North London Derby could make or break Arsenal’s title race

It’s that time of the season in the EPL as two rivals who hate each other to death but can’t live without each other face off in the North London Derby. Here is how Tottenham and Arsenal have fared in the Premier League since the Gunners destroyed Spurs 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium back in October.

Tottenham

Spurs bounced back well from their North London Derby hammering with back-to-back wins against Brighton and Hove Albion away alongside a home victory over relegation battlers Everton. However, the Antonio Conte-managed side went through a real rut, losing three of their next four league games which included home losses to Newcastle United and Liverpool.

Their form post-FIFA World Cup has been scratchy, scraping from behind to snatch a draw against Brentford, losing 2-0 to Aston Villa at home before thrashing Crystal Palace 4-0.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s performances turned scratchy following the win against Tottenham. Hosting Liverpool, the Gunners found a way to handle setbacks well en route to a 3-2 victory. The following game, Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead against Leeds away and held on for dear life as they somehow left Elland Road with a 1-0 win.

The patchy performances continued as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw away at Southampton. Since then, Arsenal have been ruthless with their performances, winning five of their next six EPL fixtures, having drawn against Newcastle United at home.

Positions for both teams:

Tottenham: 33 points, fifth place

Arsenal: 44 points, first place

Tottenham’s inconsistency sees them currently missing out on a Champions League spot, but they have two dangerous finishers in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, who have the ability to win games in the space of a few minutes. But Arsenal are the side to fear this season in the Premier League. The Gunners have the second-best attack behind Manchester City and the second-best defence behind Newcastle United, and they have a five-point gap at the top.

While Tottenham prevailed 3-0 the last time these two met at White Hart Lane and went on to make the Champions League, you would be a mad person not to have Arsenal as favourites. That Arsenal team last season was riddled with injuries at the back end of the season and it was a miracle that they nearly made Champions League. Now, this side refuses to give up and enter the other side of North London without one key player in Gabriel Jesus.

The key between the two sides is belief. Mikel Arteta has full faith in his side. Antonio Conte has constantly undermined his team and the Tottenham board. The number of home games Spurs have lost this season is worrying for them.

Arsenal have been the best away team this season thus far. If they are serious about a title charge, then they cannot be happy with a draw. This may be the biggest game for them since the 3-0 loss against Tottenham last season. Sunday evening in London is their perfect chance to get one back on their enemies den and continue their title charge.