When Arsenal and Tottenham take to the field, soccer means something different in North London. This Wednesday, during the 21st round of the Premier League, things are not going to be different. At the Emirates Stadium, the two teams face off from opposite ends of the table but with challenges and ambitions equally serious.
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Arsenal: Battling injuries and chasing redemption
Arsenal heads into this game with a certain amount of pressure. Situated in second place with 40 points, Mikel Arteta's team is aware that every dropped point could be extremely expensive in their pursuit of league leaders Liverpool, who lie six points ahead. A run of three games without a win brings alarm bells ringing. But the troubles don't end there.
That list of absences also comprises major players in the mold of Bukayo Saka and Ben White and then the still-injury-plagued forward in the shape of Gabriel Jesus. At such times, it's the real test of strength for a manager. While admitting the consequences of such injuries, Mikel Arteta said: "This is one of the most challenging periods we've had, especially because we've lost very important players at crucial times", he asserted. "The circumstances are what they are. We’ll embrace them and make the most of it."
Arteta also emphasized the derby’s significance for the club and its fans. "It’s probably the most enjoyable game of the season to watch, because of the atmosphere, what it means to our people, and to everyone involved in the game. We’ll create the best atmosphere at the Emirates, that’s our goal."
Tottenham: Searching for a new direction
Coming into the derby in an even more precarious situation is Tottenham, with just 24 points and a modest 12th place, Ange Postecoglou's side is far from meeting their fans' expectations. Nevertheless, the Australian coach sees the derby as an opportunity to turn things around. "I don't like talking about defining moments. In the position we're in now in the league, we need to start winning games, and while it's a big challenge, it's still a big opportunity to take on."
The Spurs will be boosted by the return of Brazilian forward Richarlison after overcoming muscle problems that have restricted his outings so far this campaign.
However, the attack remains undermanned with Timo Werner unavailable, joining eight other sidelined players. Even so, Postecoglou remains confident and underlines the importance of the derby. "You understand this is a standalone game because of what it means to our fans and the club. We need to perform at our best to make them happy."
Weight of history and curse pressure
Recent numbers don’t favor Tottenham. The team hasn’t beaten Arsenal since May 2022 and will have to break this streak in the hostile territory of the Emirates Stadium, where the Gunners have been almost unbeatable. Postecoglou, however, appears more focused on his team’s performance than the stats. "I’ve been in this from the first game. This year is the most important we’ve ever had, especially for us and our season," he noted.
The Emotional Burden of the Derby: The derby bears different kinds of emotional weights than what comes up regarding the game in a number of points. "That's in our hands," an impassioned Arteta replied when it came to questions regarding his work to generate a special atmosphere in this homecoming clash.
On the other hand, Postecoglou is well aware of how to channel energy in this derby to get his players hyped up: "It's like being in Glasgow-you know what this means and the implications, both positive and negative."