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Mikel Arteta has no choice but to be bold with his team selection as a decimated Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby.

The Gunners enter the first derby of the season this weekend in better form, but it is Spurs who head into the clash in finer spirits.

The Lilywhites are set to welcome back some key players as they look to get one over their biggest rivals after a slow start to the season.

Meanwhile, the Gunners are going to be without two of their stars and it’s an absence that will force Arteta to experiment with his side.

There's likely to be a debut for one Deadline Day signing, with several other players deployed out of position to cover the hole in midfield.

Here, talkSPORT.com takes a look at the injury latest and predicts how both teams could line up this weekend…

Tottenham

Spurs are coming into this huge derby off the back of their first defeat of the new Premier League campaign against Newcastle.

Ange Postecoglou’s side have now won, drawn and lost so far this season, with performances not reaching the level needed to compete at the top just yet.

However, Tottenham will be boosted by the return of two players who missed the last game.

The first of those players is Micky van de Ven, who sat out of the trip to Newcastle after seemingly picking up a knock against Everton.

Postecoglou confirmed that he ‘wasn’t quite 100 per cent’ and that due to the busy schedule after the international break, he was rested - missing the Netherlands' Nations League games as a result.

So it is likely that Van de Ven will be back fit to feature alongside Cristian Romero at centre-back, with Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie on either side.

Guglielmo Vicario will be in goal behind them, of course.

In midfield, Yves Bissouma will sit deeper than Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison, with the latter looking to create for a very dangerous front three.

And in that trio should see the second returnee in Dominic Solanke, who after missing two straight games, has rested over the break and is likely to be involved against Arsenal.

He’ll be flanked by captain Heung-min Son and potentially Dejan Kulusevski, who seems to be preferred to Brennan Johnson.

Summer signing Wilson Odobert may not be ready just yet to play in such a huge game.

Arsenal

The visitors are yet to lose this season but they’re now having to deal with some issues.

Before the international break, Declan Rice was controversially sent off against Brighton and that meant he was suspended for this game.

Jurrien Timber also seemed to pick up a knock during that Seagulls draw, hobbling off the Emirates pitch as he was substituted.

However, during the break, Timber has featured for the Netherlands and looks fit to play alongside William Saliba and Gabriel in defence this weekend.

That is fortunate for the Gunners, considering their other preferred option at left-back, Riccardo Calafiori was sent home early by Italy after sustaining an injury.

There is no doubt that Ben White will keep his place at right-back having enjoyed a rest due to his ongoing England exile.

That is the only slither of good fortune Arsenal have enjoyed during the international fixtures, with Martin Odegaard set to be sidelined.

The club captain limped out of Norway's 2-1 win over Austria with an ankle pain that his coach Ola Solbakken admitted looked bad.

The 25-year-old is a permanent starting fixture on the right side of Arteta's midfield three in his favoured 4-3-3 formation when fit.

Arsenal are yet to confirm Odegaard's absence officially, but the early prognosis is that he will miss around three weeks and leave his manager with a choice of whether to stick or twist now that the spine of his team has been decimated.

Kai Havertz could slot back into a No.8 position over youngster Ethan Nwaneri where he started his Gunners career rather than as a striker.

That would allow Arteta to maintain his 4-3-3 shape by pushing Thomas Partey into a more advanced area, with Jorginho as the No.6.

Havertz's absence from attack means Arsenal would be sweating on the return of Gabriel Jesus, with Leandro Trossard also offering an option as a false nine following his absence from the Belgium squad.

With so many players out of form or adjusting to new positions, Arteta may lean on the experience of Raheem Sterling over the struggling Gabriel Martinelli in such a big game.

Arsenal's new no. 30 last played a competitive game in May having missed out on Euro 2024 before being exiled by Chelsea.

But having joined the Gunners on a season-long loan deal during deadline day, Sterling has been hard at work at London Colney.

The winger is already familiar with Arteta's methods following their work together at Manchester City and wouldn't be fazed by making his debut in such a big game.

If Sterling isn't fit enough to start, Jesus may be the one taken a gamble on with a dramatic shift to a bold 4-2-4 formation.

Bukayo Saka is the undisputed choice at right-wing in both lineups, but Havertz's recent form may mean he's too valuable in attack.

Jorginho and Partey would become a double-pivot midfield to shield the defence, with Trossard playing in a more familiar role on the left.

Havertz would then be tasked with playing in a two-man striker setup that he operates in for Germany alongside the returning Jesus.

This would simultaneously ease the pressure on Sterling to come in from the start and instead be an impact option off the bench.

Rodrigo Bentancur could be banned for up to 12 games if the FA charge regarding comments about Son Heung-min are upheld.

Given that he's currently serving a four-game international ban, it means that he could be suspended for a total of 16 games.

In an interview earlier this year, the Tottenham star attempted to make a joke about his South Korean teammate that went viral.

Appearing on Uruguayan TV show Por La Camiseta, the journalist asked: "Can you get me the shirt from the Korean?" to which Bentancur asked "Sonny?" and the journalist said "Or any other champion?"

Bentancur replied: "Or any cousin of Sonny, they all look more or less the same!" to which the reporter replied "Yes, of course!!"

At the time, a statement from the club said: “We have been made aware of the utterly reprehensible online racist abuse directed at Heung-Min Son during today's match, which has been reported by the club.

“We stand with Sonny and once again call on the social media companies and authorities to take action.”

While the Uruguayan star issued a heartfelt apology on Instagram, he could be set for a lengthy ban.

A statement from the FA on Thursday read: "Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.

"It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin. Rodrigo Bentancur has until Thursday 19 September 2024 to provide a response to this charge."

It's understood that all 'aggravated breaches' that are a first offence bring a recommended match-based sanction of six to 12 matches.

The Spurs midfielder will then have the opportunity to accept or deny the charge.

Bentancur appeared remorseful in the aftermath of the scandal, posting on Instagram: "I would like to communicate to all fans and everyone who follows us that after my interview where I referred to Son and no one else, I have spoken to him and, logically given our deep friendship, he understands it was only an unfortunate misunderstanding. All has been clarified and solved with my friend.

"If someone felt offended because of my words through this media tool I would like to offer my sincere apologies. But I also would like you to know that never, never I referred to anyone else.

"Only to Son and for that reason I’ve never had the intention to offend directly or indirectly anyone. A big hug and all my respect to everyone."

Bentancur remains available for selection in the meantime, meaning that he could feature for Tottenham in the North London Derby against Arsenal this weekend.

Tottenham are among the clubs tracking England new-boy Angel Gomes, talkSPORT understands.

Midfielder Gomes will be a free agent when his contract at Lille expires next summer.

The 24-year-old began his career at Manchester United, joining their academy at the age of six.

He left for Ligue 1 in 2020 after being released by the Red Devils.

Gomes made his senior England debut over the international break against Ireland.

He came on as a substitute for Kobbie Mainoo in his side’s 2-0 win, before starting the second Nations League clash against Finland.

With Jude Bellingham ruled out of the games due to injury, it's likely Gomes stepped up to slot in his place.

New England manager knows Gomes well from his time managing the Under-21s, with the pair winning the European Under-21 Championship last summer.

And his impressive performances with the Three Lions has attracted a number of clubs, including Spurs.

Gomes already has some Premier League experience despite being released by Man United at a young age.

He made four appearances off the bench for the Red Devils, his first coming in the 2018/19 season.

Carsley gave a glowing review of Gomes after the Finland clash.

He said: "He loves football, he watches football, he's interested in tactics, he knows all the players in any league.

"If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he's going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we're going to build up, or the positions.

"He'll often say about some build-ups he's done with other clubs, or what he's played against, because he's obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.

"He fully deserves it."

Arsenal are making the short 4-mile trip across north London to face Tottenham but will feel further away from home than ever.

The Gunners have been banned from wearing their traditional red kit for the first time in 38 years following an unprecedented decision.

In fact, it's been over a decade since either side has been forced to don any jersey that has not been their home offering in the derby.

During Arsenal's 5-2 win over Tottenham in November 2012, Spurs were decked out in that season's black-and-grey third strip.

Ange Postecoglou's men will now be back in different colours on their next trip to the Emirates Stadium in January.

Why Arsenal are wearing their away kit?

The Gunners have been forced to ditch their red-and-white home shirt as it was deemed to clash with Tottenham.

The Premier League and referee body PGMOL instructed Arsenal that their 2024/25 home kit includes too much white - which is the traditional colours of Spurs.

The Premier League’s rule M.22 states that clubs 'shall wear a strip that differs visibly from and contrasts with one another'.

Arsenal's home strip has predominantly white sleeves, with the back and side of the shirt also blending into white shorts, while the club crest, Adidas logo and main sponsor are all in the same colour as well.

Mikel Arteta's side tried to compromise by offering to wear red shorts and socks, but their request was rejected.

"The PGMOL and Premier League ruled that our 2024-25 home kit features too much white, thus clashing with Tottenham’s traditional colours, even with the option of red shorts and socks for us, which was also discussed," said Arsenal.

"As a result, for the first time in recent 'NLD' history, we'll be wearing our change colours."

The statement continued: "Our Adidas away strip for this season has already got off to a winning start when we wore it for the first time in competitive action against Aston Villa last month.

"It has been designed to celebrate the rich and well-established connection that our club has to the African diaspora in North London and beyond.

"Designed in collaboration with Adidas and distinguished British African heritage brand, Labrum London, it celebrates our players and supporters of African heritage, who are an instrumental part of our club."

Arsenal's last time wearing their away shirt in the derby was during the 1985/86 season when the club's yellow kit served up a 1-0 defeat.

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Date and how to follow

This Premier League clash will take place on Sunday, September 15.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 2pm.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

talkSPORT will also have the goals as they go in on the Sunday Session with Sam Matterface.

Tottenham will hope to avoid both another home defeat and an unwanted Premier League feat in Sunday’s north London derby

Arsenal head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking for a third-consecutive league victory on the ground of their bitter rivals, to keep pace with leaders Manchester City and Liverpool.

Defeat at Newcastle last time out has placed further importance on this weekend’s clash for Spurs who sit tenth in the table after three games.

However, if Ange Postecoglou’s side hope for an immediate return to winning ways, they will have to break a rather unique own-goal hoodoo.

That’s because Tottenham have conceded an own goal in each of their last three Premier League meetings with Arsenal.

No team has ever conceded four own goals in consecutive games against the same opponent, an unwanted piece of history Spurs will want to avoid - especially against their arch-rivals.

During their meeting in April, Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg inadvertently headed into his own net from a corner to give the Gunners the lead on their way to a 3-2 win.

It came after Cristian Romero was awarded with an own goal in the 2-2 draw at the Emirates last September.

Prior to that, ex-Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a hash of Bukayo Saka’s cross, turning it into his own net.

Strangely, all three own goals were a result of Saka’s enterprising play on Arsenal’s right flank.

The three unfortunate moments all came at pivotal times that enabled Arsenal to open the scoring.

Postecoglou will be aware of his side continuously handing their biggest rivals a welcome advantage and a repeat of past mishaps will provide another tall order for Spurs to overcome.

Like Spurs, the Gunners go into Sunday’s match aiming to return to winning ways after a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton last month.

Boss Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard for the clash after he limped out of Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria on Monday night.

The 25-year-old has returned to London to undergo tests after suffering what appeared to be an ankle sprain.

A long-standing streak in the north London derby is set to end after the Premier League determined which kit Arsenal will wear against Tottenham on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta's side will make the short trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

But they will have to do it wearing their away strip after the PGMOL and Premier League determined Arsenal's home shirt clashes with Tottenham's.

The ruling claims Arsenal's home kit features too much white, which the Premier League felt would prove troublesome given it is Tottenham's traditional colour.

Arsenal even floated the option of wearing red shorts and socks to avoid the clash, but their request was rejected.

Instead, the Gunners will don their black away strip.

Remarkably, it will be the first time either side has had to wear their away kit since Arsenal's 5-2 victory over Tottenham in November 2012 at the Emirates Stadium.

For Arsenal, it will also mark the first time in recent history they've worn a change strip in a north London derby.

Tottenham will also wear their away kit for the return fixture at the Emirates in January.

Arsenal have already worn their away strip once this season and will hope it inspires a similar result against their bitter rivals.

Arteta's side travelled to Aston Villa, who play in claret and blue, and picked up a valuable 2-0 win with goals from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey.

However, replicating the feat against Tottenham will be an almighty task given their absences for the clash.

Star midfielder Declan Rice misses the derby with suspension after he picked up two yellow cards against Brighton, while skipper Martin Odegaard had to be helped off the field with an ankle injury in Norway's Nations League clash against Austria on Monday.

Riccardo Calafiori is another who could be sidelined after he left Italy's camp due to a freak injury sustained in the 3-1 win over France.

The derby also comes far too soon for fellow summer recruit Mikel Merino as he suffered a fractured shoulder in a collision with Gabriel during training and faces several weeks on the sideline.

Tottenham and Arsenal meet this Sunday afternoon for the first North London derby of the season.

Spurs haven't started the new campaign in the fashion they would have wanted, only picking up one win and losing to Newcastle last time out.

However, three points against their biggest rivals would hand Ange Postecoglou's side a major boost to their hopes of a strong season.

The Gunners are a tough team to beat, though, and they are yet to lose in their opening games, winning two and drawing one.

They shared the points with Brighton before the international break but that was heavily down to Declan Rice being sent off, with the midfielder now suspended for this huge game.

Tottenham vs Arsenal: How's your luck?

Now here's an incredible stat...

Tottenham have conceded an own goal in each of their last three Premier League meetings with Arsenal.

Last time they met, it was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who was the unlucky player after he headed into his own net from a corner.

Before that, Cristian Romero was awarded an own goal in their September 2023 derby, denying Bukayo Saka a goal.

And that came a few months after Hugo Lloris' in January last year.

No team has ever put through their own net in four consecutive meetings with an opponent in the competition before.

And if there's one team you don't want to break that record against, it's your biggest rivals...

Tottenham have lost five of their last seven Premier League meetings with Arsenal (W1 D1), more than they had in their previous 16 against their north London rivals (W6 D6 L4).

Arsenal have won their last two Premier League away games against Tottenham, as many as in their previous 17 such visits (D6 L9). They last won three consecutive away north London derbies between January 1987 and September 1988.

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Team news

Spurs are hoping to have Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven back from injury after two week's rest.

Their returns will boost Postecoglou's side with Richarlison still sidelined with his unspecified injury.

It would leave the Brazilian as the only absentee for the derby.

As for Arsenal, captain Martin Odegaard looks to have picked up an ankle injury during the international break.

He was substituted whilst playing for Norway following an awkward challenge that resulted in him rolling his ankle.

It means he's now a doubt for the North London derby and could be missing alongside the suspended Rice.

Therefore, Jorginho could slot into midfield while Kai Havertz is likely to play as an 8 with Leandro Trossard having to cover up front.

Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a knock over the break, with doubts over his fitness while fellow summer signing Mikel Merino is out too.

Arsenal against Tottenham is the fixture to have seen the most penalties awarded (26) and scored (24) in Premier League history. Indeed, of all Premier League fixtures to have seen at least 100 goals scored, the north London derby has seen the highest percentage netted from the spot (12.9% - 24/186).

Arsenal vs Tottenham has seen both teams score more often than any other fixture in Premier League history (43), while it’s also the fixture to see the team score first fail to win more often than any other (29 – D19 L10).

Tottenham vs Arsenal: What has been said?

Raheem Sterling could make his Arsenal debut this weekend and he's looking forward to getting started with the Gunners.

“I’m buzzing," he said after arriving at the Emirates on Deadline Day.

"It’s one where we left it late but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just like: ‘this is a perfect fit for me’, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.

“It’s a perfect fit for myself to be at a football club like this, where you can see that hunger, that desire, year on year, they are pushing and pushing and pushing. That’s exactly how I am as a person.

“Each year you want to get better and do better than the previous year. Hopefully I can gel really well with the boys and get going.

“It’s time now to meet the boys, get settled in and hopefully now see some game time and make my mark.”

Tottenham’s Son Heung-min has scored eight goals against Arsenal in all competitions; in the history of the fixture, only Harry Kane (14), Emmanuel Adebayor (10) and Bobby Smith (10) have netted more than the Korean.

Bukayo Saka scored home and away goals against Tottenham in the Premier League last season. The only Arsenal players to score in 3+ consecutive north London derby appearances in the competition are Emmanuel Adebayor (5 between 2006 and 2008) and Robert Pirès (4 between 2002 and 2004)

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Date and how to follow

This Premier League clash will take place on Sunday, September 15.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is scheduled for 2pm.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

talkSPORT will also have the goals as they go in on the Sunday Session with Sam Matterface.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

Martin Odegaard was carried off the pitch after suffering a worrying injury while on international duty.

The Arsenal captain was playing in Norway's UEFA Nations League clash with Austria when he was involved in an awkward clash with Christoph Baumgartner.

Challenging for the ball, Odegaard suffered a painful injury as he went over on his ankle, leading to a lengthy stoppage.

In this time Man City star Erling Haaland was among a number of concerned teammates who came to check on the Arsenal man.

As a result, the playmaker was left with no choice but to leave the action with two members of Norway's medical team propped him up as he hobbled off the pitch.

Clearly in some discomfort, Odegaard looked upset as he made his way off the pitch.

Norway coach Ola Solbakken said after the match: “Martin Ødegaard’s injury looked bad in the dressing room as well”.

Meanwhile Norway doctor Ola Sand: “He got a small ankle sprain. We will see, maybe we use ultrasound to look at it.

“If we are unsure, there will be an MRI tomorrow”

His absence didn't hamper Norway too much, however, with Haaland scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory.

The sight will, however, be a worry for Arsenal fans as they prepare for Sunday's north London derby with Tottenham.

The 25-year-old has started all three Premier League games so far this season but was substituted in the 74th minute during their last outing, a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton.

Since arriving at the club from Real Madrid in 2021, Odegaard has proven himself to be one of Arsenal's key men.

In 156 appearances, he has scored 35 goals and offered 25 assists along the way.

That includes an impressive tally of 11 goals and 11 assists last term.

Arsenal will be determined to continue their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season when they head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Having won 3-2 in their last outing there, Arteta's side will be desperate to get another positive result this time around.

However with Declan Rice suspended and Odegaard now an injury concern, Arsenal could have a tricky test on their hands against Ange Postecoglou's side.

Martin Keown says that Arsenal's squad players must step up to the plate in the absence of Declan Rice on Sunday.

The Gunners head straight from an international break into one of the most important games of the season as they face Tottenham in the north London derby.

Mikel Arteta's side will be without Rice though, with the England midfielder suspended after his controversial red card against Brighton.

As a result, Keown believes that Arsenal will need to lean on their back-up players and hope that they can rise to the challenge of such a full-blooded encounter.

Speaking on White and Jordan, Keown said: "Jorginho has to come into that position and he has plenty of experience but it can’t just be one player.

“Back in the day there were many times when we were without the likes of Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, it didn’t matter.

“Players came in – Edu came in, or Kanu came in.

“You’ve got to have a squad who are strong enough and this is where the question mark will be with Arsenal because they’ve let a lot of good young players go and they had to do that to balance the books.

“It’s whether the squad is strong enough.”

Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, Rice isn't the only player who will be missing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

New signing Riccardo Calafiori suffered a freak injury while away on international duty with Italy and new signing Mikel Merino faces a long spell on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder injury.

Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a long-term absentee, while there are doubts over Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus's fitness going into the weekend's game.

Asked how Arsenal must conquer their injury problems, Keown said: "I just look at what happened at the weekend and I think it was an unfair situation for Arsenal to have to deal with but you put it to one side, don’t you?

“You use it as oxygen for the game with Spurs and in that game you always go into the cauldron of anticipation with the fans and the start of a new season.

“Spurs have already lost a game against Newcastle but I like what Spurs are doing. I like the way they play and the unity and togetherness in the stadium, so it’s a difficult situation.

“Right now, I think they’ll maybe be focusing more on themselves – the last time Arsenal went there they went their looking to win a game of football to stop them becoming champions.

“Maybe with the new manager, they have their own culture and have their own trophies that they want to win, it’s been a long time.

“We have to respect Spurs and it’s difficult because you want to go there with your best players but they’re not there.

"Calafiori is another one who has picked up an injury and Merino, the boy who came in.

“It’s not been a lucky start for Arsenal but what they need to do is go into that cauldron and pick up some points.”

Since Spurs moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it's the Whites who have dominated.

Tottenham have won three of their last four contests - 2-1, 2-0 and 3-0 - until Arsenal turned the tide in January 2023 with a 2-0 win.

Their most recent clash saw the Gunners win 3-2 to keep their faint title hopes alive in a match that could have seen Tottenham officially deprive them of the crown.

Asked if a Spurs win would be a shock, Keown said: “I think it probably would, but I don’t see it happening.

“I think that Arsenal are still good enough – when you look at their defensive record and the number of clean sheets in recent times.

“If you look at their away record you start to think they have the pedigree of champions.

“I’m going to go with Arsenal but you have to earn everything you get at Spurs now.”

If Arsenal’s players are anything like club legend Martin Keown, they won’t be taking this weekend’s trip to Tottenham lightly.

The Gunners head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15 to face their north London rivals in a tricky early season test.

The match comes off the back of Arsenal’s first dropped points of the season at home to Brighton last time out when the game finished 1-1 after Declan Rice’s controversial red card.

Mikel Arteta’s side have a solid record away at their neighbours, winning their last two trips across town, but Keown has sent an early warning ahead of the clash.

“I like what Spurs are doing, I like the way they play, I like the unity in the stadium, the togetherness,” he began.

“It’s a difficult situation. I think maybe, now, they’ll be concentrating more on themselves.

“Last time Arsenal went there it was more about Arsenal winning a game of football to become champions, now the manager [Ange Postecoglou] is setting a culture and they’ve got their own trophies they want to win as it’s been a long time.

“We have to respect Spurs and it’s difficult. You want to go there with your best players but they’re not there. [Riccardo] Calafiori has picked up an injury, [Mikel] Moreno the boy who would have come in for Rice is injured.

“It’s been an unlucky start for Arsenal but what they have to do now is make their own luck and go into that cauldron and come out with the three points.”

After paying a surprise compliment to Spurs, Keown even went on to suggest that they’re not far off his old side’s level.

“I think there’s not too much between the two teams when there’s been this period without a trophy,” he said.

“It’s been 21 years now that Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League, God knows how many years since Spurs won a trophy worth picking up, so they’re in a similar boat.”

When it was put to Keown by co-host Simon Jordan that there’s ‘miles’ between the teams given last season’s 23-point gap, he responded: “I don’t think there is when you go to Spurs at home.

“It's a difficult experience right now. You saw the way they blew through Everton and their home record last season, you don’t go there thinking you’re automatically favourites.

“When you go there you have to put out the fire for Spurs, you have to earn the right to play and that’s what Arsenal have to do.