How Arsenal and Tottenham Can Contend Again

It’s amazing how quickly perceptions in football can change. In the first two games after lockdown, Arsenal looked almost farcically bad, the defeats to Manchester City and Brighton a distillation of all the problems that have plagued the club for much of the past decade. First there was the timidity away at a high-class opponent, studded with defensive ineptitude, then there was a collapse following a moment of controversy that led to accusations of arrogance and entitlement. Yet three weeks later, Arsenal goes into Sunday’s North London derby not only above Tottenham in the table but with a distinct sense of optimism.

Although it only drew against Leicester on Tuesday, the first-half…