Combined North London XI – featuring Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur stars
Arsenal’s start to the ongoing Premier League season under new manager Unai Emery was far from spectacular but the Gunners have managed to get their campaign back on track with back-to-back wins against West Ham United and Cardiff City.
Although the wins haven’t been convincing and Arsenal are yet to hit top gear, they should aim to maintain the momentum. The six points should bring a smile on the faces of the fans and the manager, given that the team is going through a transition phase and the players are still getting accustomed to the new style of play.
Tottenham Hotspur, on the other hand, made a solid start to their season with victories over Fulham, Manchester United and Newcastle United. They looked formidable until their winning streak was ended by a 2-1 defeat to Watford away from home last weekend. It was a bad day at the office for the players but they must get back to winning ways in the coming games.
Let us assemble a combined line-up of the two teams based on their performances in the ongoing season.
Combined XI featuring Arsenal and Tottenham stars
Hugo Lloris (GK)
The Frenchman has shown good reflexes so far and kept a clean sheet against Manchester United, where he saved a couple of good long-range shots. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and is a formidable figure between the sticks.
Although Petr Cech has looked good while dealing with close-range shots, the 36-year-old hasn’t managed to keep a single clean sheet so far and has struggled to keep shots out with his legs. He has looked shaky at times while Lloris has looked much more confident.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
The English international has carried his stellar World Cup form into the Premier League this season and has been one of the standout performers for the Lilywhites. While he has looked solid defensively, he hasn’t been hesitant to venture forward and already has a goal and an assist to his name.
His contemporary, Hector Bellerin, has blown hot and cold in patches.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
The Belgian has done his reputation no harm this season and has looked pretty composed at the back while Shkodran Mustafi has been pathetic, to be honest. The Arsenal centre-back has looked ordinary with his marking and positioning and has often responsible for the team’s downfall.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
Vertonghen has been the best defender for Spurs. He has kept things tight at the back and has rarely lacked composure. He has also played some delightful lobbed passes to the attackers up front.
While Vertonghen has been good, Sokratis Papasthapoulous has been average so far. Shkodran Mustafi has been completely disappointing and the Greek international has found it difficult to build a good understanding at the back.
Nacho Monreal (LB)
The Spanish left-back has scored a goal this season against West Ham and has looked pretty composed at the back with his tackling and positioning. He also ventures forward to join the attack occasionally.
Danny Rose hasn’t received a lot of game time this season and has not performed up to the mark. Ben Davies has looked vulnerable at times and Monreal deserves to get the nod ahead of Davies and Rose.
Lucas Torreira (CDM)
Although the new signing is yet to make a start this season, he has made substitute appearances in all four games so far. The Uruguayan has been precise with his passing and has rarely set a foot wrong. In fact, he has shown better composure and concentration than Matteo Guendouzi.
On the other hand, Eric Dier has not put his hand up for Spurs at the centre of the park and has been poor with his passing.
Matteo Guendouzi (CDM)
He is another of Emery’s new signings this season and has done exceptionally well. He has been energetic in central midfield with his pressing and has successfully dispossessed the opposition numerous times. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement as far as his concentration, decision-making and positioning are concerned.
Mousa Dembele hasn’t looked like the player he was a couple of years ago. He hasn’t looked fit and has switched off at crucial moments.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RAM)
The Armenian has looked lively for the Gunners in the final third with his passing, crossing and movement off the ball. He already has a goal and an assist to his name while Dele Alli has been quite wasteful with the good chances that have come his way.
Lucas Moura (LAM)
The Brazilian has been another standout performer for the Lilywhites and has already bagged 3 goals. His display against Manchester United was a treat to watch. He has troubled the defenders with his pace, acceleration and movement and has been clinical with his finishing.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a goal against Cardiff City but has been quite inconsistent so far. Although he has linked play well in the final third, his finishing has been anything but clinical.
Christian Eriksen (CAM)
The Danish playmaker hasn’t enjoyed a good start but he already has a goal and an assist to his name. He has looked great with his passing, creativity and shooting.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey has flourished in his new role as the playmaker and has looked quite lively and aggressive in the final third. However, Eriksen should get the nod ahead of the Welshman.
Harry Kane (ST)
England’s golden boy has already hit the ground running with 2 goals and an assist, including a thumping header against Manchester United in the second game. He remains a strong contender for the Golden Boot this season.
