Arteta’s Gunners aim to reward patient fans
Mikel Arteta takes charge of his first North London derby in front of a full house today.
He has told his Arsenal players to reward their fans in “the most special game of the season”.
With the coronavirus pandemic halting football just four months after Arteta’s appointment, he has only experienced fans at a game with Tottenham on one occasion – 2,000 Spurs fans seeing their side beat Arsenal 2-0 last season.
It is more than two years since supporters were able to watch a Morth London derby at the Emirates Stadium but Arteta is now looking forward to the experience.
“It is the most special game of the season at home, for sure,” he said.
“It is a north London derby, and emotionally it is a different one to play and we know how much it means for our supporters as well.
“I will make sure that (the team) understand what it means: the history between the two clubs and where this rivalry comes from and what it means emotionally to all of our supporters.
“You have to play this game with a slightly different skin because there is a little bit more at stake.”
Ahead of the September international break, Tottenham sat top of the Premier League with Arsenal rooted to the bottom.
Since then, however, Arsenal have won twice while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have slipped to back-to-back defeats.
It means a two-goal win for Arsenal would see them leapfrog their neighbours and Arteta believes three wins in a row, including the midweek Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon, sees his side go into the derby with momentum.
“There is a certain level of confidence when you are on a winning run that is really positive to face a big match,” he added.
Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo is going to be “careful” about his team selection.
Spurs head to the Emirates for what will be their fourth game in 11 days, and they have players at different stages of fitness.
“We have to be really careful in how we decide and all these things, because we have different players in different momentums in terms of preparation,” said Nuno.
“But I believe in the moment we are in that we must use the games and the matches to increase our levels of fitness, our levels of performance and the technical aspects of the team.”
Lucas Moura will return after missing the last two games with an ankle injury, giving Nuno more options in attack.
Spurs are getting numbers
back after a tricky time. “What truly helps is that you have more options,” Nuno said.
“What I believe is having all the squad, all the players available, gives you more options in terms of how you want to start, what options we have to change, eventually creating different plans because the players are what can change the dynamic of the game.
“Having Lucas back gives you another option, and a very good option because Lucas is a very talented player.”