Fortunately for Arsenal, it’s believed that form goes out of the window on derby day.
The Gunners have emerged as an impressive force under Mikel Arteta, but their capacity to turn defeats into prolonged blips may well undermine another season. They head into Wednesday’s North London Derby off the back of consecutive defeats in the domestic cups and with their chances of claiming silverware this term suddenly slim.
The footballing gods have conspired against the Gunners, but they presented a FA Cup fourth round berth to them on a silver platter at the weekend to atone. Arteta’s men refused to accept the gift.
It’s a critical juncture in Arteta’s project, and the Spaniard’s seat will doubtlessly warm if Spurs secure their first PREMIER League win at the Emirates since 2010.
Arsenal need this one more than their bitter rivals, and here’s the team Arteta could pick for Tottenham’s visit.
GK: David Raya – Arsenal’s number one gave off the impression that he knew what he was doing from penalties against Porto and Atalanta last year, but his performance in Sunday’s shootout was woeful. The absence of Harry Kane means a Spurs penalty isn’t inevitable on Wednesday.
RB: Jurrien Timber – Timber was suffering from a tight hamstring at the weekend and he’s one to monitor heading into the derby. However, the Dutchman is expected to be fit to start.
CB: William Saliba – Saliba is enduring a bit of a blip. Alexander Isak and Joshua Zirkzee have had their way with the Frenchman in recent outings, and Dominic Solanke presents another tough challenge.
CB: Gabriel – The hero in the reverse fixture and goalscorer on Sunday, perhaps Arteta should consider throwing Gabriel up top.
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – Riccardo Calafiori missed the FA Cup defeat with a muscle injury, and his status for Wednesday is up in the air. Arteta won’t mind having to use Lewis-Skelly again, however.
DM: Thomas Partey – Partey will be forced into the backline if Timber misses out, but he should earn a starting berth at the base of midfield. The Ghanaian scored in this fixture two seasons ago.
CM: Declan Rice – It wasn’t just Kai Havertz who was guilty of missing chances at the weekend, Rice should’ve put the tie to bed, too. The English midfielder is a sure bet to return to the XI after coming off the bench against Manchester United.
CM: Martin Odegaard – The captain, like Rice, missed the reverse fixture in N17 and the Emirates requires a swaggering performance from Odegaard to lift spirits. He created plenty on Sunday without reward.
RW: Raheem Sterling – Sterling’s direct and positive showing at the weekend should convince Arteta that he’s worthy of a start in the derby. Arsenal’s options are slim with Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus all out.
ST: Kai Havertz – The German has a great chance to immediately thrust himself back into the good books of the Arsenal fanbase after a wasteful couple of outings on the bounce.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Arsenal need a transition threat against this Tottenham team, and Martinelli is their most dangerous weapon when attacking space. He should be favoured over Leandro Trossard.
