Tottenham vs Arsenal: 4 key battles that could decide north London derby

Arsenal were freakishly good from set-pieces last season, scoring 20 times from such situations, while Tottenham struggled to defend them. Only five teams conceded more set-piece goals than Spurs last season (14).

This mismatch proved key in Arsenal's win the last time the north London rivals faced off. An ins-winging corner forced Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg into scoring an own goal before Havertz headed home the Gunners' third unchallenged from Rice's delivery.

Arsenal may well opt for a similar plan which worked wonders in April this weekend, one that revolves around a compact defence, transitions, and set-pieces.

The Gunners haven't been so dominant from dead-ball situations at the start of the new season - mustering a combined 0.5 xG through three games - and while Spurs have shown considerable improvement when attacking set-pieces, they still appear vulnerable when asked to defend them. Only Leicester and Southampton have surrendered more set-piece xG than Postecoglou's side (1.61) this term.

Arteta will have to find a new set-piece maestro in Rice's absence, mind.

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