It is not at all surprising that Granit Xhaka has found himself in the Arsenal line-up for the north London derby, but it is of great concern.
Mikel Arteta hinted ahead of the weekend that he would be hesitant to play someone without regular game time.
“Well, they are in the best possible state that they can be. Obviously, they've both had different issues in the last few weeks. Thomas with a big injury and Granit with a suspension. Ideally, you want players with more of a run of games and to be a little bit more consistent in terms of minutes, but they are both available," explained Arteta.
It is therefore frustrating for many, such as myself, not to see faith put in Arsenal's breakout star of the early season Sambi Lokonga given the opportunity.
Xhaka showed in the game at Manchester City that in clutch moments he has failed to mature despite turning 29 later this month. The selection from Arteta puts even greater pressure on him, his team and specifically the Swiss international to perform in the biggest game of the season so far.
Xhaka’s return also means a change in formation to the team. The 4-3-3 which Arteta has wanted to bring to the line-up has instead reverted to the 4-2-3-1 Arsenal has been better associated with.
The step-up in attacking threat from Spurs in comparison to Burnley is the explanation for the tweak in shape and it is not unreasonable.
Besides the Xhaka inclusion, the line-up falls in line with expectations. For a period, north London derby combined elevens were an embarrassing admittance of the progression the opposition had made with their team in relation to Arsenal.
However, with the additions of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Martin Odegaard Arsenal have clawed back the advantage, aided by the presence of Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Although the Gabonese forward could really do with a derby day goal.
Despite German outlet BILD’s head of football Christian Falk claiming that Bernd Leno had been promised a return to the Arsenal side for the game, Aaron Ramsdale rightly keeps his place.
Arsenal have needed stability and the back four represents that with Tomiyasu, Tierney Gabriel and Ben White maintaining their selections.
The attacking four includes some interesting changes of personnel with the change of shape. With the additional midfielder, it meant that one of the attack-minded players that started against Burnley would be dropped.
Nicolas Pepe was the man to be sacrificed and Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith-Rowe and Bulayo Saka kept in the team for the game. Odegaard has proven to be a leader of the front line, pressing opposition teams and inspiring teammates with his work rate. This will need to be shown again at an even greater intensity.
The service to Aubameyang must be spot on and should it be, the Gabonese striker needs to put his issues behind him and find his composure.
Arsenal have got wins but now the performances must marry with the results. This could be a season-defining game so soon in the year after a dismal start to the campaign. The line-up doesn’t ease the nerves, now all the fans can do now is hope.
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