Arsenal must take a valuable lesson from one recent Premier League surprise ahead of their clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal face a crucial showdown against their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
As the cliche states, form goes out of the window on derby day. The bitter rivalry that exists between Arsenal and Spurs means that, no matter the wider context of the match, meetings between the two clubs will always be fierce contests.
On Sunday, though, the connotations of this encounter will be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Ange Postecoglou’s side are engaged in a fight for a top four finish. Meanwhile, defeat for the Gunners could spell the end of their Premier League title-winning ambitions.
This is a must-win game for Mikel Arteta’s side. Spurs will be determined to do all they can to break Arsenal fans’ hearts.
What Arsenal will face against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
On paper, Arsenal have what it takes to get the three points they need at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Gunners have been exceptional this season, especially against their ‘Big Six’ opponents. They are yet to lose a Premier League game against Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester City – and have won their fair share of these matches.
The Gunners have good reason to be confident, but must also be wary. Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has already warned Arteta that Tottenham will be desperate to “spoil the party.”
The hosts will have a raucous atmosphere behind them, fuelled by the passions that only a local derby clash can inspire, and Arsenal will have to show real strength of character to cope with this.
£50 million right-back Ben White has recently been hailed for his “warrior” mentality. His Arsenal teammates will all have to show their fighting spirit on Sunday.
Arsenal must heed warning of shock Liverpool loss
Liverpool’s shock 2-0 defeat against their Merseyside neighbours Everton on Wednesday evening should provide Arsenal with all the warning they need to understand that this match is not like any other.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are now very much underdogs in the title race as a result of that loss. Everton were able to find a new level, and were fired-up enough to produce an extraordinary level on intensity, in order to inflict this damage upon the Reds. Spurs will be driven on by the same prospect when they host Arsenal.
Arteta must use the Liverpool loss as an example to show his players the scale of the task they face.
Form goes out of the window on derby day. Arsenal have been warned, now they must find a way to win.