Nine things you SHOULD know about Arsenal and Spurs

Here are nine things you should know about Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of their game this afternoon at The Emirates:

1. Paulinho may not have hit the back of the net so far this season, but on the back of his performance last week against Swansea, it seems that this may change rather quickly. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Brazilian took six shots against Swansea – only Ricky Lambert mustered more.

2. Who needs Gareth Bale when you’ve got Andros Townsend? The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates exactly why Roy Hodgson opted to call him up to the England squad, as his total of five dribbles was tied with the most in the Premier League.

3. The player to share this accolade with Townsend was his Belgian team-mate Moussa Dembele. The midfielder also completed five dribbles at the weekend.

4. In Spurs’ match against Crystal Palace on the opening weekend of the season, Etienne Capoue managed to make more interceptions than any other player, despite being on the pitch for only 33 minutes. He continued his fine defensive work against Swansea by winning six tackles, the most in the Premier League.

5. Hugo Lloris has made himself pretty much indispensable to Andre Villas Boas’ side, and their fans will be happy to see the Frenchman is still adding to his glowing reputation. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, Spurs’ stopper has made eight saves this season – tied with Simon Mignolet as the most of any keeper who is yet to concede a goal.

6. Spanish maestro Santi Cazorla is known for his creativity and ability to play defence-splitting passes, and this was on show on Saturday as he was one of only 17 players who managed to register an assist. On the other hand, so far this season, he has failed to win a tackle – this is despite attempting 10.

7. The news that Lukas Podolski is out for up to ten weeks will be a bitter pill to swallow for Arsene Wenger and the Arsenal faithful. The 100-capped German international has had two shots this season, and, according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, both shots have resulted in goals.

8. Polish shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny had his fair share of critics last season, but if he continues to perform like he did on Saturday these critics will soon disappear. He made six saves on Saturday, the second most in the Premier League.

9. Theo Walcott’s performances on the flank will prove critical to the Gunners chances of success this year, and it appears that his pace was causing Fulham headaches at the weekend. His total of four dribbles was equal-second in the league.