The north London derby graces the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Arsenal prepare for a crunch Premier League clash with local adversaries Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal know their position as table-toppers is secure for another week regardless of the outcome of derby day, but Mikel Arteta will understand the value of victory over Spurs. Not only would precious bragging rights be clinched, Arsenal’s status as title favourites would be further enhanced.
The Gunners endured a minor blip before the international break as they conceded late to Sunderland in an enthralling 2–2 draw, slightly cutting their advantage at the summit. With Manchester City and Co. hot on their tail, more blunders could see them surrender first place in the coming weeks.
Arsenal have an exceptional record in this particular fixture, unbeaten on home soil against the Lilywhites in the league since 2010. They have also won five and drawn one of the last six north London derbies.
But they face a more resilient Tottenham side than in recent seasons, Thomas Frank having helped solidify a previously leaky defence under Ange Postecoglou. They remain inconsistent, but they’re the best away side in the land right now and the only team not to be beaten on their travels in the Premier League.
Still, Spurs supporters will not enter Sunday’s rivalry brimming with confidence given their dire record at the Emirates, with a point likely celebrated wildly in N17.
Arsenal’s injury issues worsened over the international period as star centre back Gabriel entered the treatment room. A thigh injury sustained for Brazil leaves him sidelined for the foreseeable future, meaning Cristhian Mosquera is likely to step into the lineup for his first north London derby appearance.
Riccardo Calafiori is another slight doubt in the backline as he battles a hip problem, but the Italian is expected to feature against Spurs from left back.
Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard are all in the treatment room, too, but Arteta has hinted that some of the injured quintet could feature in some capacity against Tottenham.
The international break came at the perfect time for Tottenham from an injury perspective, with a host of players returning from fitness issues. Most importantly, Mohammed Kudus is available having missed the draw with Manchester United before the break.
He’s joined by fellow returnees Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Kota Takai, Ben Davies and even long-term absentee Radu Drăgușin, while Pape Sarr and Randal Kolo Muani are also fit to feature against the Gunners.
Spurs still have several players out, however, including influential creators Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, as well as leading No.9 Dominic Solanke.
