'The game could be won and lost in midfield'

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Nizaar Kinsella
  • Role, 成人快手 Sport football news reporter

Sol Campbell believes Tottenham have a 'window of opportunity' against Arsenal as Mikel Arteta could be without several players for the North London derby.

Declan Rice is suspended and Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori got injured on international duty - adding to the longer term absence of new signing Mikel Merino.

When asked about the situation, Campbell, who famously made a controversial move from Spurs to Arsenal on a free transfer, said: "I think controlling the midfield might be a problem [for Arsenal]. I think the defence and frontline will be fine. I think where it could be won and lost is in midfield.

"In that sense, the defenders will have to do a little bit more work. Sometimes, in these situations, you can see where you can step up. Sometimes you鈥檙e not going to have every single player on the field and you might have to do an extra 10 percent to get through the game.

"That鈥檚 the challenge in football and say the Arsenal players should be up for and Tottenham should look to take advantage of. But Arsenal have got a good record and they are going in the right way with a good mentality.

"They can handle it but Tottenham have an window of opportunity that might not be there next time in midfield. It's still a top game with bragging rights. It's a special game. It can be a tight game and you're on tenterhooks. It's been spicy in the past as well."

Campbell also said Arteta's new contract was "deserved", adding: "They have rewarded him for great performances and nearly winning the league. Let鈥檚 see if they can take it one step further but, again, there鈥檚 injuries so it will be about the squad."

And believes Sterling will be a great addition for their title charge. "I tell you what, if you just look at the deal, it was a great one for Arsenal because I think Chelsea are paying half the wages. Really Arsenal can't lose.

" If he steps up, with something to prove, he is at a club with a manager he knows, and that really helps. Raheem knows how Mikel Arteta works, and the manager knows what makes him tick and how to get the best out of Sterling.

"It's a fresh start. Raheem knows he's at a top club. It's a perfect opportunity for him, now take it!"