A brittle right-hand-side of Cedric Soares and Rob Holding was the root of Arsenal’s downfall at Tottenham last season, the former conceding the penalty that gave the hosts the lead and the latter sent off having been tormented by Son Heung-min.
The Korean’s hat-trick against Leicester just before the international break suggests he is ready to inflict similar pain after a slow start to the season, but should find the going much tougher against Ben White and William Saliba.
Spurs midfield must turn up
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Tottenham’s midfield was not merely overrun at the Emirates last term - it ceased to exist.
Much of the balance in the midfield battle may depend on the fitness of Thomas Partey, but from a Spurs perspective, whichever combination Antonio Conte selects in opposition, they cannot allow the likes of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli the same space in transition or else risk being blown away again.
Brazil forwards vie for more bragging rights
While one side’s new Brazilian front man was staking his claim for the Selecao’s No9 shirt this week, the other was back in north London, not even part of Tite’s squad.
Richarlison appears to hold the upper-hand in the race to lead the line in Qatar, but it is Gabriel Jesus who, perhaps behind Erling Haaland, has had the biggest impact of any Premier League signing this summer.
Both players have become instant hits with their new fanbases - both know a derby goal would take their popularity to new heights.
