Alan Smith: Momentum is with Arsenal in north London as Tottenham stutter

If we’re going on momentum, there’s only one winner on Sunday. Arsenal, with all their challenges and shortcomings, are at least enjoying a bit of optimism. Under Mikel Arteta, they are looking up as an improving outfit, hoping to close the gap on the top teams.

Tottenham, in contrast, seem to be drifting aimlessly in a sea of uncertainty. It’s not clear at all what Jose Mourinho is trying to achieve in terms of tactics and overall style.

I mean, last night’s game at Bournemouth was incredible, really. Facing a side bereft of confidence that had lost all four games since the restart, the visitors managed to get overrun, especially in the first half, when the average position of every single Spurs player was in his own half.

As for Harry Kane, Tottenham’s jewel in the crown had to wait until deep into the second half to even get a touch of the ball in the opposition’s box. Who knows what he’s thinking just now. Nobody that good wants to be wasting their best years in an average side.

To give the situation some context, Spurs are 18 points worse off than at this stage last season. That’s the biggest drop of any Premier League team. Admittedly, the side was gradually deteriorating under Mauricio Pochettino, and getting to the Champions League Final only masked those problems.

But to fall so far so quickly? These are worrying times down Tottenham High Road. And there must be serious doubts as to whether Mourinho is the right man to turn the ship around.

Meanwhile, up the Seven Sisters Road, nobody is doubting Arteta’s ability. The Spaniard has laid out a clear path towards improvement that most of the players are prepared to follow.

Those not on board with the project, such as Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi, get quickly ousted from the core group.

I think that’s the big difference between the teams at the moment — the message is clear at the Emirates, while the thinking looks muddled across north London.

From that point of view, Arsenal go into this derby, set to be the strangest on record, in a better frame of mind. That doesn’t mean, of course, that my old club will win. But it should lend an advantage in this joust for local pride and a Europa League slot.

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