Tottenham Show They're Ready for Derby vs. Arsenal in Europa League Win
Tottenham are back on top of their Europa League group after a richly deserved 2-1 win over Anderlecht at White Hart Lane.
Following the 4-1 thrashing of Manchester City, Spurs endured 29 days without a victory.
After three consecutive victories, the confidence is now palpable.
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Wins over three underwhelming sides, 5-1 vs. Bournemouth, 3-1 vs. Aston Villa and tonight's win against Anderlecht, are not enough to conclude that Spurs are now the finished article. They are, however, beginning to resemble a top-class side and are ready to be tested by their archrivals in Sunday's North London derby.
The latest victory in Spurs' fine run of form showcased all the qualities of the team that Mauricio Pochettino has built.
At the back, the Belgian central-defensive pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld continue to blossom. They are showing signs that they can form Spurs' finest Premier League defence.
Anderlecht did occasionally penetrate at White Hart Lane, but the former Ajax teammates produced a number of fine moments to add to their burgeoning highlights reel.
The rock-solid combination of Eric Dier and both Dele Alli and Ryan Mason fortified the midfield and dominated possession. Ahead of the young English trio, Pochettino deploys a pair of skilful, creative attackers supplying a steady stream of attacking chances.
Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen have been transformed in Pochettino's 18 months in charge.
Before his arrival Lamela largely personified the frustrating preference of style over substance that has defined Tottenham for decades. He is now leaving a substantive mark on every game he plays and, much like his team, still produces style in abundance.
Eriksen was a player with little interest in the defensive side of the game but is now a fine exponent of aggressive pressing and regularly wins possession in dangerous areas.
At the tip of the spear is Harry Kane. Kane is now in rich scoring form, having hit five goals in the last three matches.
Tottenham's lineup is now strong enough to take on the best of the Premier League.
That assertion will be put to a severe test when they take the short trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates.
Spurs' eternal rivals are tied at the top of the league and are the only team in England's top division in better form. Arsenal have won five straight and conceded only one goal in their last four Premier League fixtures while scoring 11 in that time.
Of course, the Gunners were embarrassed in their own European fixture this week when Bayern Munich put five goals past them at the Allianz Arena.
The absence of 10 first-team players through injury only complicates things for Spurs' opposition. Their confidence will be fragile in the derby, and an early goal is likely to prove crucial.
The circumstances around this derby give Pochettino a selection dilemma.
While the team largely selects itself, the Argentinian must decide which central midfielder will partner Dier and who will start as the No. 10.
Heung-Min Son and Mason are now fit and in consideration, along with the 11 that started against Villa. Pochettino could take a conservative approach, retaining Mousa Dembele alongside Dier and including Mason at the expense of Alli. This would likely allow Spurs to match Arsenal in midfield and starve them of chances.
They are lacking pace in the absence of Hector Bellerin, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Danny Welbeck reducing their potential counter-attacking threat.
Alternatively, Pochettino could install Son and Alli in a bold attempt attempt to attack from the off.
Spurs would attempt to attack through Arsenal's middle and likely expose Dier's major flaw, his passing. He would be required to take a more direct playmaking role with the mobile Alli likely to break forward often.
Ultimately, it would constitute an unnecessary gamble.
Spurs are ready to beat Arsenal at the Emirates, but it will not be an easy task. The depleted Gunners retain significant quality and should not be taken lightly.
In beating Anderlecht, Spurs showed their great skill and the resilience that has become a trademark of Pochettino's teams.
The skill and flair of Alli, Lamela and Eriksen are sufficient to expose the best defences and give Kane the chance to score.
It's time for Tottenham to take another step forward.
