‘A big concern’: Jermaine Jenas says Conte will be seriously worried about one Tottenham player at HT v Arsenal

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A pulsating North London derby is going on with Arsenal and Tottenham living up to expectations so far in the first half.

Harry Kane’s penalty has brought Spurs level after an opening wonder strike from Thomas Partey saw the Gunners take a deserved lead in the opening 30 minutes. However, Tottenham have fought back and a mistake from Gabriel saw Richarlison win the pen for Kane to slot home.

Both managers will have things they’re happy with and other things they want to work on at the break. And according to BT Sports’ Jermaine Jenas, Emerson Royal’s battle with Gabi Martinelli might be one of them.

Picking up on Martinelli’s willingness to try and beat Royal early on in the game, Jenas pointed out how he thinks that battle will be a worry for Antonio Conte.

“From an attacker’s point of view I think he (Martinelli) has looked at Emerson Royal and thought ‘I really fancy this today’ and you’re not going to be able to stop me. And I think that’s a big concern for Conte,” Jenas said in the 9th minute on BT Sport comms.

It will be interesting to see if Conte does change something, albeit Royal has grown into the game a bit as the half wore one.

TBR’s View: Emerson And Martinelli Sums Up Tottenham v Arsenal

Jenas’ comments are valid here but this is a good old battle between winger and full back and it’s made for a good spectacle in the main.

Of course, Martinelli will fancy his pace and trickery against Emerson. But the Brazilian has stuck to his task well and had a solid enough half in the main.

The second 45 will hopefully live up to the opening half and at the moment, it’s anyone’s game really.