Martin Keown has sent a word of warning to Arsenal so they avoid suffering a Liverpool -like fate against Tottenham.
The Gunners travel across North London on Sunday afternoon for a key showdown with their fierce rivals. A win could give them a huge helping hand in the race for the Premier League title.
However, Keown believes that Spurs will be going all out to win the game for their own ambitions - but also to stop Mikel Arteta ’s side in their tracks - just like Everton did in their 2-0 win against Liverpool at Goodison Park.
Writing for Mail Online, the former Arsenal defender said: “The Merseyside derby was a warning for Arsenal about what can happen when your local rivals are doubly motivated to not only help themselves but harm you. By winning 2-0, Everton took a gigantic stride towards survival and at the same time, they tripped up Liverpool in their pursuit of the title.
“It was the ultimate double delight for Sean Dyche as the visitors succumbed to the emotions of a growling Goodison Park. The same opportunity is on offer for Tottenham tomorrow.
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“They want to finish inside the top four and they have the chance to disrupt Arsenal’s bid to become champions. Mikel Arteta’s team cannot let themselves get caught up in the chaos like Liverpool did at Everton.
“They have to stay calm, concentrate, trust their tactics, showcase their football, and, above all, win to keep distance between them and their competition. It is remarkable to think that since Tottenham’s last game on April 13, Arsenal have played four times.”
Arsenal could potentially extend their advantage at the top of the table with victory. The Gunners are currently one point clear of nearest challengers Manchester City - albeit having played a game more.
Liverpool slumped to a 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison (Getty Images)Who will win the north London derby? Share your predictions in the comments below
Pep Guardiola ’s side take on Nottingham Forest this weekend at the City Ground. Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou ’s Tottenham are in a real battle to earn a Champions League spot.
Spurs sit fifth and six points behind Aston Villa with two games in-hand. Postecoglou was asked about potentially stopping Arsenal winning the league during his pre-match press conference.
He responded: “Yeah, it’s fair enough. And again I’m not going to dictate to fans what they feel and how they should feel. We understand the importance of the game and we understand the importance particularly at home in these kind of games against our biggest rival and in the biggest derby for us not letting our opponent get on top of us.
“So we understand the consequences of that but ultimately it’s still about us measuring ourselves against the teams we want to be challenging on a more consistent basis. And it’s a great opportunity to do that on Sunday.”
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