Five reasons why Arsenal won’t beat Spurs on Sunday

Tottenham/Arsenal, 1.30pm, Sky Sports 1, Free Bets, Best Odds

Arsenal are on their longest unbeaten run of the season while Spurs are still in the relegation dogfight but their home form is still impressive under Harry Redknapp. Here are five reasons why they will maintain that by taking at least a point off their superior rivals:

1. Arsene Wenger’s side have won just one of their last seven away matches in all competitions. They have drawn their last three matches in all competitions and five of their last eight league games.

2. Tottenham are unbeaten in three meetings with their North London rivals.

3. Spurs have lost just one of thirteen home games under Harry Redknapp, winning eight.

4. Redknapp went unbeaten in his five home league meetings with Arsenal while managing Portsmouth and Southampton.

5. The Fabregas Factor

Posted: February 7th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | 1 Comment

Arsenal have never beaten Spurs without Cesc Fabregas

Well, not since he started playing for the Gunners in 2004

chickendinner have discovered a shocking stat about Arsenal’s performance in the North London derby when Cesc Fabregas isn’t in the starting line-up, as will be the case when they travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday.

Of the eight games against Tottenham that he has started, Arsenal have won five and drawn three. That leaves them undefeated in those games and with a points per game average of 2.25.

The Spanish midfielder has only ever started on the bench or missed completely five games against Spurs, of which they have drawn four and lost one. Since Fabrega’s league debut in 2004, Arsenal have never beaten Spurs when he hasn’t started and their points average in those games is 0.8.

Posted: February 5th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | 4 Comments