Arsenal’s biggest game of the season is just around the corner with a huge North London Derby clash against Tottenham potentially setting which club plays in next season’s Champions League.
The Gunners hold a narrow advantage but it could all be different after Thursday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit two points clear of Spurs ahead of kick-off and have the confidence of a North London Derby win to their names already this season.
Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all found the net to secure a 3-1 victory over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side but plenty has changed since.
Antonio Conte now sits in the Spurs dugout and Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son have rediscovered their dazzling touch synergy in attack.
Arteta is under no illusions either that the prize at stake in this match is a much bigger one than back in September.
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“The message is clear, if we win against them we are in the Champions League next season,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference.
“You don’t need any motivation or to tell them anything more than that. The opportunity is there, we are going to play and go for it like we always do. It’s how we have got into this position, and it’s how we are going to approach it.”
Regardless of the result on Thursday night, Arsenal have been handed a boost to their chances for the remaining games thanks to London rivals Chelsea, no less.
On Wednesday night, the Blues made the trip north to face Leeds United at Elland Road, and picked up a 3-0 win.
Of course, the result does not immediately affect Arsenal.
With Arteta’s men facing Everton on the final day of the season, the less the Toffees have to play for at the point the better for the Gunners.
With Leeds and Everton both battling it out at the bottom, Chelsea’s win can still benefit Arsenal as it hands a fraction more comfort to Frank Lampard’s situation.