5 Reasons Why Tottenham Are Better Than Arsenal

Arsenal and Tottenham go head-to-head at The Emirates this Sunday, with Spurs trying to hang on to the coattails of the two Manchester clubs in the Premiership title race and put further distance between themselves and the other Champions League-chasing clubs.

Arsenal are fighting desperately for that all-important fourth place, so the stakes are high in the season's second North London Derby.

Back in September of last year, this article suggested that the winners of the first clash of the season between these two could lay claim to holding the footballing power in north London. This time, I'll be listing the reasons why Tottenham, 2-1 victors that day, have surged past their local rivals since that triumph and are now undoubtedly the superior side.

There will be no prediction about the upcoming clash, but the point is that, regardless of the result this Sunday, the power has shifted to the white half of north London.

1. The Table Doesn't Lie

As it stands, Tottenham sit 10 points clear of their arch-rivals. Defeat at The Emirates on Sunday will only reduce the gap by three points, still leaving Arsenal seven points adrift.

Needless to say, victory for Spurs would put them 13 points clear of the Gunners and strengthen their grip on third place and guaranteed Champions League football for next season. Moreover, defeat for Arsenal would jeopardise their chances of securing a top-four place for the first time in Arsene Wenger's 16-year reign at the club.

Not only that, but victory for Spurs would also pave the way for them to finish above Arsenal in the league for the first time since 1995.

2. Daniel Levy: The Man at the Top and in Control

Both north London clubs were dogged by unwanted transfer rumours regarding star midfielders all summer. The difference, of course, as everyone knows, is that Arsenal were persuaded to part with two of their most important players in Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, while Tottenham were able to retain the services of key man, Luka Modric.

There is one reason and one reason only for this—Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy. In spite of a reported £40 million bid from Chelsea for the Croatian, and even amidst Harry Redknapp suggesting he might be sold, Levy held strong and resisted the Blues' advances.

And what a move it was. Since the transfer window closed, Modric has proven instrumental in Tottenham's form this season. The strength and determination shown by Levy, distinctly lacking amongst the Arsenal hierarchy in the face of similar approaches for their players, has gone a long way to turning Tottenham into title contenders.

How Arsenal are missing David Dein's influence...

3. Central Midfield: Scott Parker and Luka Modric

Arguably the best central midfield duo in the Premiership, Scott Parker and Luka Modric were paired together following one of Tottenham's most successful days in transfer window history. Resisting attempts from Chelsea to prise Modric away from White Hart Lane was possibly the best piece of business all summer. But the purchase of Scott Parker from West Ham for a mere £5 million is right up there too.

These two have controlled just about every game they have played together for Spurs, and their current league position owes much to that fact. There are very few teams, Arsenal included, that can boast an engine room as good as this.

4. Central Defense: Younes Kaboul and Ledley King

Tottenham don't traditionally excel when it comes to defending, but this season has been different. Largely thought to be a problem area for Spurs, the form, not to mention the fitness of Younes Kaboul and captain Ledley King have been pivotal in their success so far this season.

Collectively known as "Kabing," Frenchman Kaboul's agility and comfort on the ball has been complemented perfectly by King's experience, calmness and leadership, three qualities distinctly lacking in Arsenal's defence.

Between them, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker, Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou, either through injury or lack of form, have been unable to demonstrate any kind of cohesiveness and organisation. Arsenal's perpetual problem, it seems, it yet to be solved.

5. Harry Redknapp: A Man Who Knows What He Needs

Arsenal's frailties are there for all to see, and have been for some time. Where Arsene Wenger has failed to address them, Harry Redknapp has succeeded spectacularly.

Attempting to plug their obvious defensive weaknesses and in a desperate attempt to plug the creative gaps left by the aforementioned departures of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, Wenger spent a combined £18 million on the purchases of Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta. It would not be unreasonable to say that neither has set the world alight just yet.

In addressing Tottenham's problem areas, Redknapp acted decisively, albeit a little tardily. The error-prone Heurelho Gomes was replaced in goal by the ever-reliable Brad Friedel, the ball-winning distributor was bought in the shape of Scott Parker, and Emmanuel Adebayor was loaned in as the imposing, agile and clinical attacker so absent last season.

All this was done at a total cost of £5 million, meaning that Redknapp, and consequently, Tottenham, have a superior squad of players to Arsenal for the first time in the Premiership era.

One Reason Arsenal Have an Edge: Robin Van Persie

Arsenal have been a one-man show this season. Out on his own as the Premiership's top scorer and a certain front-runner for the end-of-season awards, Robin Van Persie is the reason that Arsenal are even within shouting distance of Tottenham and the Champions League race.

But a staggering lack of progress in recent years coupled with the Dutchman's expiring contract have led some to suggest that his departure from the red half of north London is imminent.

Meanwhile, Tottenham's main centre forward is a loanee. Many observers would suggest that a top-drawer striker could make the difference between Tottenham challenging for a place in next season's Champions League and actually winning it, alongside mounting a serious Premiership title challenge in 2012-13.

Here's a mischievous suggestion—RVP for Spurs, anyone?