Arsenal season is in serious danger of getting back on track ahead of the run-in. Having shifted to a new three at the back formation, for the first time since 1997, Arsene Wenger’s side have recorded three wins on the bounce going into this weekend’s North London Derby.
The clash between the two London rivals is always a big one whatever the context, however, with Spurs looking on course to finish above the Gunners for the first time during Wenger’s tenure, three points at White Hart Lane this weekend could be the most important to Arsenal fans all season.
Add to that the fact that a loss could be the final nail in the coffin for Mauricio Pochettino’s title challenge and the game simply grows further in stature, not to mention it could well be the last at the Lane as we know it.
Since turning their form around against Middlesbrough, then Manchester City and finally with a win against champions Leicester, albeit a rather lucky one, Wenger’s players have finally begun to look as if they are playing for the Frenchman and the club once again.
Time and again the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott have towed the line claiming they understand just how much of an honour it is to wear the Arsenal shirt, however, coming into this weekend Wenger must ensure they all know their place.
Spurs have arguably been the most impressive side in the Premier League since the turn of the year, as much as that is hurtful for Gooners to hear. However, in a game such as the North London Derby such form goes out the window, in a similar fashion to how it did at Wembley against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Wenger clearly managed to get his players well drilled and behind his plans for the tie at the national stadium, and he must continue to ramp that up in the days leading up to Sunday.
Should the former Monaco boss, who is yet to announce whether or not he is staying, manage to impart onto his squad just what a win here would mean to the fans making the trip to the other side of north London this weekend, then factors such as the form of Haryy Kane and Dele Alli become less threatening.
A win on Sunday can’t change the fact that Tottenham are flying and will – barring some sort of miracle – finish above the Gunners this season, however, the knock on effect it could have to the club and fans for the rest of the season and the FA Cup final is unimaginable.