Three key issues that will decide Arsenal vs Tottenham | OneFootball

Set-pieces set to be crucial in crunch north London derby at Emirates Stadium

The north London derby never fails to entertain - but Tottenham will be hoping to change their fortunes on Sunday.

Here, Standard Sports looks at three key areas that could decide the game…

Set-pieces

It is no surprise that Spurs have dramatically improved at set-pieces since Thomas Frank’s arrival.

Frank showed during his time at Brentford how he is a big believer in their importance and that has continued at Spurs.

Gabriel scored the winner from a corner at Spurs last season

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Arsenal are the best side in the Premier League at set-pieces, with 10 goals from them this season.

But Spurs are tied third for set-piece goals after finding the net six times this season.

Crucially, they have also improved at defending them as that was an Achilles’ heel for Spurs under Ange Postecoglou.

In the Premier League this season, Spurs have leaked just two goals from set-pieces - and only Brighton can better that record as they have conceded just once.

Arsenal are set to be without their biggest weapon from set-pieces, Gabriel, and that is a huge boost for Spurs.

Gabriel scored the only goal in the first north London derby of last season, heading home from a corner.

Keeping Saka quiet

Bukayo Saka has proven to be a thorn in Tottenham’s side.

The winger missed the most recent north London derby in January due to injury, but in the previous four before that he was directly involved in a goal in each of those games.

Saka is in good form this season and is Arsenal’s joint top scorer, with Viktor Gyokeres, after finding the net six times.

Bukayo Saka is set to be key on Sunday

REUTERS

Destiny Udogie or Djed Spence will be charged by Frank with trying to keep the England winger quiet.

Spence started Spurs’ last game against Manchester United and he may get the nod again.

He is a natural right footer and that may prove effective when trying to stop Saka cutting in from the flank.

Tottenham may also look to double up on the Arsenal winger, which has been successful for other teams in the past.

Right-back Jurrien Timber will have a key role to play if that’s the case, as by overlapping he can create space for Saka.

Can Spurs create?

Tottenham have struggled for creativity at times since Frank took charge.

In their recent home defeat to Chelsea, they had an xG of just 0.05 - their lowest in a Premier League game on record.

“That hurts massively,” Frank said afterwards. “I have never been in charge of a team that has created that little in one game.”

A double pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield has not helped the Spurs attack.

Spurs have struggled to create from open play this season

Action Images via Reuters

The pair offer solidity and are excellent at breaking up play, but going forward they lack a threat.

Xavi Simons has also failed to shine as a No10 and there will surely be some anguish among Spurs fans seeing Eberechi Eze line up for Arsenal, given Spurs’ pursuit of him in the summer.

Pape Sarr could even get the nod ahead of Simons and, if he was played alongside Bentancur and Palhinha, that may make it even harder for Spurs to create.