Sunday’s north London’s derby will be a day of firsts.
The first derby to be played in Tottenham’s new stadium.
The first derby to feature Mikel Arteta v Jose Mourinho.
The first derby to be played behind closed doors.
All three of these firsts are significant for their own reasons.
However, this north London derby has more at stake than just bragging rights, this north London derby could decide who gets into a European competition next season, and who doesn’t.
Currently, Arsenal is in 8th place, with 50 points and a +8 goal differential. Tottenham is 9th with 49 points and also a +8 goal differential.
Depending on the outcome of Man City’s appeal with the UEFA for violating Fair Play practices, one of these clubs has to finish 4th or 5th to earn a Champions League spot, or 5th or 6th to be invited to play in the Europa League.
Arsenal can also qualify for the Europa League if they could win the FA Cup.
So, it’s fair to say, with just 4 Premier League games to go, the stakes are high for both clubs. A European position means not only prestige for the club, but more importantly, it means a lot of cash.
As always, this stacks up to be an exciting game. Earlier this season, the two clubs battled to a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. Neither Arteta or Mourinho were involved in that match.
Since the restart, the Gunners are 3-2-1, and Tottenham is 2-2-1.
Mikel Arteta had this to say about Sunday’s match-up…
“You never know what can happen in a derby because when the passion and the emotions kick in, a lot of things can happen and from a very controlled game it can go to a completely different game and that’s somewhere we need to know how to manage. I’ve been involved in a few of them so there’s always some surprises.”
Jose had this to say…
“It’s a big game. I want to play, I want to win, and I want to demonstrate to my players my feelings in relation to what the match means for us in terms of the table, and also in terms of our rivalry.”
Between now and 11:30 am ET on Sunday a lot will be written, and a lot will be said about this north London derby, but as supporters, all we can do is sit back, enjoy a great game of football, and of course, hope the Gunners prevail at the end of 90 minutes!
COYG!
Cheers, stay healthy and safe!
Gunner1953
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