A North London XI; who makes the cut?

The battle for fourth place has developed into a very familiar story for the past couple of seasons; Tottenham lead the race for long periods of time before capitulating at the business end and allowing their bitter rivals to sneak into the top four.

What this means is that, despite what many would have you believe, the North London rivals are very much at par at the moment.

This begs the question, which player is good enough to make the starting XI of the other side? Here's what I think.

Hugo Lloris (GK)

How arsenal would do with a keeper of the Lloris’ stature. The France captain is definitely an upgrade on Szcesny.

Kyle Walker (RB)

Though Sagna is much more experienced and versatile, his injury woes and inconsistency of late gives the young Englishman the nod.

Laurent Koscielny (CB)

The Frenchman has really upped his game, since his arrival from Lorient three years ago, and is now Arsenal’s most important player at the back.

Jan Vertonghen (CB)

He made the PFA team of year last season and shows no signs of slowing down. As composed as ever on the ball.

Kieran Gibbs (LB)

There isn’t much to choose from Danny rose and Kieran Gibbs, but the gunners’ left back sneaks into the team, largely thanks to his experience in big games - read the champions league.

Paulinho (DM)

A proven midfielder at international level with heavyweights Brazil, his all-action style of play wins him a spot in the team.

Mesut Ozil (AM)

The German is just pure class. Tottenham’s new boy, Christian Eriksen, might have a shout but Ozil has just too much pedigree and top-level experience for him.   

  

Moussa Dembele (DM)

The Belgian's brand of football is almost, if not, similar to Wilshere’s; they both are hardworking, good tacklers and dribblers and can thread a good through ball.

Wilshere misses out due to his well-documented injury problems.

Theo Walcott (RW)

Though nowhere near Thierry Henry, as had been projected, Walcott has really come of age since the acrimonious departure of Van Persie. He has added goals to his game and his end product is far much better. 

Aaron Lennon would really have given him a run for his money, but thankfully, he spends most of his time nowadays on the treatment table.

Olivier Giroud (CF)

After finally getting to grips with the frantic pace of the premier league, the former Montpellier man is now banging them in on a regular basis.

Soldado doesn't seem to have fully settled, and all his goals so far have been penalties.

Santi Cazorla (LW)

The classy Spaniard will most probably be shunted to the left wing at Arsenal this season to accommodate Ozil. Though not the main playmaker anymore, he will still have a major role to play at the Emirates this season.