So, Saturday is the big day. The biggest day on the calendar of any Arsenal or Tottenham fan. Both teams won't be looking forward to it because they are both on the back of some bad form and bad results. Arsenal are looking to hit back after a disappointing 3-3 draw at home to Fulham on Saturday, whilst Spurs lost 2-1 away to Manchester City, letting a 1-0 lead slip. Arsenal were poor all game, they let a 2-0 lead slip just as they did against Schalke earlier in the week. Then, in the 94th minute, Arsenal were awarded a penalty. A get out of jail free card. But dismally, Mikel Arteta; who most would say had his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt to date, just couldn't find the back of the net. Sadly, it just wasn't meant to be.
"The good thing is you can be 2-0 up, the bad thing is that you have to defend with more drive, more belief and that's where we were guilty I feel." - Wenger.
Personally, I think we need this win on Saturday more than anything. Last season, we were ten points behind Tottenham before going into the North London derby. After going behind by two goals at home to our greatest rivals, Arsenal's worst start under Arsene Wenger, and what some were calling our worst start in 50 years, our season looked to be getting worse. But after a great header by Sagna, and a brilliant finish by a certain traitor by the name of Robin van Persie, we had the crowd behind us. Then a lovely goal by 'Little Mozart' to finish a beautiful team goal, which was started by Wojciech Szczesny, we went 3-2 up. And finally, a brace by Theo to really earn the bragging rights until the next match between the two. That was when the comeback started, and the race for third place was on. With crucial wins against Manchester City, Newcastle, West Brom, Liverpool and a draw against Chelsea, third place, therefore meaning automatic Champions League qualification was ours. (Not to forget our incredible run of finishing above Tottenham for 18 seasons in a row). Another reason to get this win is for us; the fans. After the 3-2 defeat at the Emirates two seasons a go, Tottenham fans seem to be getting louder and louder, despite that being their first win at our place for 17 long years.
Is there a fire drill? Spurs fans decide to beat the traffic after Walcott slips in the fourth.
"Over the years, a great rivalry has developed between the two clubs and that's why when you play at home it's a must-win for the fans." - Robert Pires. Part of the invincibles, the team that won the league at White Heart Lane and all round Arsenal legend.
Now, to team news. Arsenal still have Gervinho, Fabianski, Diaby and Rosicky are all out whilst Szczesny, Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could all return for the Gunners. However, a concern is that Arteta, Walcott, Sagna and Giroud could all miss through injury as well. Speaking about these four players, Wenger said "It will be interesting for you to see who will play and who will not play of all those "injured" in Europe. I'd put £10 on 90% playing." One major boost for the team is that Jack Wilshere is back after a one match suspension that he picked up for two yellow cards in the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford. Wilshere served his ban in the 3-3 draw with Fulham last weekend. Rumour has it that Cazorla may not be fit. However, this is a lie (possibly started by Goal.com) as he travelled with the Spain squad to Panama, but did not play, so he should definitely feature against Spurs. For Tottenham, Dembelé is the only recently injured player to be out, whilst long-term absentees Scott Parker, Younas Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekoto are all out. Arsenal fans won't be happy to know that Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Kyle Walker will all be back to face us. They'll be sure to cause us some problems in defence.
Whether this will be another thrilling 5-2 like last season, I don't know. But one thing I know, is that it's a must win game. Not just for bragging rights, but to get some good form going and to get a few points under our belt. The fans will play a major role throughout the 90 minutes. As of lately, the fans at the Emirates have been extremely poor. Booing at half time against Fulham and being very quiet in the past few weeks. How are the team meant to improve their performance when they get booed. The fans need to get behind the team, encourage them and create a great atmosphere as there was last season against Spurs. Lets hope for three points and a cracking match tomorrow. Come on you gunners.
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