Why Arsenal already have North London Derby upper hand on Tottenham - Opinion
Tottenham Hotspur take on Arsenal in their fourth pre-season friendly under Thomas Frank and the first-ever overseas North London Derby, and it is clear to see which team is currently in a stronger position.
Tottenham Hotspur supporters are not best pleased at this moment in time. Two uninspiring draws against League One opponents have certainly been a contributing factor, but the club’s transfer business is the primary cause of frustration.
Spurs failed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White and on top of this, Tottenham fans are not happy that Antonin Kinsky may be sent out on loan. With the UEFA Super Cup little more than a fortnight away, it is essential that Spurs turn rumours into results and strengthen their squad.
In the meantime, Tottenham will continue to prepare for the new season with a North London derby in Asia. Looking at the two teams’ transactions so far this summer, it is clear to see which has the advantage heading into Thursday’s game.
Tottenham have moved slowly in the transfer market
Tottenham’s failure to secure players linked with the club means they have only signed two new players. Of these, only Mohammed Kudus is likely to compete for a first-team spot. The loan moves of Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were made permanent, but neither of these players were first choice last season, except when there were injuries.
There is still time to do business and Tottenham have begun talks to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid. This is the biggest rumour to be doing the rounds at the moment, but it is a slightly strange one. The Brazilian is definitely first-team quality, but he played predominantly as a right winger last season, a position where Spurs already have depth.
The most likely scenario would be that Rodrygo would play up front, and he is not the only player Tottenham could sign. However, whoever Spurs could bring to North London is theoretical and unconfirmed. It looked like Gibbs-White was on his way to Hotspur Way, but nothing came of the transfer talks.
As things stand, it has been a disappointing window for Tottenham, just when many of the more sceptical supporters were beginning to believe the club was getting serious.
Arsenal have been far busier than Spurs
Offering praise to Arsenal is undesirable, but it has to be said that they are doing a great job in the transfer market. The club have shown ambition and are not afraid to spend big, while adding players across a number of positions.
Christian Norgaard is a particularly good signing. The former Brentford midfielder is strong in defence, but he also gets forward and gets goal contributions. He may be 31 years old, but he will definitely deliver on the £15m fee Arsenal paid for him.
The Gunners have signed players both young and old. Kepa is a goalkeeper who brings plenty of experience, while defender Cristhian Mosquera and former Spurs academy player Noni Madueke can be developed into top players.
There are also the marquee signings of goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and midfield maestro Martín Zubimendi. This level of activity compared with Tottenham’s is staggering.
Arsenal were already in a better position than Tottenham
Spurs clinched the Europa League last season, while Arsenal have not won a major trophy since their 2020 FA Cup win. However, when looking at the quality of the respective squads, Arsenal’s was already far superior before this summer. When one team finishes second in the Premier League and the other 17th, it is hard to argue otherwise.
Despite this, it is they who are pushing on and adding quality first-team players. It is clear the club have a clear strategic goal, which is likely to win the English top flight.
Tottenham, on the other hand, do not look close to being prepared for the new season. Thomas Frank cannot be expected to perform miracles, and so he must be backed before the window ends. Otherwise, expect another disappointing league campaign and certainly no guarantee of silverware.
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