Arsenal have struggled to maintain pace in the Premier League title race this season as the Gunners failed to bag all three points at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this Wednesday, Feb. 18. Now, they are set to face city rivals Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
And, Harry Redknapp has identified the Gunners player with a point to prove in the derby.
Arsenal Star Earmarked As Player To Watch in Derby
During a recent interview with BetVictor, former Spurs manager Redknapp provided his two cents on the upcoming north London derby, set to be held at Tottenham’s stadium.
“This is the big one and a very hard game to predict it. Let’s be honest, who knows what to expect from Spurs. I like Thomas Frank but the performances of late have been really poor and they probably needed a change. (Igor) Tudor’s come in but how will he get on at Spurs, only time will tell. Talk about an early test for him though,” Redknapp remarked.
Redknapp, who was Tottenham’s boss between 2008 and 2012, expressed his shock about the Gunners’ recent 2-2 draw at Wolves, who are 20th in the Premier League table.
“As for Arsenal, who knows what to expect? I cannot believe they blew that game against Wolves, that’s just so unlike them and boy, has that put pressure on this game. Are those Arsenal lads beginning to feel the pressure? That Spurs crowd should lift the players and make this a closer game that some might expect,” the 78-year-old commented.
The ex-West Ham United and Bournemouth manager predicted a draw in the derby contest before naming Bukayo Saka as the Arsenal player on whom all eyes should be.
“I can see a nervy, entertaining draw! Bukayo Saka is one to watch as well, he’s signed a new deal and he’ll want to celebrate in style here,” the ex-Tottenham boss concluded.
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Saka, 24, signed a new contract, allegedly worth around $404,000-a-week, at the Gunners on Thursday, Feb. 19. He is now his team’s highest-earning star, eclipsing Kai Havertz.
So far this season, the left-footed inverted winger has scored eight goals and laid out seven assists in 34 appearances across all competitions for the Mikel Arteta-coached side.
Meanwhile, Saka’s club is currently atop the Premier League table with 58 points from 27 matches, boasting a fine goal difference of +32. Spurs, on the other hand, are languishing in 16th place with a meagre 29 points from 26 league outings so far.
