Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has now reflected upon North London Derbies gone by.
Arsenal will take on their fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.
Bukayo Saka knows what it takes to shine on derby day. The Hale End academy graduate scored home and away against Spurs in the Premier League last season.
Having grown up in the Gunners’ academy system, he understands exactly what this fixture means to the club and the supporters, too.
This grudge match is always a fiercely-contested affair, and matches between the two sides have produced a number of remarkable and memorable moments over the years.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry recently recalled one of the great goals he scored against Tottenham Hotspur, and finding the back of the net in a North London Derby clash clearly meant a great deal to the Frenchman.
Bukayo Saka recalls Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur magic moments
Whilst Saka won’t remember Henry putting Spurs to the sword, he will have seen the goals and will be well aware of what the former Arsenal striker did.
In fact, Saka is steeped in the history of this fixture. In a recent interview with the official Arsenal website, the England international has recalled some of his favourite North London Derby moments from his younger days.
The 23-year-old said: “I remember many north London derbies, but I really remember Tomas Rosicky’s really nice volley at White Hart Lane. That comes to mind.”
In 2014, Tomas Rosicky scored perhaps his most iconic Arsenal goal as he lashed a strike into the top corner with just one minute on the clock.
Saka then added: “I also went to one where I think we won 4-2 – Aubemeyang and Lacazette scored – those are the two I remember.
“I would get tickets and go with the academy boys. I’d have the biggest smile on my face to know I’d score in the derby!”
Bukayo Saka making his own North London Derby memories
Mikel Arteta will be looking to Saka to make a telling impact against Tottenham today.
Whilst Saka is always a talismanic figure for the Gunners these days, there is perhaps even more pressure on him to step up and deliver than usual this afternoon. This is because Arteta has so many key players missing for this match.
With Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard unavailable, and doubts surrounding several other players, the Gunners will have to cope with some notable absences.
Saka will need to be a leader, and shoulder more of the burden of breaking down the opposition defence without Odegaard on the pitch.
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