28 April 2024 , 03:00
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It's North London Derby day and few trips to Tottenham come as big as this one.
Arsenal arrive in enemy territory looking to remain top of the league after Liverpool once against slipped up. The Reds could only manage a draw against West Ham and the Gunners will hope to add some pressure to Manchester City, who don't play until later in the day.
Anything but a win against Spurs will hand Pep Guardiola's side an opportunity to move to the top of the table. That of course, will be no easy task.
The north London side did the double over Spurs last season but could only managed a dramatic draw at the Emirates earlier in the season. With that said, Mirror football takes a look at some of the stories emerging on a massive day.
Bukayo Saka warning
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has warned his teammates that they cannot afford to falter in the manner Liverpool did in defeat to Everton. The winger believes the Gunners must remain focused if they hope to find success before the end of the season.
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Saka acknowledged the fixture against Tottenham was a massive prospect but he simply intends to perform. "I try not to read too much into those games," he said, "But at the same time it shows that you have to be 100 per cent focused on every game.
"Each team, or most of the teams, have something to play for. Each game is like a final for all of us competing for the title, especially Sunday. With it being a north London derby as well, it’s going to be even bigger as a game. I’m just focused on performing."
Bukayo Saka being challenged by Josko Gvardiol (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Read what Saka said about being fouled so often and Cristiano Ronaldo
Wonderkid sets record
Arsenal youngster Chido Obi-Martin set a new record for the Gunners as he surpassed Ethan Nwaneri's record of five goals in a single under-18s match and Folarin Balogun's single season record for the side. The teen has racked up 27 goals in 15 appearances this term and bagged seven against Norwich.
The 16-year-old scored 10 goals in a single match for Arsenal's Under-16 side against Liverpool earlier this term and has shown few signs of slowing down.
Surprising prediction
The North London derby is renowned for its excitement and it can often be an unpredictable affair. Even in a game that is know for throwing up a surprises, few would be predicting a Tottenham win.
The Gunners are 17 points clear of their local rivals and have their eyes on keeping pace for a title challenge with just four games remaining of the season. Nevertheless, former Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda believes Ange Postecoglou's side will take three points on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking at Ladbrokes Fanzone's North London Derby mural, Chimbonda suggested Spurs could prove a disruptive force for Man City too.
"Arsenal v Tottenham is such a huge game," he said. "Not just because of what the result means for both teams; Arsenal are going for the title and Spurs are trying to get into the top four.
Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham could decide Arsenal's fate (Will Palmer/Getty Images)"It's interesting that Spurs will have such an important say on what happens in this year's title race, as we've still got to play against Arsenal and Man City, both at home, and away at Liverpool.
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"With the type of football that Spurs play at the minute, I think this is going to be a great game to watch; I know we concede a lot of goals but we play such good football going forward, I'm sure Sunday is going to be an exciting one for everyone. I think we're going to win the game, though.
"I'd expect us to go to Anfield and pick up a draw - especially when you consider how important that point might be for our chances of making the top four. A draw away at Liverpool would be a great result.
"Spurs have a really great record, particularly at home, against Man City, and if they want to finish in the top four, these are the games they've got to be winning; they just need to get the results... it doesn't matter who they're coming up against, or what is at stake for their opponents. I actually see Spurs going and winning that game, as well..."
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