It is always a high-profile emotional affair when Arsenal take on Spurs, and it is the one game that both sets of fans really hate losing. But this time it is even more important, with the Gunners fighting for the League title and Tottenham hoping to jump into the Top Four if they get all three points.
As our captain, Mikel Arteta said: “Both teams are on a good run in the Premier League, we are both playing well so it should be a great game.
“But we are the home side so we need to be dominant, we need to win the game.
“For me the most important thing is that we continue our run at home. If you want to win the Premier League, your home form is absolutely vital.”
We can see that the players are also very keen to win this, but I’ll take a 1-0 even if we don’t dominate (great idea though Mikel!). As captain it is Arteta’s job to motivate the side, and he REALLY wants his team-mates to take the game by the scruff of the neck. “There will be a big atmosphere, the tempo of the game will be high and there will be tackles going in, so you have to make the right decisions on the pitch, otherwise you can cost your team,” Arteta said.
“It’s important for players to control the occasion. We have a lot of experienced players though, and most of us have played in the derbies before.
“We know how Pochettino’s teams play – they are very physical, they will try to press us high up and put us under pressure. They get a lot if bodies in the box, so we expect a tough game.”
It may be tough,but even Thierry Henry is clear of the importance of today’s game to our title push. He said in the Sun: Chelsea are already out of the title race and though Manchester United are still in contention, their lack of goals might cause them a problem,”
“Which is why, despite all the concerns raised by their Bayern battering, I still believe Arsenal are good enough to win the league. Now I want them to justify that faith by beating Tottenham in today’s North London derby at the Emirates.”
Yes we all know how important this game is, but would you really write off our chances of winning the League if we get beaten today?
@ Admin.
What do you mean? … If we get beaten ???
What! … Beaten at home … to the Spuds!
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!! ? ?
STOP IT!!! ? ?
THAT IS A SWEAR WORD!!! ? ?
There is no guarantee we will win or draw.
Every team can beat every team, ask West Ham.
Tbh with Kos, Bellerin and no decent RW I think we are spurs level, maybe slightly better but not much.
Come on man… There’s nothing worse than losing to the Spuds!!! ?
No there isn’t. Doesn’t mean it can’t happen though.
Let’s see what unravels shall we? Have seen this over confidence from the fans and team before.
#justSaying
I have seen far too many fans slag off players as dead wood to early in their careers. How many of you would have sold or got rid of Coq? Don’t give up on Campbell. He had a good game against the Swns. Also, Debuchy will start to find his grove again. It just sometimes takes a little time.
we wait!
1hr 52mins…
Wish game would come already
Yes … you can’t wait to abuse Wenger. … Am I right? ?
Depends if we win or lose and if it due to player error or tactical ineptitude.
Will reserve judgment untill after match.
Wish bellerin was starting at r/b not so confident in debuchy, hope he put in a good shift!
The only possible thing we will “prove” is that we’ve never been title contenders.
Wenger out!
Touch wood
City being held we could go top by end of day.
Villa opening City on counter, you never know.
Only once have we lost to Tottensham at home, that was 5 years ago. Time for Debuchy to step up and show why he was the starter for France last year. He’s not rusty, that excuse won’t play today any longer. He needs to put out a 200% shift.