Spurs set to test Arsenal’s title mettle

Mikel Arteta urged Arsenal to show that they have learned from last season’s defeat at Tottenham. The Premier League leaders will be visiting their north London rivals Sunday.

Arteta’s players still hold on to the painful memories of Tottenham’s recent visit to Tottenham, despite Arsenal winning the derby 3-1 in October.

Arsenal had just three games left in the season and would have qualified for Champions League if they beat Tottenham in May, one of the top four contenders.

Instead, they fell to a pathetic 3-0 defeat, and then lost the next match at Newcastle. Tottenham took fourth place, prompting furious criticisms from frustrated fans.

This was a disaster that could have been fatal for Arteta’s Arsenal project. But, the Spaniard has made impressive amends with his shrewd leadership during a campaign which has exceeded all expectations.

Arteta believes that the bitter taste of last season’s defeat at Tottenham played a major role in Arsenal’s pursuit for the title.

“That was both the result and performance. Arteta stated that there were many things to learn from the experience.

“We are now in a completely different place, and we must show that we can still play the way we want.”

The Gunners are unbeaten in 11 league games and have a golden chance to win the title for first time since Arsene Younger’s Invincibles ruled supreme in 2004.

Arsenal has taken the lead in the title race, with 14 wins from 17 games and champions Manchester City looking less secure than ever. Liverpool is struggling to get out of a long-standing slump.

Arteta’s team is five points ahead of City second, and can expect a tough test from Manchester United on Saturday.

Arsenal would be able to gain an advantage over Pep Guardiola’s men by slipping at Old Trafford.

– ‘Emotional fixture’ –

The next fortnight will be crucial for Arsenal. This includes the Tottenham match and a visit by Manchester United on January 22, who are the only team to defeat the Gunners this season.

Arteta’s team will have the advantage of winning these key fixtures and they can hold off City, who still need to play Arsenal twice.

Tottenham is 11 points behind Arsenal. However, their new, luxurious stadium has been a nightmare for Arsenal. They have lost all three of their games there since its opening in 2019.

Arteta stated that it was an emotionally charged fixture. He could feel the tension and atmosphere.

“It’s one the most important games of our season. “We have not yet won that game, and that’s our challenge.”

Fifth-placed Tottenham, who are yet to lose at home to Arsenal in 2015, is desperate for a win.

Antonio Conte’s team also has Harry Kane, who is out to score the goal that would tie him with Jimmy Greaves’ Tottenham record 266.

Kane has a north London derby record with 14 goals against Arsenal in 18 matches. It would not surprise that Sunday’s match will be a landmark moment for Kane who is two goals shy of 200 Premier League goals.

“We are talking of a world-class striking artist and for certain he is going beat every record. Conte stated that he is doing an incredible job.

Conte, well aware of the stakes in this latest battle between eternal rivals, said: “We know very clearly the importance of the game. Last season was a great game with a great atmosphere. I hope it will be the same this year.

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