Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison could be key in the north London derby

09/23/2023 Soccer

Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison have endured difficult starts to the season… but the boys from Brazil could hold the key in the north London derby

  • Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison are bidding to start in the north London derby 
  • The Brazilian forwards are building confidence after tough starts to the season 
  • Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

Whichever colour north London turns on Sunday, it could well be a striker from Brazil who is the one holding the paintbrush.

Gabriel Jesus is expected to start his first Premier League game of the season for Arsenal, while Richarlison is favourite to lead the Tottenham line.

The Brazilian front men have endured difficult starts, with Jesus missing the first few games through injury before scoring against Manchester United and in the Gunners’ first Champions League game in six years. ‘I’m building my confidence again, my rhythm, so now I’m feeling good,’ Jesus said.

‘A part of this is that the team have helped me a lot. Everyone wants to play. I’m like this. So, you always do your best for the club.’

Richarlison, meanwhile, admitted he would seek psychological help after enduring such a ‘turbulent time’ off the pitch that he broke down in tears when substituted in Brazil’s victory over Bolivia.

Gabriel Jesus will be hoping to start for Arsenal as he builds confidence following an injury

Richarlison will aim to build on his major contribution for Spurs in the win over Sheffield United

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Yet it was Richarlison’s impact off the bench that saw Spurs come from behind against Sheffield United, setting up the 97th-minute equaliser before he scored the winner two minutes later.

Richarlison, if he starts, has some hefty derby boots to fill. This is the first north London derby in the Premier League in nine years not to involve Harry Kane. Kane scored 14 goals in his 17 derby appearances.

‘Obviously, that’s not good for them, losing a player like Kane,’ Jesus said. ‘But they have a good team, they have good strikers — like Richarlison — and I hope we play better and we win the game.’

History suggests Arsenal will. To find the last time Tottenham won at the Emirates in the Premier League, you must go to a 3-2 comeback in November 2010, their one and only league triumph at Arsenal’s new home.

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