Gunners, having failed to win in the last four meetings, a victory would be a significant achievement.
Tottenham last beat Arsenal in May 2022, with a 3-0 victory where Harry Kane and Heung-min Son found the back of the net.
As the team captain, Son continues to lead, but for head coach Postecoglou, this represents another chance to overcome a difficult opponent after taking charge of Tottenham last summer.
However, one key decision could be dropping a player to improve the team’s chances of securing all three points in this high-stakes match.
Wilson Odobert, a recent addition to the squad, could be the player to make way for tactical adjustments. Signed in a £25 million deal towards the end of the summer transfer window, the French U21 international has featured in both of Tottenham’s matches since his arrival, playing for over an hour against both Everton and Newcastle United.
Despite his promise, Odobert has yet to register a goal or assist, leaving questions about his immediate impact on the team.
At just 19 years old, Odobert has time to adapt and grow into a significant role at Tottenham, but this weekend’s derby may not be the right platform for him to shine.
Patience will be key as he settles into life in North London, and given the intensity of the Arsenal match, Postecoglou might opt for more experienced players in this vital clash.
Odobert has provided a solid presence in recent games, but his inexperience might work against him in a fixture of this magnitude.
One player who could step in to replace Odobert is striker Dominic Solanke, who has been out for the past two matches due to an ankle injury sustained during his debut against Leicester City.
Solanke was brought to Tottenham in a record-breaking £65 million move from Bournemouth, as Postecoglou looked to strengthen the attacking options.
The 27-year-old has yet to score for Spurs, but his performance for Bournemouth last season, where he netted 19 goals in the Premier League, proves he has the ability to be a game-changer.
Solanke’s prowess in front of goal, as evidenced by his previous season’s stats, could make him the key to unlocking Arsenal’s defense. Here’s how his performance ranks among the Premier League’s top scorers for the 2023/24 season:
| Player | Goals Scored |
|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | 27 |
| Cole Palmer | 22 |
| Alexander Isak | 21 |
| Dominic Solanke | 19 |
| Phil Foden | 19 |
| Ollie Watkins | 19 |
With Solanke’s 19-goal tally standing out, it’s clear that he brings much-needed firepower to Tottenham’s frontline.
Although his match fitness may be in question after recovering from an injury, his ability to disrupt Arsenal’s defense could prove invaluable.
The absence of Harry Kane, who transferred to Bayern Munich last summer, left a significant void in Tottenham’s attacking setup.
Solanke could be the answer to filling that gap, helping the club push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The North London derby promises to be a tense, hard-fought contest, as always. Tottenham has been searching for a win over Arsenal for more than two years, and Solanke’s return could provide the spark they need.
While Arsenal boasts an unbeaten record so far, Solanke’s skill set could unsettle their defense, giving Tottenham the edge they’ve been missing since Kane’s departure.
This match presents an opportunity for Tottenham to demonstrate their potential under Postecoglou and claim a crucial win over their rivals.
Whether Solanke is fit enough to start or play a role as a substitute, his presence will likely influence how Tottenham approaches the game, and he may be the difference-maker in this highly anticipated showdown.
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