Combined Arsenal-Tottenham XI

The games upcoming between us and them will be key, no matter what.  It’s Tottenham. The scum – the enemy. The club near to us that haven’t won a title in nearly sixty years. I believe we can finish above them for top four – but facing them twice in succession has me buzzing. It’s not often that this happens, so it’s time to savour it.

Baptista’s saving grace at Arsenal were goals vs. that lot – and in the same competition we’re facing them in very soon

But then considering form this season, which players can make a combined XI between us?

If it were last season, then it would mostly be Spurs players. They were the better team than us, let’s be frank. The league table doesn’t lie, as they say.

But then this season is different. We’re not that far apart in the table, and bias aside our performances have been better than theirs largely. They’ve won games here and there, but they haven’t been dominant in many of them. And some of their top stars have been poor, like Alli. Aubameyang is outscoring Kane currently, and Lloris has been inconsistent. Cech and Leno have been pretty good to boot, and Torreira is as combative and energy-driven as Dembele or Wanyama.

So this is my combined XI:

Leno – This may surprise people, but Leno in his few games has been very solid. He hasn’t made many critical errors, and in fairness, Cech has been good also. Lloris, however, has been inconsistent. They were lucky to win at West Ham, but then his sending off at PSV cost them a win.

Monreal – Mr. Consistent. Enough said, and one of the Premier League’s underrated players overall.

Sokratis – For a guy who many said was “slow”, he actually the direct opposite. He has provided us with the hard edge that we’ve required in years.

Alderweireld – He’s a top defender, and arguably one of the best in the league, and the world.

Davies – Spurs have gained, to their credit I can admit, some good defenders lately. Davies is one of several, inclusive of Sanchez.

Torreira – For a player few had known of, and who excited in the World Cup, he has brought a new dimension in our midfield. His combativeness and edge have provided Arsenal with a new midfield dimension and something missing for several years.

Dembele – He for me epitomises the modern CM. Strong, good on the ball, a fast dribbler, and mobile.

Guendouzi – From Ligue 2 to Arsenal, within a year, and he’s looked very adept in the Premier League. He’s definitely one for the future.

Kane – Enough said. A world-class English forward, in line with Shearer, Owen, and Rooney in PL history at the least. WC Golden Boot winner to boot (pun notwithstanding) and a contender as per usual for the PL Golden Boot.

Aubameyang – Another PL Golden Boot contender. He may not be playing in his optimum position, but even as a quasi-wide forward, he is leading the PL scoring charts, and his overall scoring record with Arsenal is exceptional. He’s fulfilling much of the promise he showed at Dortmund – and how.

Lacazette – He was injured for much of last season, but still managed to be Arsenal’s top scorer. However, we’re seeing a better Lacazette this season in terms of his overall play. He can hold up the ball well, distribute, and dribble in tight spaces, and with his buddy/strike colleague, he forms a lethal strike duo.

Subs

Lloris

Holding

Vertonghen

Son

Dier

Sanchez

Bellerin

Welbeck

Ozil

So based on form thus far, it’s more equal than last year, and this may not trigger as many as a similar topic by Mr. Crofton did last year.

But we are more equal. We’ve played the better football this season – and individually have done better player for player. Moreover, they’ve finished above us due to better tactical organisation and preparation, but our manager can do this amongst the best and has won things, unlike Mr Poch.

So let’s bring on the league and League Cup games since with our new structure, it should be a different proposition than in previous games.

And today at least, there is a prospect that the first game in their new ground will be vs. us. Do they want an Arsenal win to go down FOREVER in their new ground, of all places? It seems they’re willing to risk this, so let’s spoil their party, eh?

Marble Halls

MarbleHallsTV is an Arsenal social media account on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. Been a Gooner since the 90s, inspired by Ian Wright, then Bergkamp, Vieira, Henry, Pires, Campbell, Rosicky, Koscielny, Ozil and Sanchez. A digital marketer/entrpreneur by profession, born in UK living in the Americas now.