Arsenal host local rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a North London derby which could have huge ramifications at both ends of the Premier League table. The Gunners currently lead the table and are keen on keeping up their early title charge – meanwhile Spurs go there hoping to crack the top four and regather some lost ground.
Mikel Arteta’s outfit have been near perfect since their defeat to Liverpool in August, claiming 12 victories and two draws in all competitions. Arsenal have a four-point lead at the top and are known for tightness in defence. They have let in only three goals in their last 10 league matches, away as well as at home, discounting their 2–2 trip over themselves at Sunderland. Four clean sheets in five home league games stress their dominance, with only Erling Haaland having scored as an away player at the Emirates this term.
Tottenham, in the meantime, have watched their bright start come apart. Having picked up just one victory from their past four league matches, Thomas Frank’s side arrive under pressure after an astonishing 2–2 draw with Manchester United in which they let in a last-minute equaliser.
Spurs’ derby record in London is also worrying, with only one win in their last six. They are, however, still the only away team in the Premier League to have kept a clean sheet (W4, D1), thus they have the possibility of a shock against the leaders.
Nevertheless, the record is on Arsenal’s side. The Gunners have won the last three derbies and yet to lose in the last six matches against Spurs. Their home record is even more shocking, as they have lost only once in 32 Premier League matches and have scored two or more goals in each of the last eight matches at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka, who has been the first to score in his last three starts, is Arsenal’s biggest weapon, whereas Brennann Johnson’s excellent performance for his country could be the reason he gets the starting position for Spurs.
With the title on the line at one end and a place in the top four at the other, Sunday’s battle will be full of the fight, the suspense, and maybe even a turning point for the two clubs’ seasons.
