Fri 22 September 2023, 19:15
Tottenham HotspurWe're all set for the 63rd edition of the north London derby in the Premier League era at the Emirates on Sunday (2pm) - here's a closer look at our rivals from N5...
Form
Still unbeaten, Arsenal have delivered five wins in six in the opening weeks of the season - but it's not all been plain sailing. In control at 2-0 up against Forest, Forest threatened a late comeback as it ended 2-1, down to 10 men at Palace, they dug out a 1-0 win, 10-man Fulham dragged a 2-2 draw home from the Emirates and they scored two goals in added time to topple United. They controlled a 1-0 victory at Everton last weekend and impressed in their Champions League opener, a 4-0 win against PSV on Wednesday evening.
Players to watch
Declan Rice appears to have settled in well following his big summer move from West Ham and Leandro Trossard has enjoyed a good week with the winner at Everton and a goal against PSV. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring against PSV and was joined on the scoresheet by the dangermen - Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard. At the other end, Mikel Arteta has brought in David Raya on loan from Brentford, competition for the number one spot with Aaron Ramsdale, who impressed so much last season.
Manager
A gifted midfielder in a playing career that included a five-year spell at Arsenal following six years at Everton and two at Rangers, Mikel Arteta joined Manchester City's coaching staff under Pep Guardiola in 2016 and then headed to the Emirates as Head Coach in December, 2019. Arsenal lifted the FA Cup in his first season and after finishing eighth in 2019/20 and 2020/21 and then fifth in 2021/22, Arteta guided the team to a title challenge last season, where they topped the table from August until April, only to be overhauled by City, who stormed to the summit thanks to a run of 12 wins in their last 14 matches.
Last time we met
One to forget at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in January. The Gunners took control in the first half via Hugo Lloris' own goal and a 20-yard strike from Martin Odegaard. We fought back in the second half but couldn't find a way past Aaron Ramsdale - we eventually had more efforts at goal than Arsenal - 17-14 - but it ended 2-0, a result that sent Arsenal eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after 18 games.
How to follow
Sunday's derby is televised live by Sky Sports with live radio commentary on BBC Five Live. You can also listen to BBC Radio London's commentary via our Match Centre here on tottenhamhotspur.com and the Spurs Official app, where you’ll also find minute-by-minute text, goal alerts, stats and much more. Video highlights will be available on SPURSPLAY from 6pm, with the full 90 minutes available to watch on demand from midnight. Also, look out for our Review Show with post-match reaction and analysis from presenter Ben Haines and pundit, legendary former striker Clive Allen, on SPURSPLAY and YouTube. Worldwide broadcast listings are available via the link on this page...
