Tottenham heading into the North London Derby against Arsenal without three first-team stars due to recent….
Tottenham have had a disappointing start to the new season as they have already dropped five points in the opening three league games. While it has been a poor star, Ange Postecoglou’s team could turn things around with a win against arch-rivals Arsenal. But, according to a report from Football.London, Spurs might have to do it without three key first-team players.
The Lilywhites suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United before the international break. They dominated the proceedings but couldn’t get the desired result. However, the mood could quickly change if they manage to get the better of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who are one of the favourites for the Premier League title.
While the Gunners could be without as many as seven, Tottenham could also miss three first-team stars in the derby. Spurs forked out a club-record fee to sign Dominic Solanke but injuries haven’t allowed him to get going at his new club. He has missed two out of their three league outings after picking up an ankle injury against Leicester City on the opening day and is a major doubt for the game against the Gunners.
Richarlison who had returned from injury and made substitute appearances in the first two league fixtures was ruled out of the game against Newcastle and there is no clarity about his availability.
Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven picked up a knee injury against Everton and missed the game against the Magpies. The injury kept him out of the international break and he might not be available for selection. As a result, it will be interesting to see who makes the Spurs squad for the all-important North London derby.
Dejan Kulusevski has shown glimpses of what he is capable of for Spurs over the last three years, but he’s never quite hit the highs of that first season at the club. So, what can he do to regain his best form? The answer is simple.
The Swedish star arrived at Spurs, initially on loan, in January 2022. His impact was immediate, providing five goals and eight assists in 18 games as the Lilywhites marched to fourth place.
In the following season, injury issues and a loss of form — very likely exacerbated by a dismal campaign all round for Tottenham under Antonio Conte — saw Kulusevski manage just two goals and seven assists all season.
Last term, under Ange Postecoglou, Kulusevski found his shooting boots and registered eight goals, but only managed three assists.
Since that dazzling first few months at the club, one big problem has plagued Kulusevski’s game and prevented him from achieving his full potential: He’s just too predictable.
Playing predominantly on the right-wing, the 24-year-old relies far too heavily on cutting inside onto his left foot. This worked wonders in the early days of his time in England, but defenders have quickly caught on to his trademark trick, and it seems Kulusevski is averse to simply using his right foot instead.
