Mikel Arteta has four big decisions to make ahead of the north London derby, with Arsenal set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon
Mikel Arteta has four big decisions to make ahead of the North London Derby. Arsenal are set to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with both teams eager to get back to winning ways.
Before the international break, Sunderland managed to hold the Gunners to a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. The Lilywhites also dropped points, losing a stoppage-time lead to Manchester United on home turf. Since Arteta took over from Unai Emery, Arsenal have only been defeated by Tottenham three times, two of which were during the Spaniard's debut season.
The third and most recent loss to Spurs was in May 2022, when Harry Kane knocked the Gunners out of the race for Champions League qualification.
Arsenal have won five of their six encounters with the Lilywhites since then. This weekend, the Premier League leaders have the chance to secure a fourth consecutive victory against Tottenham for the first time since 1989.
So, with history on the line, Mirror Sport has looked at four crucial decisions that could tip the balance in Arteta's favour.
Arteta picks Gabriel replacement
Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a thigh injury during the international break. The 27 year old defender was forced to withdraw during Brazil's 2-0 friendly victory over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium last Saturday.
Arteta has confirmed that the centre-back could be out for a few 'weeks', but luckily, he has plenty of options to choose from when selecting a new partner for William Saliba.
Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie have shown great potential since joining the Gunners from Valencia and Bayer Leverkusen respectively in the summer transfer window. Jurrien Timber and Ben White could also step in for Gabriel in the backline, although they're often preferred at right-back.
Arsenal trio fight for starring role
With Viktor Gyokeres potentially missing the north London derby, Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Leandro Trossard will have been hoping to impress Arteta in training this week. The first of the three is the only natural striker on paper, although he's recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
Jesus has only just returned to first-team training as he looks to regain his fitness following an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Merino has impressed whenever he's been asked to lead the frontline, while Trossard's knack for scoring makes him a strong contender for the vacancy up top.
Lewis-Skelly battles for Arsenal chance
Riccardo Calafiori missed each of Italy's final World Cup qualifiers due to injury. With doubts over the 23 year old defender's availability, Arteta could give Myles Lewis-Skelly his first Premier League start of the season.
The Hale End graduate faces stiff competition for a starting spot, with Hincapie also able to operate at left-back. Timber has featured on the opposite flank previously, meaning he could provide cover for Calafiori as well.
Frank helps Arteta make Eze-y decision
Thomas Frank took a cheeky swipe at Eberechi Eze during his pre-match press conference. The Dane was questioned about whether he believed Tottenham had sealed a deal for the former Crystal Palace star before Arsenal pounced.
"Who's Eze?" replied Frank with a deadpan expression. Following a brief and uncomfortable pause, the Spurs manager finished the joke and said: "Very good player. He plays for Arsenal – a team we want to beat on Sunday."
Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are both nearing returns from injury lay-offs. While it's unlikely they'll start on Sunday afternoon, Frank's comment will have provided Eze with the motivation he needs to inspire Arsenal to triumph.