Arsenal head into their Premier League clash with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur reeling following back-to-back defeats at home to Newcastle United and Manchester United.
Arsenal’s season is crumbling before their very eyes and attentions now turn to a crucial North London Derby for Mikel Arteta’s men as they try to chase down leaders Liverpool.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 47 | 19 | 28 | 46 |
| 2 |  ArsenalArsenal | 20 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 39 | 18 | 21 | 40 |
| 3 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 20 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 29 | 19 | 10 | 40 |
The Gunners have been rocked by more devastating injury news ahead of the clash with Gabriel Jesus out with a suspected ACL rupture adding to Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri facing spells on the sideline.
It is expected that Raheem Sterling will replace the injured Jesus in the starting line up and ahead of the game, Arteta has given a rather surprising response to the importance of the derby game.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Tottenham – North London Derby TV channel, live stream, team news and injury updates
Mikel Arteta calls the North London Derby the ‘nicest game of the season’
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Spurs, boss Arteta was asked about the importance of the match to the club and its supporters.
Arteta stated: “It’s probably the nicest game of the season to watch because of the atmosphere, because of what it means to our people, what it means to us and everybody involved in the game.”
The Gunners boss then went on to give a rallying cry to fans to support the team and create an atmosphere to help the side overcome recent struggles.
He stated: “Let’s create the best atmosphere that we have played at the Emirates, that’s our objective. That’s something that we control, the players, the staff, and everybody that turns up tomorrow. This is something that we can do, so let’s do it.”
Arsenal unbeaten in five matches against Tottenham Hotspur
The North London Derby is intense and is home to a rivalry that has been bubbling for over 100 years. In the past, Arsenal have secured memorable victories over Spurs including winning the league at White Hart Lane in 2004.
Arsenal’s recent history against Tottenham is good too, Arteta’s men are unbeaten in their last five against Ange Postecoglu’s side and will be looking to continue that by picking up three vital points in the title race.
Gabriel Magalhaes powered home a header to secure a 1-0 victory over Spurs earlier this season as Arsenal overcame injury problems in midfield that day to claim the spoils.
With similar injury problems in the forward areas ahead of the return fixture, Arteta will be hoping his side can draw inspiration from their togetherness and spirit that day and turn their season around. There would be no better way to do that than victory over your fiercest enemy.
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