Alan Shearer gives his ‘tight’ prediction for Arsenal vs Tottenham
Alan Shearer delivers his prediction for today’s North London derby at the Emirates.
North London is bracing for its first derby of the season, and all eyes are on one side to deliver.
Arsenal enter the weekend under significant pressure as they look to protect their position at the top of the Premier League table, with Manchester City close behind and ready to capitalise on any slip.
Meanwhile, Tottenham travel to the Emirates Stadium hoping to disrupt their rivals’ title bid and propel themselves back into the top four.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank has spoken openly about his excitement ahead of experiencing his first North London derby, adding further intrigue to Sunday’s showdown.
Sunday, 23 November
Premier League
Arsenal vs Tottenham
17:30
Alan Shearer has labelled the clash a must-win fixture for Arsenal. While acknowledging that derbies are notoriously unpredictable, the Premier League’s record goalscorer believes Mikel Arteta’s side will approach the match with a single objective: securing all three points.
Shearer expects a tightly contested encounter but leans toward a narrow Arsenal victory.
Speaking to The Metro, he said: “Man City will have already played and either picked up points or dropped them. But regardless, Arsenal’s mindset is that they simply have to win.
Derby matches are always tricky to call, but I’m backing Arsenal to edge it. I usually sit on the fence with a draw, but this time I’ll go for Arsenal.”
Much has been made of the influence Thomas Frank has had on Spurs so far. Despite criticism surrounding some of his recent decisions and the team’s inconsistent home performances, Shearer believes visible progress is being made.
He argues that the Danish manager’s ideas are beginning to take shape, even if the overall product remains a work in progress.
Reflecting on Tottenham’s development, Shearer noted: “From finishing 17th last season to where they are now, the football hasn’t always been great, but you can see Thomas Frank’s imprint on the team.
Their set-piece organisation has improved, and you can tell changes are being implemented. It will take time, but I think Frank will be quietly satisfied with what he has achieved so far.”
With both sides carrying contrasting pressures and ambitions, Sunday’s derby promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the season.
