During the summer transfer window, Arsenal acquired Eze for USD 80 million, matching Tottenham's previous offer to Crystal Palace. However, Arsenal opted for a single upfront payment, unlike Tottenham's proposed half-upfront installment. The Gunners also agreed to an additional USD 10 million in performance-related add-ons for Eze.

When questioned about missing out on Eze during the pre-match press conference, Thomas Frank chuckled, stating, "Who is Eze? He is a very good player who is now at Arsenal – the team we aim to defeat on Sunday."

The Danish coach continued to deflect further inquiries about the failed transfer, asserting his reluctance to discuss individuals not affiliated with Tottenham. "I only talk about the players we have here. Beyond them, my only other topics of discussion are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo," he added.

Coach Thomas Frank gives instructions during Tottenham's 0-1 loss to Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England on 1/11. *Photo: Reuters*

Frank extended his playful remarks to include two former players now at Arsenal, David Raya and Christian Norgaard. This duo, under Frank's guidance, helped Brentford defeat Arsenal 2-0 in the opening round of the 2021-2022 Premier League season. "Those two are traitors; they've moved to the wrong club," Frank quipped with a laugh.

From a tactical perspective, the 52-year-old coach conceded that the North London derby is inherently unpredictable. "Both Mikel Arteta and I prefer to control the game, but I anticipate this match will be chaotic, frenetic, and incredibly exciting for spectators," he remarked. "It's a game where anything can unfold. The competitiveness, atmosphere, and pressure significantly balance the playing field."

Frank indicated that Tottenham would proactively create advantageous chaos through rapid transitions, high pressing, and contesting second balls. "We never enter a match aiming for a 0-0 draw," he stressed. "While a game might conclude 0-0, Tottenham always steps onto the field to win. That is always our approach."

Arsenal currently leads the Premier League with 12 goals originating from set pieces. Tottenham has also scored 5 goals from set pieces since appointing Andreas Georgson, Frank's former colleague at Brentford, as their permanent set-piece coach. On the opposing side is Nicolas Jover, who also worked with Frank at Brentford before his move to Arsenal.

"Both are very curious, always eager to learn and research set-piece situations," Frank noted. "One is Swedish, the other French, so their temperaments differ slightly."

He also suggested that this Premier League season places a greater emphasis on set pieces compared to previous years. "That makes sense, as set pieces account for up to one-third of all goals," he explained. "If it's that important, why not execute it as effectively as possible?"

By Hong Duy (via ESPN)