THE SHARPE END: Arsenal look to achieve rare feat of three wins on the spin away to Tottenham but they will miss Martin Odegaard’s creative spark if he is out

It wasn’t like that in the old days. On North London derby day you could be sure that the team would get something on their home turf. They wouldn’t lose, that’s for sure, not against them.

The last time an away team won the derby was in January of last year in 2014, when Tomas Rosicky scored after 72 seconds at White Hart Lane to give Arsenal their first victory in the competition since 2007.

Yet Mikel Arteta’s side have been given bragging rights in the last two seasons. They have never won three in a row in the PL era, and not since 1988. Will they do it? Talk about painting the city red…

Home teams dominate North London derbies

Only nine PL North London derbies have been won by the away team in the PL era.

Goalless draw very unlikely

At least we know it won’t be goalless. No ground has hosted more PL games without a 0-0 draw than Tottenham (101).

No stadium has hosted more Premier League matches without a 0-0 draw than Tottenham.

Odegaard’s absence could hurt Arsenal

The expected absence of captain Martin Odegaard could hit Arsenal hard

Mikel Arteta has refused to rule out injured captain Martin Odegaard. Wishful thinking or manifestation on his part perhaps, but with good reason.

Odegaard is Arsenal’s creative spark, yes, but that’s not where Arteta will miss him most. He’s crucial to Arsenal’s high-pitch pressing. Without him, they win less and lose far more. If he’s out, as expected, Spurs need to capitalize.

Odegaard’s creativity helps Arsenal succeed

PS Before this weekend, only Fernandes, Pascal Gross and Kevin De Bruyne had more chances than Odegaard (280).