The Premier League resumes this weekend with a seismic clash as Arsenal prepare to host bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby. Mikel Arteta's league leaders, sitting four points clear at the summit, face a Spurs side now managed by Thomas Frank for the first time in a competitive fixture since a pre-season defeat.
Keown's Cautious Tottenham Warning
Despite Arsenal's formidable form—unbeaten in their last 14 games and without a loss to Spurs in six official meetings—club legend Martin Keown has voiced significant concerns. The pundit highlighted Tottenham's impressive away record as a major threat to the Gunners' ambitions.
Keown told the Metro, "What concerns me this weekend is Spurs’ away form. Their manager is very good at slowing things down, just quietening the crowd." He pointed out that while Spurs have struggled at home, they have won four of their five away matches this season. Keown advised that Arsenal must counteract this by pressing high and dominating possession to prevent Frank's tactics from unsettling the Emirates Stadium crowd.
Controversial Referee Appointment Sparks Concern
Adding a layer of tension to the fixture, the Premier League has confirmed that Michael Oliver will be the match referee. His appointment is likely to displease the Arsenal faithful due to two highly contentious decisions he made against the club last season.
In September 2024, Oliver controversially sent off Leandro Trossard against Manchester City for a perceived delay in restarting play. Later in the season, he incorrectly dismissed Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves; a decision that was later rescinded. This derby will be Oliver's first Arsenal game since that incident ten months ago, raising stakes for a match where his every call will be under intense scrutiny.
Injury Doubts Loom for Arteta
Compounding Arteta's challenges is a growing injury list. Key defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are major doubts for the derby after leaving their international camps early. Their race to be fit adds significant uncertainty to Arsenal's defensive plans for one of their most crucial fixtures of the campaign so far.
While history and current form favour the Gunners, the chaotic nature of this derby, combined with a controversial referee and a savvy opposing manager, ensures that nothing can be taken for granted. All eyes will be on the Emirates this Sunday for a match that promises high drama and could have major implications for the title race.
