So often, in fact almost always, in the last 15 years since he has become manager, Arsenal go into the North London derby with all the pressure on their shoulders. They are expected to beat their rivals, for whom it is the biggest game of the season.
But tomorrow it will be different. For once, Tottenham go into the game justifiably able to claim the tag of favourites. For Arsenal, a draw would be a result most fans would reluctantly admit being happy to take prior to kick off. It is quite a change in fortunes. But perhaps the lack of pressure will be good for a team who have suffered so much psychologically in recent months.
For Arsenal they are still in a traumatic phase. Their youth project almost came to fruition just months ago with the team in contention for four trophies with less than a couple of months of the season left. They had even beaten one of the best teams of all time, Barcelona, to take a lead into their second leg.
But the dramatic loss of confidence, form and players to injury led to a disappointing end to the campaign. Cesc Fabregas left, predictably, but it was Samir Nasri’s departure which was the biggest blow. His selfish decision to court more money elsewhere meant the club were pushed back two steps by Manchester City’s relentless spending.
For Wenger, his team were decimated at a time when North London rivals Tottenham were holding onto Luka Modric. It proved an inspired choice, with the Croatian reminding everyone why he is probably one of the best two or three players in the league, alongside David Silva and Sergio Aguero. With Gareth Bale, Scott Parker and Aaron Lennon, he forms an awesome midfield behind Emmanuel Adebayor, who could not have been a more perfect signing for Harry Redknapp. Strong, able to play up front on his own, with his back to goal and score prolifically, the Togo international also has a hateful relationship with the Arsenal fans.
In all, this means that tomorrow’s North London could be a crucial one. With newspapers always looking to add to the problems at the Emirates, a defeat would be heralded by short termists as a passing of the baton from one side of North London to the other. It is unlikely to be that simple, but Tottenham can say that they go into the game on level terms with their rivals for the first time in years. It makes for a fascinating backdrop to what should be another great game.
