Small sample size, but the drop-off in the defensive numbers is quite significant - and its not as if the opponents have been particularly difficult either:
2023-24 - FUL(H); SHU(H)
2024-25 - EVE(A); BRE(H); MUN(H); FUL(A); IPS(A); CRY(H); BOU(H); LIV(A); NEW(H); SOU(A)
What I find interesting is that the betting markets CS odds have barely dropped from 47% down to 46%. That suggests that we are in a better position to cope without Gabriel now than we were in the past, with Hincapie/Mosquera being more capable replacements than Kiwior. The rest of our back five are fit as well, which should ease the defensive impact.
I would go with Hincapie over Mosquera today. Mosquera got his chance when Saliba got injured and did well, and Hincapie deserves the same treatment. He is an experienced player used, to pressure situations having won the double with Leverkuzen and earned 50 caps for his country. And although he can cover both LCB and LB, I think he was brought in primarily as Gabriel’s understudy.
Anyway, Spurs are crap and we should be beating them either way. They will likely sit deep, possibly with a back five, and try to turn this into a physical, scrappy match. Saka loves playing them, and I bet Eze can’t wait for his first NLD.
2–0 to The Arsenal.
