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?