Ange Postecoglou is preparing for a significant match as Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Arsenal on Sunday, September 15, 2024. This upcoming North London derby is anticipated to be a crucial encounter, and Postecoglou is determined to make a strong statement. The Australian manager has not yet succeeded in overcoming Mikel Arteta in their previous meetings.
In their first encounter, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. However, in their second meeting, the Gunners secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in April. Although Martin Ødegaard did not score or assist in these games, his absence could impact Arsenal’s performance considerably. Ødegaard, the 25-year-old midfielder, is a pivotal player for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Recent developments regarding his injury could be advantageous for Tottenham.
Ødegaard was injured during Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria in an international match. He suffered an ankle injury and was substituted in the 67th minute. This situation could affect Arsenal’s strength in the upcoming derby.
While Postecoglou might not rely solely on one player’s absence, the manager could consider making adjustments to his strategy. Ødegaard’s absence would likely weaken Arsenal’s squad.
Though Ødegaard has yet to score this season, his contributions in the previous Premier League season were significant. He ended the 2023/24 campaign with eight goals and ten assists. His role in Arteta’s team was crucial, and Spurs fans have seen his abilities firsthand.
Ødegaard completed all of his crosses and long balls with 100 percent accuracy. He also engaged in 14 ground duels, showcasing his effectiveness. His performance metrics place him in the top 89 percentile for non-penalty goals, the top 97 percentile for assists, the top 99 percentile for shot-creating actions, and the top 98 percentile for progressive passes. Additionally, he ranks in the top 99 percentile for touches in the attacking area and the top 87 percentile for progressive carries.
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Should Ødegaard be unavailable for the North London derby, and with Declan Rice suspended, Postecoglou will be under pressure to secure a victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has been advised not to repeat a specific experiment based on a less successful 20 percent international performance.
