English Premier League: Rivalries reignited as derby-day comes along

North London, Merseyside derbies to be contested on Saturday.

LONDON: Per Mertesacker remains confident Arsenal can overcome North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend even though Alexis Sanchez will be absent from the Gunners’ line-up.

Sanchez has been ruled out of Saturday’s trip to White Hart Lane after failing to recover from the hamstring that kept him out of Arsenal’s comfortable 5-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend.

The loss of the Chile forward is a blow to Arsene Wenger’s side as they attempt to repeat their success in last season’s corresponding fixture in March.

While Arsenal make the short journey to the home of their nearest neighbours and fiercest rivals full of confidence after an impressive recent run, Spurs also head into the game in good form and the German defender knows his side need to be wary of the threat they pose on the attack.

“We know from recent years that defensive unity is vital, especially against our North London rivals, so we have to be really cautious on the defensive front,” said Mertesacker. “We did very well last season, as we scored very early and then defended well until the end, so it’s going to be the target for this year.”

Arsenal have reacted well to the New Year’s Day defeat by Southampton and their sequence of victories have moved the Emirates Stadium club back to the brink of the top four and in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Only goal difference is keeping Arsenal out of the Champions League places at present, with Tottenham one place and two points behind.

The loss of Sanchez will be partly eased by the return of Danny Welbeck to the squad for the first time since the former Manchester United forward featured in the victory over West Ham in late December.

Tottenham’s build-up to the match has been overshadowed by a row over the future of striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Togo forward was keen to leave White Hart Lane and join West Ham United but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to sanction the move.

Silverware in Brendan Rodgers’ sights

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has outlined his determination to bring trophies to Anfield as he prepares to celebrate his 100th Premier League game in charge of the club with a Merseyside derby away to city rivals Everton on Saturday.

Rodgers went close to ending Liverpool’s 24-year-wait to become English champions for a 19th time when they finished second in the Premier League to Manchester City last season.

The title looks to be beyond Liverpool this term as they are currently seventh in the table, 15 points behind leaders Chelsea. But they are in the last 16 of the FA Cup and in the knockout stages of the Europa League.

“To follow in the steps of so many incredible managers who have been here before me is a huge privilege,” said Rodgers. “I have loved my life here and I only hope I can bring success to the club by winning trophies.”

Liverpool were denied victory in August by Everton defender Phil Jagielka’s last-minute goal in a 1-1 draw but are unbeaten in the fixture in nine games stretching back to October, 2010

“They [derby matches] are incredible games to be involved in as a manager and a player,” said Rodgers. “Whether it’s at Anfield or at Goodison they are tough games. But we are playing well and arriving into the game creating opportunities that we weren’t at the beginning of the season.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th,  2015.

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