The Premier League season is into the 11th week, and the title race has already become tight, with two points separating the top four teams at present. Arsenal will eye another three points as they prepare to host Tottanham Hotspur in the North London derby at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal have been brilliant this season, winning seven matches and losing one. They are placed third in the table, while Spurs have not lost a single game in the Premier League so far, which makes matters really interesting. So it goes without saying that both the clubs have enjoyed a good season so far. Can it get any better than this in North London? Wenger also agrees about the entertainment factor, which will be present in the game.
"The better the two teams are, the better the derby will be. In every city you want that rivalry. At the moment both teams are doing well so that's why I think that is why this one is more interesting," Arsenal's official website quoted Wenger as saying.
Not only are Arsenal playing well in the league, they have showed good form in the Champions' League too. Arsenal have already qualified for the knockout stages of the CL, which will give them further confidence to maintain their incredible form in major competitions.
Players like Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil have been in good form, and Wenger will hope that the duo will display their magical skills to win the tie. But, Arsenal are aware of the tough match in hand, where all their players need to contribute in all departments of the game. They need to have their focus intact for ninety minutes.
"It is important you keep your discipline, that you focus on football, no matter how big the game is. It can sometimes get a bit tense, but sometimes you can have games that are heated from the first to the last minute. Sometimes you have just two or three moments in the game when it becomes absolutely heated but you have to master the situation when it happens," Wenger said.
This derby is going to be important in the context of the Premier League at present, and Spurs will hope to move up to third place with a win. With both teams keen to move up the table, an entertaining and open game is expected at the Emirates.
Spurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino understands the importance of the game, and is also ready to give England international Harry Kane a start in the encounter. The striker, who was out of action with ankle ligament injury, will hope to find his goal-scoring touch against the Gunners.
Such move does not come as any surprise for fans and experts as Spurs have been below par in front of goal in recent matches. Not only have they been winless in their last six fixtures in all competitions, they have only scored three, which is not what their managed would have liked, especially from his team, which plays attractive football.
Kane will add that venom in their attacking line, and Arsenal will have to cope with the danger. However, one is unsure about Kane's match fitness as he has been out since September. The manager was pleased with his expected return on Sunday.
"It's always important. In the last few seasons he was very important for us, he was the top scorer in the Premier League and always the player that was the last top scorer in the Premier League, when he's fit, is important for any club. Of course, for us it's very good news and it's good that he will be back," Tottenham quoted Pochettino as saying.
Howeever, it is not only going to be about Kane. Players like Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen needs to be strong and provide balls for Kane to score goals, and also convert chances, which comes their way. Pochettino believes that game will be tough for both teams.
"It will be an exciting game for us and for them too. It's a game that we can imagine but maybe it will be different in reality. It will be tough for both teams. It's true that for them it's a big challenge to beat us and for us it's a very good challenge to try to win at the Emirates. It is my third season that we are going, (we've had) two draws and it's a good moment to try to win the game," said Pochettino.
Where to Watch Live
Arsenal vs Spurs is scheduled for a 12.30pm GMT (5:30 pm IST, 7 am ET) start. Live Streaming and TV information for the match is below.
India: TV: Star Sports Select HD1. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: TV:BT Sport. Live Streaming:Watch BT Sport.
USA: TV: NBCSN, NBC Universo. Live Streaming: NBC Sports Live.
Canada: TV: TSN1, TSN4. Live Streaming: TSN TV.
Malaysia: TV: Astro SuperSport3.
Thailand, Indonesia, Middle East: TV: Bein Sports. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
