Former France forward Thierry Henry has offered an early assessment of what Arsenal should expect in this weekend’s North London Derby, cautioning that Tottenham Hotspur may rely heavily on direct play when the two sides clash in the Premier League.
Arsenal will welcome Spurs in their first league outing following the November international break, with manager Mikel Arteta’s squad aiming to consolidate their four-point lead at the top of the table by securing a statement win over their fiercest rivals.
Henry explained that Arsenal must brace for a demanding encounter, pointing out that Tottenham’s approach could mirror what the Gunners recently faced in their 2-2 draw against Sunderland. The former captain noted that Spurs may look to impose themselves physically and utilise long balls to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.
“Against Sunderland, Arsenal encountered something that they usually do to teams,” Henry said.
“They played the long ball, and it reminded me of my time in the Premier League, where you couldn’t put pressure on any team.
“So we will see what’s going to happen against Tottenham. I’m sure that the team is going to be ready. You don’t need anyone to tell you what to do in these games.”
The Premier League legend emphasised that derby fixtures often demand heightened focus and resilience, adding that Arsenal should already understand the stakes without needing additional motivation. With both teams desperate for momentum, Sunday’s showdown promises to be an intense and hard-fought affair.
About the Author
