Football
‘Tottenham Might Get A Result’ vs Arsenal In North London Derby Says A Worried Paul Merson
Cai is a news and features writer that specialises in football, but has experience covering a variety of other sports, including darts, basketball, American football, MMA, boxing, and more. He holds a degree in Football Journalism (BA Hons) from the University of Derby, and worked with Nottingham Forest FC and Burton Albion FC throughout his studies. Cai also has experience working in social media with the Football Association of Wales, where he worked on a freelance basis, and has also been an accredited writer in the JD Cymru Premier for both Y Clwb Pêl-Droed and welshfootie since the 2019/20 season.
Get to know Cai Parry betterPublished12 Sep 2024
Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson has revealed that he’s ‘really worried’ that Tottenham might get a result against Arsenal when the pair meet in the North London derby on Sunday afternoon.
The latest instalment of the North London derby is set for Sunday afternoon, with Tottenham hosting Arsenal, and former Gunners man Paul Merson is worried that Spurs might pick up a result against his depleted former side.
Arsenal are without a number of key players for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Declan Rice misses out through suspension after his red card against Brighton last time out, and all of Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney are expected to be absent through injury.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Riccardo Calafiori could also miss out due to groin and calf injuries, respectively, however the pair have not yet been ruled out and remain doubtful in the lead-up to the action.
As for Tottenham, they have a quartet of injury concerns, but like Jesus and Calafiori, they haven’t been ruled out of the tie. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven, and Yves Bissouma are all carrying issues, with Richarlison likely to miss out according to reports.
Some good news for Arsenal and their fans heading into the clash, though, is that Mikel Arteta has penned a new three-year deal at the Emirates, extending his stay at the club until the summer of 2027.
Belief in what we do.
Mikel Arteta has committed his future to The Arsenal ✊ pic.twitter.com/fo9zS9jvL5
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 12, 2024
Paul Merson on Tottenham vs Arsenal: “I’m Really Worried If I’m Being Honest”
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, previewing the weekend’s Premier League action, Merson revealed that he’s ‘really worried’ that Tottenham might get a result against his former side Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
“It will be tough. I mean, this game is a big game – four games in or even if it is a pre-season friendly – it is a huge football match in north London.
“I was very bullish last year with Arsenal about winning. I’m not sure this Sunday, I think Tottenham have got every chance this Sunday.
“I’m really worried, if I’m being honest. So I’ve got to concentrate on dancing [for Strictly Come Dancing], for a week of dancing practice, and in the back of my mind I’m thinking Tottenham might get a result. That will not be good.”
Merson then touched on the Gunners’ fixture list in the Premier League, and claimed that having Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Manchester City as their first three away games is ‘harsh’ scheduling.
“I don’t think it’s been kind, to have your first three away games at Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City. It’s harsh. You don’t want to give Man City a headstart. These are two big games coming up.
“A couple of weeks ago against Brighton, 1-1 was disappointing result in the end. It hasn’t been the worst start but these are big matches now, the next two. [Arsenal] need at least four points, otherwise they’re going to be playing catch-up against probably the best team to ever play the game.”
Despite Arsenal’s absentees, some of the UK’s best football betting sites still have the Gunners as 13/10 favourites, while Spurs are around 2/1 to secure all three points against their bitter rivals.