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MIKEL ARTETA has challenged his team to live the North London derby with “passion” and “intensity” in the “unbelievable atmosphere” of the Tottenham Stadium.

Everton effectively ended Liverpool’s title challenge in one febrile local derby this week. And after 15 days without a game – while Arsenal have played four times – Ange Postecoglou’s team will come out firing tomorrow as they seek Champions League qualification and hope to hurt the Gunners’ title hopes.

It promises to be a hectic, high-octane encounter not for the faint hearted as Martin Odegaard (right) leads his team into battle.

“It’s an unbelievable atmosphere,” said Arteta (top). “We have played there a few times already and it’s a great place to play football. We have to put the rivalry aside and we have to live the game with passion and the intensity that it demands rather than anything specia l because the game has everything you need to enjoy it.” Arteta has playing experience of this fixture from his five seasons as a Gunner. “You feel the history and it’s a big one,” he added.

“There is a history for them both and something that makes Arsenal bigger and better. It is needed, in elite sport and football, to have other clubs, certain other individuals, that you have to confront and fight and prove you are better than them to make yourself better. It is positive.”

But his Arsenal have not always handled the pressure at this time of the season. Last year they lost an eight-point lead at the top. In May 2022, Tottenham won 3-0 as they overtook the Gunners for the final Champions League spot.

“My memory is failing!” said Arteta, laughing. “I was more focused on the one from last year, more positive. We try and evolve from there, try and get a squad that is better equipped. We all had experiences as well that has hopefully helped us develop and be better and on Sunday we will have to show it again.” With Manchester City just a point behind with a game in hand, there is no margin for error for Arsenal.

They did the double over Spurs last season while Son Heung-min scored twice in a thrilling 2-2 draw in September – the same result as 20 years ago when the Gunners won the title.

Arsenal can seal Champions League qualification and guarantee finishing above Spurs – and celebrate Saint Totteringham’s day – with victory tomorrow. But they want more. Since Spurs’ 4-0 thrashing at Newcastle, Arsenal have been knocked out of the Champions League and lost control of the title race.

But after thumping

Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday they have momentum. “I love the fact that we played four games,” said Arteta. “It’s been a really demanding week.

“That’s boosted the confidence of everybody. We’re in a good place.”