Ahead of this weekend’s massive North London derby here we make a ‘Best XI’ made up of the top talents from both the Emirates Stadium and White Hart Lane squads.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
French keeper had to work to get his foot in the door following arrival from Lyon but hasn’t looked back since, only conceded nine goals in his last 13 starts and eases Wojciech Szczesny for the starting spot in this combined XI.
Left-Back – Jan Vertonghen
Apparently a player Arsene Wenger once targeted the Belgian has been very consistent at left-back and keeps out perennially injured, but always improving, Kieran Gibbs.
Centre-Back – Michael Dawson
Gets the nod after a solid series of displays and has shown great character to force his way into Andre Villas-Boas having at one point looked set to leave for QPR.
Centre-Back – Per Mertesacker
The Giant German has been the most consistent member of Arsene Wenger’s back-line by some distance and will partner Dawson in our central defensive unit.
Right-Back – Kyle Walker
Young England man is dangerous on the attack and solid at the back, gets the pick ahead of Bacary Sagna who has not looked his usually reliable self this term.
Defensive Midfielder – Sandro
Arsenal do not possess a defensive midfielder as such and they could well do with having one. Our XI will use Sandro in this role, the Brazilian is currently sidelined with injury but has shown more than enough this season to warrant selection.
Central Midfielder – Jack Wilshere
The Brazilian will protect the excellent Gunners dynamo who will be pride of place in the centre of the park, driving on our side, linking midfield and attack expertly. Hell we might even make him our captain!
Attacking Midfielder – Santi Cazorla
Stunningly stylish Spaniard scores and assists with aplomb and will sit just in front of our midfield duo and will no doubt do so with the usual beaming grin across his chops.
Left Wing – Gareth Bale
Welsh winger has been outstanding this season and will ply his trade on the left wing, cutting in as and when he chooses and occasionally playing in a floating role causing the opposition no end of headaches.
Striker – Jermain Defoe
Tottenham striker gets the nod ahead of Emmanuel Adebayor and Olivier Giroud. The experienced England man has netted 14 goals this term and the speedy attacker will sit nicely as part of our North London derby attack.
Right Wing – Theo Walcott
We will use the Gunners speedster in a wide role, though like Bale he will cut in and move around at will.
