NORTH LONDON CALLING
Good afternoon and welcome to the Emirates Stadium for our live coverage of the Premier League clash between rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
Despite its early billing in the season, this North London derby appears of the upmost importance – especially to the managers of these two stuttering giants of the English game.
Mikel Arteta may have steadied the Arsenal ship with consecutive league wins, but the humiliation of a home defeat inflicted by their near neighbours will again have his critics baying for blood.
The under-pressure Spaniard made wholesale changes for Wednesday’s League Cup tie with Wimbledon, and, as a result, has a fresh and fully fit squad to choose from, which includes Granit Xhaka after three matches out through suspension.
New Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo has no reason to fear for his future yet although the result of his first North London derby is likely to set the mood for weeks to come.
After a trio of 1-0 wins to begin his reign, recent defeats and displays have been a concern, none more so than the alarming second half capitulation at home to Chelsea last weekend.
The Portuguese coach now needs to get Harry Kane firing and there is no better time nor place that today’s trip to the old enemy.
The England captain will make his 250th Premier League appearance this afternoon but is yet to embark on the goal trail this campaign; perhaps the return of Lucas Moura will supply the striker with the ammunition needed to blow away the Gunners.
Kick-off at the Emirates is set for 4.30pm, and we’ll soon have news of the two teams as part of our continued pre-match build-up.
