Whilst I am a Tottenham fan, I am not going to jump aboard the bandwagon claiming that "Arsenal are destined for relegation and Spurs are the new kings of North London" (or something else along those sort of lines). Instead I would prefer to step back and take a look how Tottenham became favourites for the North London Derby, for the first time in Premier League history. Examining what went right and wrong at either club.
Squads
I started by looking at the squads of both teams, as being a Tottenham fan; I thought this was where one of our greatest strengths was. Below I lined up the second string team for both sides, assuming the first choice 11 could not play and everyone for both squads were fully fit. Before actually doing this I thought I would be demonstrating how Tottenham have a far stronger squad. However after actually drawing both teams up, I think you would struggle to choose a winner between the two sides.
Transfers
One of the biggest differences, which helped shape both clubs, was their transfer policy this summer. Arsenal looked like a selling club, whilst Tottenham stood strong with Modric, also offloading some of their dross (never thought a few years ago I would be referring to David Bentley in this way, but sadly it is true...). Admittedly there was little Wenger could do to stand in the way of Fabregas, doing well to hold onto him for as long as he could. However whilst Eboue was never seen as a world beater, or even good enough to play in the Championship at times, his versatility as a backup will and is being sorely missed. I worry for Arsenal this will only be further highlighted, with Sagna's lengthy injury and as poor Jenkinson's baptisms of fire have not shown him in the best light. Finally the loss of Nasri has left left Van Persie as the only player in the team that looks as though he could take a game by the scruff of the neck. The sort of player that is able to step it up when they are drawing to the Wigans and West Broms of the Premier League (and with his injury history, this is a major worry).
Now looking at the players that have been brought in and further questions have to be raised (well at least for Arsenal). Okay we can all praise Wenger for how shrewd he is in the transfer market and how well he does with youth. However what use is this if you are being forced to sell all these players, albeit often for a good profit. To me it appears that Wenger is a very stubborn character and is on a mission to prove a point. It isn't as if Arsenal is a financially badly run club, he has money to spend, but far too often he chooses not to. I am not against investing in youth, in fact I am a big fan of watching young players develop and have been known to be angered when Tottenham sign someone who I see to be "over the hill". However among a group of young players, you need a few old heads and more than that a leader. I hate to say it but a Patrick Viera. In an attempt to get some experience, Wenger panic bought Arteta and Mertesacker at the end of the transfer window. Whilst I will not question that they are experienced (77 international caps and one of Evertons best players for years), they certainly do not look like the players to take Arsenal to the next level. Furthermore, where is the leader in this Arsenal team, possibly Vermaelen (if he is ever fit), but certainly not their current captain Van Persie. Whilst he is a good player, you would not choose him to lead your team.
On the other side of London you have Tottenham who have (with some bravery on Daniel Levy's behalf) been able to build on a very strong squad. Admittedly I think they still require some extra firepower, but replacing Peter "great feet for a big man" Crouch with Adebayor, for now, looks like a brilliant move (and if anyone can keep his head in the game, its Harry). Whilst only few a inches shorter than his lanky predecessor, Adebayor can play the role of the big man, whilst still being able to run at players. Moreover Defoe actually looks like he is happy playing with him and if the little man can find some form then the goals surely should keep on coming. Returning to the point of leaders, this is something that Tottenham appear to have in abundance. Obviously the most natural of all leaders (but unfortunately has the same fitness coach as Vermaelen) is Ledley King. On top of that you have Dawson and now Parker as well. I'm sure you can list more, but these three really epitomize the sort of player I was talking about.
Wilshere
I believe this man to be such an important player to Arsenal these days that I thought it best to mention him as a point alone. Whilst still very young, Wilshere was able to force himself into Arsenals first team and the England set up. Some of his performances showed a maturity and level of play beyond his years and I saw him as a player who would be a focal point of Arsenal's team following the loss of Fabregas. Ultimately, I believe that his injury has hurt Arsenal more than anything. He provides that combination of tenacity and skill which no one player at Arsenal currently holds (some sort of Song-Arteta mix). When looking at games that Arsenal has lost this season, whilst it is easy to blame a weak defence, I believe it is in the midfield where they have lost out. The weapons still exist up top, but too many teams are able to cut out the supply and get at the midfield. Before the North London Derby, that is the area in which I saw us winning the game. Admittedly the formations were different but for arguments sake compare Coquelin, Ramsey, Arteta; Walcott vs. van der Vaart, Modric, Parker, Bale and you can begin to understand why the game turned out how it did.
Conclusion
Tottenham are currently the team in form and arguably with a better squad. However I think it is to soon to definitively say that any tide has changed. There will undoubtedly be pressure on Wenger to get out his chequebook in January and with Wilshere looking to return at a similar time, it sets to be a very interesting season. Until the day that Tottenham finish above of Arsenal, we are yet to show ourselves to be the better team. To finish with a cliché, it is important to remember the Premier League is a marathon and not a sprint.
