Arsenal look to right Sunderland wrong and roast Spurs in derby

Derbies often show little respect for form, reputation or past history, the best-laid plans often dissipating in the heat of drama, raw emotion and chaos that accompany these grudge matches.

The north London derby rarely arrives without baggage, but this weekend’s meeting carries a particularly intriguing narrative: Arsenal, the would-be champions, against Tottenham, the project under reconstruction after the woes of last season that Uefa Champions League qualification could not disguise.

The stakes feel bigger than ever. Not only can Arsenal reclaim pride after the frustrating draw with Sunderland, they can also land a statement blow in the title race against Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s men have been on a charmingly consistent run this season, blending youthful exuberance with defensive solidity.

The problem?

The 2-2 draw against Sunderland before the international break reminded everyone that even the most confident title-chasing teams can stumble against scrappy outfits with nothing to lose. It was a mild bump in the road, but a bump nonetheless.

Enter Tottenham, stage left.

Thomas Frank’s Spurs may be in a rebuilding phase after the helter-skelter days of the Ange Postecoglou-era, but they are hardly pushovers. The Dane has instilled discipline, structure and a nagging sense of purpose in his side, proving that you don’t need a superstar like Son Heung-min to make life difficult for Arsenal.

Instead, Spurs now have a compact mid-block, runners willing to press at every opportunity, and James Maddison orchestrating mischief in the final third. For Arsenal, it is a test not just of skill, but of patience, intelligence, and the ability to turn superiority into goals.

This is where Arsenal can send a message – both to their noisy north London neighbours and to City, who are quietly lurking just four points behind in the table but face a tricky trip to Newcastle on Saturday. Eddie Howe’s Magpies have had an up-and-down campaign so far but remain a formidable prospect at St James’s Park.

A convincing victory over Spurs would do more than secure bragging rights; it would reinforce the idea that Arsenal are the team to beat this season, a squad capable of shrugging off the odd hiccup and immediately imposing themselves on a title rival. It’s the kind of result that makes your title rivals think: “Oh, they really mean it this year.”

Tactically, Arsenal’s keys are clear. Let Rice orchestrate the midfield, find pockets for the two Martins to pull the strings, and allow Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to exploit Spurs’ wide channels. In Viktor Gyokeres they have also found a powerful target man to act as the focal point of their attack.

If William Saliba and Gabriel maintain their cool at the back – which they usually do – the only thing left for Spurs is to try their luck from distance or hope for a set-piece miracle, which is not exactly Arsenal’s biggest concern these days.

Beyond tactics, there is the psychological angle. Arsenal’s squad have learnt to thrive on expectation. The slip-up against Sunderland might sting, but it also provides motivation. A derby win would not only erase that frustration but reassert Arsenal’s dominance in north London, reminding everyone that, for now at least, the balance of power still tilts firmly towards the Gunners.

Of course, Spurs will resist. Frank is not bringing a soft touch to the Emirates; he will want his team to frustrate, counter, and perhaps steal a point or two. He will hope they show more steel than in the late capitulation against Manchester United that cost his side two points.

But if Arsenal bring their best, this weekend could be about more than local bragging rights. It could be the first statement of intent in a title race that looks tantalisingly close – an emphatic “we’re back” after a rare stumble.

Arsenal have a golden opportunity: beat Spurs, restore confidence, and send a pointed message to Manchester City and the rest of their title rivals. If they drop points again, it will threaten to undo a lot of the good work done earlier in the season, and puncture the aura of invincibility Arteta has worked so hard to build.