North London derby is Arsenal’s to lose

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Mikel Arteta’s Gunners will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the table this weekend when they take on Antonio Conte’s unpredictable Tottenham Hotspurs.

In their previous fixture at the Emirates earlier in the season, Arsenal secured North London’s red status after a comfortable 3-1 victory over Spurs despite Harry Kane’s best efforts.

A victory for Arsenal will take their lead at the top of the table to eight points, a total that will put even more pressure on rivals Manchester City who go to Old Trafford the day before.

Despite the loss of star attacker Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners have continued where they left off before the World Cup with youngster Eddie Nketiah showing that he is a more than capable replacement for the 50 million pound summer signing.

Spurs are currently two points behind top four competitors Manchester United, and a victory over Arsenal could help them jump to fourth place. Antonio Conte’s season has been characterised by inconsistency and tension is growing behind the scenes as disagreements over transfer strategies with Daniel Levy places Conte’s future in doubt.

Harry Kane is no stranger to a derby goal, scoring a brace the last time both sides met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May 2022. Kane is the highest scorer in North London derby history managing 14 goals against his biggest rivals and will be key to Tottenham’s chances of getting a result.

Arteta’s Gunners will want to continue their title push while Conte aims to stabilise Spurs’ Champions League chase. Will North London remain red? Or will Kane and Conte humble the Gunners?

Photo: Twitter @Art_of_Football

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Dylan Johnson