Arsenal and Tottenham have been told clearly the player they must sign if they are “serious” about competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title. Following the latest results, the two north London rivals sit on the same number of points in the table although Spurs are top on goals scored.
Both sides secured 1-0 victories last weekend in vastly different circumstances, with 10-man Tottenham starting gameweek 8 with a resilient win against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road. Arsenal then contested the final Premier League game before the October international break against Man City, with Mikel Arteta’s side beating the reigning champions at Emirates Stadium.
In the summer, the Gunners signed Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and David Raya with the quartet, perhaps minus the injured Jurrien Timber, all thus far having a huge impact. Across the capital, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, as marquee signings Spurs welcomed James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario and Brennan Johnson.
Minus Johnson, who picked up a hamstring injury on his debut after arriving on deadline day, the new signings have been able to bed in with the group and have immediately made a huge impression on supporters and Postecoglou. While it is early days, the signings made by both teams are huge statements of intent that they can compete for Premier League glory, however squad depth remains a slight issue for both.
The Gunners have already had to contend with injuries to Timber, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and now Bukayo Saka. The muscular problems for attackers all came at the exact same time meaning both Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus have had to play at the same time.
Meanwhile at Tottenham, while serious injuries have been avoided by their key stars, Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon have suffered long-term issues, while any problem for Maddison or captain Son Heung-min could end their title aspirations in a flash.
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