Arsenal head into their clash with rivals Tottenham Hotspur knowing that three points could take them to within four points on league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal were given a boost in the Premier League title race following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 20 | 14 | 5 | 1 | 48 | 20 | 28 | 47 |
| 2 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 21 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 41 |
| 3 |  ArsenalArsenal | 20 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 39 | 18 | 21 | 40 |
| 4 |  ChelseaChelsea | 21 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 41 | 26 | 15 | 37 |
Mikel Arteta knows that victory is vital in their upcoming North London Derby and will want to ensure that Arsenal’s defence keeps a clean sheet given their recent attacking woes.
Arteta has called the Derby a ‘nice’ fixture but the fans will want to ensure that there is a hot atmosphere at the game in order to carry the Gunners over the line.
Declan Rice missed the return fixture at White Hart Lane and has been comparing the idea of playing Spurs with his time at previous club West Ham.
Declan Rice reveals Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur is a game ‘you know you have to win’
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the North London Derby, Arsenal midfielder Rice has been comparing facing Spurs to his time at former club West Ham.
Rice stated: “With West Ham it was any London club. Obviously with Arsenal, Spurs is just another level, you feel it cranked up another hundred.”
Rice also discussed the pressure and intensity of the match and how important the result is to everybody associated with Arsenal.
He stated: “I’ve been involved in two or three North London Derbies now and the suspense, that feeling before the game of knowing that you have to win.”
Rice reflects on previous Arsenal victory over Tottenham
Rice was suspended for the game against Spurs earlier in the season, where a Gabriel Magalhaes header was enough to snatch the three points.
The England midfielder reflected on why he was so proud of his team mates after that result, Rice stated: “I was suspended and we had another two or three injuries and the way we adapted and played was just top.”
With similar injury problems this time round, Arsenal will be hoping to take inspiration from that resolute 1-0 victory earlier on in the season and fire themselves back into contention for the Premier League title.
Their opponents Tottenham will be without centre backs Cristian Romero and Micky Van De Ven along with Timo Werner, who is out with a hamstring injury.
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