U-23s: Tottenham v Arsenal - Preview

THE STORY SO FAR

There is more than just three points on the line for our under-23s on Monday afternoon, as they face Tottenham in the Premier League 2. Local pride is at stake in this north London derby. 

Following a win against Sunderland in our last game, Steve Gatting’s side will be keen to both keep up the pressure on league leaders Liverpool and get one over on Spurs, who have endured a tough start to the season.

THE OPPOSITION

Spurs come into Monday’s match off the back of a four-match winless streak, having not tasted victory since they faced Manchester United in August.

In their last game against Leicester they came from behind to draw 1-1 at home, with Samuel Shashoua cancelling out Sam Hughes’ opener for the Foxes.

ONE TO WATCH

Vlad Dragomir has caught the eye in recent weeks, having picked up his first goal for our under-23s against Sunderland.

The Romania under-21 international made the bench for the first-team trip to BATE Borisov in the Europa League, and will be hoping to push on under Gatting to ensure he earns more opportunities with Arsene Wenger’s side.

“I’m working hard for that,” he told Arsenal Player following the win against Sunderland. “I was very surprised to be in the first-team squad.

“I don’t know, it’s something great. You can’t believe it, but you’re living a dream, something like this.”

LAST TIME WE MET

We completed the double against our rivals, through goals from Yaya Sanogo and Reiss Nelson either side of the half-time break.

Sanogo broke the deadlock shortly before the interval with a low effort into the bottom corner, which cannoned in off goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

Nelson sealed the win late on in the second half, drilling home a cut-back from Donyell Malen into the bottom corner.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

There will be a full match report following the game on Arsenal.com and there will be live updates on our Twitter account - @Arsenal

Kick-off is at 12pm (UK time)