Confirmed Arsenal team as we play host to rivals Tottenham at the Emirates

Tottenham have made the short trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal for this Super Sunday clash, and both starting line-ups have now been announced as we close in on the kick-off time.

The Gunners announced that they had a clean bill of health in the run for the first time this season, with Granit Xhaka having completed his three-match ban also, meaning that we could well see Mikel Arteta’s idea of his best possible line-up today, which could well be a incite into the rest of our campaign.

Spurs are without Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon, while Lucas Moura is back in the squad after his latest injury, meaning that both sides should have no excuses come the final whistle.

Do you think Xhaka should have made way for Pepe or another forward? Will this line-up be the base for Arsenal going forward this season? What are your scoreline predictions after seeing the teams?

Patrick

Tags Spurs tottenham Tottenham Hotspur

255 Comments

  1. Xhaka is not world class but he is our most experienced midfielder, he has his bad moments but he also had some dominating performances against top teams. on the long term we should replace him, but in the current state of our squad, he is the best option.

    1. Urgh, Xhaka again. What does the guy need to do to show he shouldn’t be put straight in the lineup? Not even a ridiculously stupid red and 3 wins without him prove we’re better off waiting. Absolute joke.

    2. Ridiculous … the man is championship level .. we have plenty of better options … this is one of several reasons why until arteta leaves we will be a mid table outfit … the Panglossian so called fans who have backed him to stay this long need to wake up

  2. Xhaka limits our game. I am not happy, he should not not playing. Not match fit and has been ill…….not good at all.

      1. What’s the point of the forum if not for people to voice their opinions? Stating the Xhaka is a liability and should not be starting is not complaint it is a (valid) opinion.

      2. Admin Pat this is a forum where I think everyone should be able to voice his or her opinions don’t you think is wrong telling someone to shut up simply because you didn’t agree with them.

        1. No I don’t actually, I think supporters should be cheering on OUR team. Not putting them down on match day. If you disagree you are NOT a supporter and as far as I’m concerned you should wait until the game is actually over before criticising anyone.
          CApiche

        1. Arteta is the Arsenal manager. I will support him until Arsenal choose another manager. I will support every player until they don’t play for Arsenal. What about you?

      3. You’re doing it again. We all have different opinions. We should all share them. That’s the point of your web site.

    1. Very hard game to win, would I have started xhaka no but only time will tell. If we win arteta is the man if we lose he must be sacked, this is what the 2021 football fan is like me included as I want my club to win so so bad but will not tolerate a bad team performance on “what they get paid”. I know my logic is so wrong but I love my club so much and have been a gooner since 1961.
      You think I would know better but I dont as I only want us to win. I’m hopeful but if we dont win I wont rant on here with personal crap but I do want the team to leave nothing on the pitch. Last thing I’m not a highly educated man like a lot of you on here so my grammar isn’t the best but I will for 90 minutes get behind the arsenal like my life depends on it.COYG

  3. Good line up.

    Only thing is maybe Sambi for Xhaka
    And Lacazette for Aubamenyang. I hope we take our chances today and Aubamenyang have a commanding game. Also hope to see a decent Xhaka and not the one with errors.

    The back 4 need to focus 100%.

    Hopefully we win. CoYG

  4. Very strong lineup. It will be interesting to see how our possible first eleven will fare against a strong Spurs side.

    It will not be easy of course but 3 points should be expected.

    1. HH,

      You think this is strong enough without Lacazette? I was really hoping Lacazette would start, his link-up play is vitally important upfront and he also scores in these kind of games, best of luck to the team though, coyg!

  5. Pepe,Tavares and Niles should have started, the team is blunt this experiment should end today if we lose this match. I had predicted 2:0 win in a bet ,but this line-up I’m disappointed.

      1. Admin Pat, careful, else they’ll say you think you are better than they are for pointing out how the negativity shouldn’t even be something now.
        I mean we’re yet to kick the ball and everyone’s come out criticizing and being doomsayers instead of just supporting the starting 11 for the full 90 minutes

  6. Tierney/ Smith-Rowe gave Doherty a torrid time and Zaha vs Tanganga didn’t end well this month, so hopefully Arteta’s plan works well on the left wing

        1. I can post whatever I like thankyou….
          Is it too much to ask fans not to be so bloody negative before we’ve even kicked a ball? WE ARE ARSENAL. WE SPPORT THE TEAM.

          Or do some people disagree?

          1. You don’t support to team you support individual Arteta…
            Your all replies to post show support to Arteta and not team
            And if you are don’t like any comment then that’s our fault..
            Don’t read comments..

            1. This website was built on intelligent discussion about Arsenal, the team and the tactics, NOT mindless insults.

          2. I see the logic here.
            The man requesting that y’all should bury the complaint about the starting eleven until after the game is an Arteta fan, and not an Arsenal fan.
            Amazing!

  7. How can arteta call himself a coach when he selects a liablity like xhaka. Cant run cant tackle and when the going gets tough he does something stupid. Better off playing with 10 men from the start

    1. You are all idiots if you think you know better than the man that watches every single player in training. Arteta is picking his best team to win the game. You can blame Xhaka for your breakfast being cold, but he is Artetas captain and you should support him .

      1. But Admin Pat, we have seen countless times, errors made by Xhaka. You and I know he lacks the required discipline. I think there is a reason why people here are not happy with the inclusion of Xhaka

        1. And I know that Arteta thinks he is the best choice. I support the team and the manager, but because YOU don’t like him we should insult him if he plays? Who knows best? You or Arteta?

          1. I get your point Pat. The negativity even before the game starts is not good. Let us all support the team and the 11 players. COYG. We can win this

          2. FFS this site is an absolute joke almost all the time; arrogant uninformed ‘journalists’, click-bait articles, overly entitled toxic commenters allowed to go off on one at each other (some even see themselves as the ‘stars’ of this site) or BS that they are ‘in-the-know’, ‘Admins’ who argue with commenters showing logical concerns, way to upset your fanbase! Great work guys, keep making sure Arsenal fan groups stay toxic just so you can get that import ad money 👍
            Admins are supposed to act diplomatic, not stoke fires. If people want to disrespect Xhaka the person, stand up for the Swiss man fair enough, but if people have constructive criticisms then why chastise them? You’re on one in the comments today Pat, and it’s a pain to watch. You’re acting like a total Karen at times. Stop speaking to people like trash because they have a different opinion to you. Skills spoke to you with respect, you did not do the same, instead making far-reaching assumptions, as you have with nearly everyone so far. Feels like someone else needs to admin over you.

            Personally I don’t hate Xhaka, I’ve always felt he offers something as a squad player but he isn’t good enough to start for a PL team for a club hoping to get back into Europe.
            Proof? Nobody wanted him for a measly £15m in the summer, most red cards since joining the league, large amount of costly errors, repeated temperament issues, statistically his numbers are good as he avoids any of the more challenging situations, slow paced, needs too much time on the ball, has a shocking conversion rate at long shots despite taking them when far better options exist, doesn’t set a good example on or off the pitch, actually had the armband taken from him, etc. Above all, he can not in any sense handle a high-press, which almost all clubs in the PL use right now. He looked good at the Euros because the tempo suited him, no high press, time to think. He has the potential to be a top drawer player in Serie A or back in the Bundesliga, but not in the PL, that much has been proven. I’ll support him while he’s here and cheer him on the pitch but I would rather we upgraded him ASAP. I have faith Arteta picked him today for a good reason but I understand given his antics against City why so many people are worried, its perfectly logical.
            If you don’t agree fair enough but maybe stop jumping on people just because they don’t like a player who for whatever reason means a lot to you.

            1. I’m jumping on people for bitching before a ball is kicked. I support the team, and if I’m wrong to want to be positive before a game I plead guilty.
              Just sick of moaning Minnie’s.
              Now we are 3-0 up. I bet the team is still a pile of crap!

          3. I hate moaning too, but antagonising fellow fans creates an awful atmosphere. If people want to whinge let them blow themselves out while we enjoy the game 😉
            Apologies if I came off a bit OTT in my prior comment.

        1. And I am sick of this witch hunt against a very good Arsenal player. Xhaka was our best most consistent midfielder last season and you all think he’s a liability. Get a grip before the site implodes before the game has even started. Support your club and their players.

          1. Well, this is definitely not true at all. We got more points per match when Xhaka was either A) Not playing or B) Playing as LB instead.

            If by consistent, you actually mean he doesn’t get injured often then sure.

  8. Why change a winning formula for one that failed many times last season? Don’t make sense to me but hope it works out and we silence them noisy neighbors.

    COYG

  9. In Xhaka some arsenal fans have a scapegoat if we lose.
    However unlike most us i like some games last season that Xhaka was paired with Partey and I was not happy when Arteta shifted him to the left full back when Tierney got injured.
    I hope we play well and a little bit of luck here and there.
    A win will change our season for good but I will take a draw

  10. Arteta is a liability himself. How can everyone see Xhaka’s ineptitude and a so called astute coach cannot? This severely limits Arsenal chances to win the game but I hope I am wrong!!!!

  11. Very conservative starting 11 for a must win game at Home. This is not a team capable of lots of goals, with auba being the only one good in front of goal and he is lacking in form. I predicted a very boring game

  12. I’m not gon moan about the lineup or sth instead just ask a simple question, what warranted the inclusion of Xhaka in this team, Man’s just gon walk in and out of our squad as he pleases huh? I guess the gradual 4-3-3 experiment is over

  13. The line up suggest a very cautious, counter attacking approach from Arsenal. Plan B would be bringing on Pepe, Laca, Lokonga. Certainly not what I am hoping see but all the best to The Arsenal.

  14. This Arteta is a joke!. Imagine distorting the lineup with Xhaka!. Can’t he reason?. You don’t just change a winning team with a reckless player. I hope this Xhaka interest don’t eventually lead to Arteta sack!. As an Arsenal fan I hope we win!

  15. What’s the point of playing xhaka if you don’t play a fast wing like Pepe to receive the long balls ….

    Pepe over esr for me

    1. Lol, for me ESR is the most exciting Arsenal player on the ball. He’s like Ozil on the ball with more strength and speed

  16. The Xhaka comments are really giving headache man I swear.
    You’d think as supporters we’ll drop our complaints for now and just support the full team and pass judgement after the game, but No, Arsenal fans need to show this part of their lives.

    Y’all think if the fans in the stadium react like y’all and start complaining, moaning about Xhaka on the pitch, y’all think it’ll help the team win the game ?
    SMH

    Good luck boys, COYG!

      1. Nobody’s saying no one should speak. The point is can you see how toxic this page became the moment the lineup was released? What happened to supporting until after the game to criticize the lineup?

  17. Why arteta keeps using this Conservative formation that keeps failing…

    Take the game to the spuds for godsake….why change a winning team … football ain’t bout experienced players alone anymore…young lads are carrying teams round Europe when seniors are underperforming…

    If Sambi Partey odegaard is working….use it for godsake…..xhaka shouldn’t walk straight back into the team….same mistakes early last season stubbornly playing willian till December…

    Sideway and Back passes will not win us games….

    fingers crossed hoping for the best and a positive outcome anyways

  18. real arsenal fans know xhaka is rubbish just look at hes red card record its a record dats cost us bigtime.,lets face it will cost us 2day.,if he gets a yellow sub the young man,COYG

    1. OK just looked. Xhaka has played 165 games for arsenal and has had FOUR red cards. That’s one every 40 games. So your point is….????

      1. Admin you have to calm down. Now you’re going off at every comment. Be diplomatic and I don’t care if you act against this post. You need to do better. You’re being very unprofessional.. geez!!

  19. Despite of Xhaka’s inclusion in the line-up I believe we will win this! Oh yes, I can see victory… 2-1 Auba, Saka, Kane. COYG!!

  20. I hope Saka plays on the left where he is most effective.A lot of pressure on Auba to produce a good performance..Fingers crossed.

  21. I don’t even care anymore, just get the game started, give me 2 or more goals ænd finally 3 points. That’s all.

  22. I feel for AdPat today. Getting so many jibes about his support. Everyone, please remember that AdPat has said that he will always support the man in charge, and this time I also agree with him that we should not start the game with negativity. I know Xhaka has a chance of a red card tackle but he might also have a chance of a freekick goal also, lol. Let’s cheer on our team, shall we? (I know every Gooner will do so )
    COYG!!
    Beat the roosters!!
    If possible scare the hell away from them, lol.

    1. So even if that man in charge is clueless still will you support him??
      Don’t get me wrong that I am talking about Arteta but I am just saying that will you always support the man in charge who is mediocre or clueless??

      1. Well the thing is, I am more Arteta out than in. But bro, I can express that opinion on regular opinion articles. Lets support the team today, what do you say?

  23. My thoughts are, this is going to be a classic case of who dares wins. Which team wants it most, who is up for it, who’s gonna run their socks off and battle all the way. Arteta needs to get the team motivated to fever pitch, this is a NLD they’re not only playing to win they’re playing for pride. We win this and it will give a massive boost to morale all round. At the moment I wouldn’t take any fixture for granted look at all the upsets happening.

  24. Nice work on Saka’s part for using his right foot, as that’s imperative to keep defenders honest…great work by ESR to seek out pockets of space in behind the Striker and potting a much-needed early goal

  25. Saka on the right! Beautiful! Also play leading to it was also great! Hopefully we ditch the pinball crosses till Moller’s ready.
    Great start boys
    COYG!

  26. Admin Pat keeps saying we should be positive during the match. Does he think the team are reading our comments during the play?? The truth is Xhaka is rubbish and we will be held back as long as he is our regular midfielder. Whatever we write during the game will not affect the outcome.

    1. And the point of regurgitating the
      Same ol Broken Record BS is what?

      Do you honestly want Arsenal to win
      or prefer the opportunity to bitch and
      moan when things arent going well.

      Honest ?

  27. My views are already known I am not going to repeat that but Ad Pat is right complaining before kick off is being negative just for the sake of being negative and it is giving those with constructive criticism a bad name.

    There are other contributors who are fine as things are for various reasons, in my opinion we should give them space to air their views at least in match day articles or articles with positivity vibes.

    Co existence is possible.

      1. See Buddy we don’t like complaining either
        Basically no one likes complaining..
        We see this is our platform to speak out the frustration…
        If everything is going smooth then why we will complain

  28. Crowd sighed at the playing out from the back and we scored. That is why you do it. Great play after obviously.

        1. Ha hope he has a great experience!
          Wonderful play today! Hope we continue this kind of play against teams who sit back..
          MA getting everything spot on today…well maybe he could organize corner defense better by shutting out Kane who almost scored..

      1. Spot on Sid….SAKA owns the right wing…being saying that for weeks now…Pepe can be moved around not SAKA….he has been superb for club and country there….he scores, assists there why shift him to the left to accommodate Pepe…hope arteta has realised this…am so happy mate

  29. That’s what you can achieve when you play direct football…let’s make sure we don’t pack the bus too early, time to place the foot firmly on the neck

  30. Well there you go sue I promised you a classic and the boys haven’t disappointed it’s rocking. Clean sheet please

  31. @Ace How about we never ‘bitch and moan’ but pretend that all is fine when we see our team slump to a position when we are not in Europe and not even a draw for the tv companies. I have supported AFC for 62 years now, bought the merchandise, bought the season ticket , and seen the big games. The ‘moaning’ will stop when we start to perform consistently.

    1. Agreed completely. But there should be good timing for moaning. We are in a bad period and the results today won’t change some of us views until we see consistency.

      But we are destroying the inferior neighbours so we should give a space for fans to enjoy this, especially those who have faith in the coach.

      I don’t think there is room for negativity today or the whole of next week lol. So we should save that energy for a proper time (and hope that time doesn’t come).

    2. Are you seriously posting a negative comment when we are winning the NLD 3-0 at half-time? Will be 5 in a row btw in terms of consistency. We were 5th in the league for chances created before today having played City/Chelsea in those 1st 5 so not like it was random. Spurs by contrast were 19th for chances created going into the game.

  32. Superb counter but gotta give credit where it’s due kane tracking back to tackle saka is the desire you want from a striker.

  33. Very glad MA has put his ego in his pocket and learnt from his mistakes.

    Realised his transfer policy was rubbish and changed it

    Realised his tactics were rubbish and changed it

    See how good we look when playing direct football! I remember all the muggs on here saying Ode has proved he’s average, see how good he is in a functioning team?

      1. ?? What past comments.? That our build up was too slow, Odegaard will be great in a functioning team and that we needed hungry players in the team? Seems right to me son.

        Jury is still 100% out on MA but he’s showing signs of improving which is great, as I’ve always said I support Arsenal above any manager and I’m glad MA is getting the team playing better. I’m glad we’ve got a nice run of games to build confidence.

        1. You posted a comment a 1st comment last week complaining about the fact Arteta started Partey V Burnley when you thought he was injured and that he should of eased him back for his 1st game (he came off the bench v Norwich the week before.) So yeah…….

  34. Admin Pat – Yes ecstatic at 4 in a row and especially this in the NLD. A great day for Arteta. Let us hope onwards and upwards.

    1. They have to support because there perspective being positive or negative affect the game in stadium unlike ours who are just commenting here

      1. They’re still our 12th player today. I don’t think we’d have pinned Spurs down without those great people

    2. Please dont bring out that real supporter thing again GAI.
      Might not suit the happy occasion today. Anyway we already had a lot of debates in the fan vs supporter article, lol.

      Agreed though that the Emirates faithful always deliver! Also some of our regular posters or there relatives are also there so I hope they keep feeling happy today!
      COYG!

  35. I’m not even gon see the second half, that’s enough for this month. What a turnaround from that dismal start. We really should see the team play together like Edu wanted. Delightful
    Arteta: Manager of the month undoubtedly

  36. Hahaha! 3 goals! Wow! Good job to the boys! I feel like there were spells of excessive backwards and sideways passing but the important thing is we are winning! Kudos to Xhaka for saving Ramsdale’s bad pass and turning it into a counter.

  37. Xhaka is easy to criticise but I never see one of is critics giving him credit for intercepting 2 balls and lunching the attack for both goals.
    But I know hell will break lose if it was the other way round.

    If you can criticise, atleast learn how to appreciate.

    1. I’ve always said Xhaka is great in any game that we dominate and aren’t under pressure, he can dictate a game quite well in those circumstances.

      It’s when we are under pressure that he falls short, in my opinion anyway.

      1. Were we not under pressure before he launched those counters?….. just give credit where it’s due, he’s played very well so far. I was hoping he (and Aubameyang) wouldn’t start, but I’m glad they’re both having a good game.

  38. My expectation was wrong. We are playing great football today. Hoping for more in the second half. Credits to everyone involved and also Arteta!

    1. Partey has been solid as well as the back 4…

      Let’s hope we keep it up and keep a clean sheet. I’m sure Aaron is making that point in the dressing room. He is defo growing on me 👏 hats of to the kid

  39. OMG so happy ryt now
    Let’s kill d game now
    I don’t mind another 3 goals in d second half 😉😉😉🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

  40. SAKA on the right anytime anyday is key for goals …one goal one assist already….SAKA on the left previous matches has been lazy and not effective….. likewise Pepe on the left is a beast the league has yet to see…hope arteta unleashes him soon

    ESR might have found his spot in the team….

    Odegaard is the plug we have missed going forward…

    Tomiyasu gat the left back covered…Lad focuses on defending..which helps reduce the leak from previous seasons..

    Gabriel , Ramsdale, Partey are untouchables in the first eleven…

    Been a while I’ve felt this happy watching my darling team… upwards we go….other teams should be scared RN

    1. Agreed Instrooments! Saka on right should not change IMO. He will bring us lots of goals or assists.
      Tomi can play in LB but here he plays RB😅😅

      1. LOL Sid….meant to write RB for Tomi …excitement caused the error…the lad is the signing of the summer for me….strong,quick, disciplined and superb with aerial balls….

    1. Yeah, everything was perfect. We didn’t talk about doing the deal, we just got it done quickly and quietly.

      Intelligent, fit player that looks hungry. More buys like this please.

  41. Moments early no pen, seconds later “thats a penalty, thats a fact” Neville being Neville. The 1st was far more blatant. The chance he fell to ground for was better than s pen, 6 yards out in front of his man.

      1. Nothing can spoil enjoyment today but thanks Sid. Do worry about var long term and would of liked a 4 5 thrashing for confidence/fan appreciation.

  42. Not gonna lie I called Ramsdale the grim reaper of relegation early on, but he has been very good whenever he has played. Our defense also seems real comfortable with him. That chest bump with Tomi spoke volumes..
    So I humbly apologise for that…

  43. Aubameyang is winning most of his aerial duels this is getting ridiculous now. Arteta must have sneakily switched the difficulty to amateur.

  44. Ødegaard has been a work horse today 👏👏👏 he is what makes this team tick. His movement is unreal.
    Another great buy is Tomi 👏👏

    Young guns have been superb.
    Saka, SmithRowe, White and Ramsdale. Positive signs

  45. As I said
    The game isn’t won yet
    Not a great second half
    Sometimes the half time whistle comes at the wrong time but Arsenal should have continued the tempo this half. A bit slack

  46. Xhaka injured😔😔😔
    We need to also protect Partey and Tierney…
    Also gutted Ramsdale couldnt get his third PL clean sheet in a row…

  47. Now the strong guys are here, we need to give spuds some strong treatment back. They are being too physical with Partey, takr out Kane or Moura or Gill.

      1. Controversial opinion but the 1st half against Wolves last year where we ended up losing still ranks as my best (including the excuse that the red changed the game._ We should of been 4 up we lost 2-1 after the card. Tbf they were similar so I guess the derby wins because no red (Luiz was obviously playing for us.)

    1. Wasn’t it. Just nice to be positive. Know we’ve disagreed but appreciate you recognising the performance you saw (I’ll do the same if it goes downhill.) Personally saw it coming but doesn’t mean I was right in what I saw just happened and Spurs have been poor this year. We’ve got a 6 game run which the hardest imo is Brighton away next so could be looking good come Liverpool.

      1. For reference United play: Everton (h), Leicester (a), Liverpool (h), Spuds (a), Man City (h) and Watford (a) in that 6 game period. 🙂

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