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WILL ARSENAL OR SPURS DO BETTER IN 18/19?
As a Gooner, it's natural to say I detest Spurs with a passion.
They are a club, in my view, and untouched with bias, of a lesser scope, stature, and status than Arsenal. What makes Arsenal stand out is excellence in all fields. Spurs don't have that in any measure. Wherever Arsenal goes, they inevitably follow. But apart from that, I can be gracious to them when warranted.
They have, under Levy, transformed from being a club that was failing under now Lord Sugar, to title contenders and Champions League regulars. They've developed a lot of top talent, and have to their credit one of the best managers in the league. Though he's won nothing, which is the strongest metric of any top manager, his methods and practices are well-respected and received.
Arsenal, on the other hand, has naturally outdone them on most fronts. But in the past 10 years, Arsenal has lost its way, due to a mix of Wenger's tactics, and a poor overall club structure. The club is rectifying this now, of course, but it has allowed them to get a march on Arsenal. The gap between the two, certainly on the pitch, and increasingly off it, has narrowed.
Extending the graciousness, they have been the better league team over the last couple of seasons. One reason for this has been the end of the Wenger era, and the failings experienced within it. But Wenger has gone, and Emery is here now. And for Tottenham, whilst holding good players and a few world class players (Kane and Lloris), it remains to be seen who will do better. Both certainly will be challenging for the top four, and as for trophies, maybe Poch will win his first pot. Emery would see winning his first English trophy as a major bonus. Largely since 30 trophies over their 17 is a far larger number....
Tottenham didn't sign anybody in the transfer window, whilst Arsenal made a number of signings, albeit few big names. However, Spurs team is well-settled, whilst Arsenal needs to add some steel. This will be a factor in how they both progress, naturally.
But despite the past, how will both clubs progress into the future?
TOTTENHAM
They have their new bigger stadium to complete, though it's hilarious that it's behind schedule and over budget. Hilarious from my standpoint as a Gooner, but then I cannot say anything more than that, can I? Though how the fans have been treated is abominable, including people priced unfairly for season tickets, and receiving no recompense nor explanation from the club.
However, they will match Arsenal's revenues soon, which have been having higher than theirs since it moved to the Emirates Stadium. Though they need to sustain the top four and Champions League, and to win things, to ensure they maximise revenues.
They need this so they can afford a higher wage bill. Kane is their highest paid player at £200k, which in modern terms is average.
Their team is relatively well-settled, though a really big name is what they need to reach the top level. However, with their financing model (self-financing akin to Arsenal amongst others no less...) Not signing any players in the window may serve them well..or not.
The next few years will be telling for them.
ARSENAL
Well for Arsenal, it's different. It's clear that Wenger was failing, but he's gone. Emery is in now, and Gazidis is implementing his catalyst for change.
The club's overall revenues are still high, and the Club Level expansion will ensure its match-day revenue is higher. Moreover, the new sponsors,and a potentially higher league finish could ensure the club gets more to spend.
There is a lot of competition for the top four, also. But with a resurgence, and new players and methods/tactics, there is no reason why the club cannot achieve this. It won't be easy, though it is attainable. Some serious revisions, however, need to be made defensively and structurally if the team is to progress.
Players such as Torreira have been bought to add steel, and Sokratis Papastathopolous is a no-nonsense defender who can provide more grit in the defence. It remains to be seen if they can improve Arsenal structurally, but witnessing the development first hand can be exciting.
PLAYERS TO WATCH FOR
For Arsenal, the players to watch out for are:
- Aubameyang. Can he win the Golden Boot?
- Cech. He's not the player he was once was, but can he help Arsenal improve defensively?
- Mustafi. Can he improve and be more stable under a new manager?
- Lacazette. How well can link with Aubameyang?
- Torreira. Will he provide the required bite in Arsenal's midfield?
- Sokratis. Can his no-nonsense style help Arsenal enhance defensively?
- Ozil. He has been in the news for negative reasons of late. But can he relay his negative World Cup experiences into positive ones for Arsenal?
For Tottenham:
- Kane. Can he regain his Golden Boot from Mo Salah?
- Alli. He's been muted of late, but can he regain his initially strong form?
- Lloris. World Cup winning French captain, will he be Golden Glove winner?
- Dembele. Can he continue his strong mid presence?
- Eriksen. He's been linked to a move away, but will his goals support Kane?
- Rose. He's been touted to leave, but can he transfer his strong World Cup performances to Spurs?
- Alderweireld. He's asked to leave, but is staying for now. Will this affect his performances, and/or team harmony?
As for the managers, Pochettino needs to ensure Spurs get top four again, and possibly win something, but Emery for Arsenal needs progression in both tactical terms and league position. Even 6th and the Europa League may be viable this season, as it would gain Champions League football.
VERDICT
Spurs are clearly on the up but then is in a precarious position since they have competition for top four and need this to get the maximum from their new stadium. The new ground in itself is behind schedule and way over-budget, and this alone could provide a hindrance in the future.
As for Arsenal, the club needs to improve, since the major issue has been structural, both on and off the pitch. The appointment of Emery and the internal realignments (with Mislintat and Sanhelli) are solutions to the issue, but it will take time to rectify to an acceptable standard.
I think both, in the coming years, will be competitors for top four, and be in the running for cups.
I can see Arsenal and Tottenham finishing above each other for the top four in an alternate fashion. But I do think Arsenal's bigger global name/brand will ensure it can get better players. Yes, this is not everything, of course. But it is a factor in attaining not just players, but additional commercial revenues. Tottenham have some way to go to ensure they can maximise this effectively.
It's interesting times, but then both Arsenal and Spurs have challenges and opportunities to fulfil in the near future.
