5 reasons why Arsenal can still finish above Spurs

Arsenal lost the North London Derby courtesy of a Harry Kane double. Once again, Arsenal lost a big game in an early kick-off which was a regular sight last season. Arsenal scored an early goal with a fine volley from Mesut Özil. But Spurs were dominant throughout the game and turned it around with two second half goals from Harry Kane. Spurs have leapfrogged Arsenal to climb upto fifth in the table. But will Spurs finally manage to finish above Arsenal? Here are some reasons why they won’t finish above Arsenal.

#1 Easier run of fixtures

In the last 14 games, Arsenal would be playing nine teams from the bottom half of the table while Spurs would be playing seven teams from the bottom half of the table. And against the five teams in the top half, Arsenal would be playing four of them at home. On the other hand, Spurs would be playing only three home games against those seven clubs in the top half of the table.

So, Arsenal really have an easier run of fixtures compared to Spurs. Spurs would be playing Liverpool at Anfield in a couple of days while Arsenal would be hosting Leicester City. A win for Arsenal coupled with Spurs dropping points at Anfield would see Arsenal above Spurs in the table.

It is only a point that separates the two teams currently and every point matters now as we go into the business end of the season. Tottenham have finished a point behind Arsenal on two of the last three seasons and this could well go down to the wire.The results against the other top four rivals could be decisive if both teams want to play Champions League football next season.

#2 History favours Arsenal

There have sixteen Spurs managers during Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal reign yet none have managed to finish them above Arsenal. The recent years have seen Arsenal and Spurs fighting for the fourth place regularly. And there have been quite a few instances where Spurs have been several points ahead of the Gunners at this period of time. Most recent examples include the teams under Andre Villas-Boas in 2012-13 season and Harry Redknapp in 2011-12 season.

Spurs under Villas-Boas had a seven-point advantage over Arsenal in March but ended up finishing one point behind the Gunners. The Harry Redknapp team in 2011-12 too had a similar capitulation. The reason is that they always seem to lose their plot in March and April. And Arsenal have always taken advantage of their slip-ups in the past. Spurs currently have a one point lead over Arsenal.And there is a lot more football to be played.

And once again, the next few months are very crucial for Spurs if they are to break their jinx and finish above their North London rivals.

#3 Experience matters

Arsenal have finished in the top four every season under Arsene Wenger. Arsenal have more experience than Spurs when it comes to that. Arsenal know how to string some wins together and get a god run going when it matters towards the business end of the tournament. Arsenal were challenged by Aston Villa for the top four spot during 2008-09 season.

Although, a long unbeaten run in the second half of the season made sure that they played Champions league football next season. Arsenal were a point behind Everton with just five games left last season. Arsenal won all of those games and comfortably sealed the last Champion League place. And as said earlier they managed 26 points out of a possible 30 to finish above Andre Villas-Boas’ side to finish in the top four.

So, Arsenal have been in worse positions before and still have managed to finish above Spurs with Champions League qualification. Arsenal have an edge over Spurs with all of their experience. And so finishing above Spurs shouldn’t be a problem.

#4 The \'Alexis\' factor

It goes without saying that Arsenal did miss Alexis Sanchez in the north London Derby. The closing down work he offers against the opposition, is very crucial. The Manchester City game vindicates this fact. The Harry Kane winner was only possible because Arsenal allowed too much space for the cross. Arsenal were happy to sit back to defend without that crucial closing-down factor.

Mesut Ozil who has played in Alexis’s position has done well offensively. However, defensively, he hasn’t managed to match the efforts of Alexis Sanchez and provide cover to the left back Monreal. Sanchez’s presence would certainly improve Arsenal on that front. Also, those quick dribbles and the ability to take on defenders are best offered by both Alexis and Oxlade-Chamberlain. And Arsenal didn’t have both in their squad.

The big win over Villa disguised this fact but in big games, it matters a lot. Arsenal would be a lot better on their return. The return of Alexis bodes well for the team ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.

#5 Squad Depth

If Spurs manage to reach the Europa League final then that would mean playing nearly 65 games this season. Likewise if Arsenal reach FA cup final as well as the Champions League final then that would mean playing nearly 60 games. This is where squad depth becomes very important. Arsenal have suffered from injuries throughout the first half of the season. And now the injured players are returning for Arsenal.

The defence that looked short of players has been boosted with the arrival of Gabriel Paulista and the uprising of Hector Bellerin. Arsenal now possess squad depth of a title challenging team. There have been recent games where the likes of Walcott and Ozil started on bench. Players like those can come on and change the complexion of the game completely. Arsenal should be able to tackle that 60 game mark challenge.

However, it remains to be seen whether Spurs can manage a tough fixture list ahead of them. Tottenham are more likely to reach that 60 game mark than Arsenal and it would be a real test of their squad depth as well as if they possess the same quality on the bench as Arsenal.