Mikel Arteta has called the North London Derby the ‘biggest game of the season’ as Arsenal prepare to face Tottenham this weekend.
Arsenal host their fierce rivals in the Premier League on Sunday with both teams having made strong starts to the new campaign. Each are unbeaten after five fixtures, with Arsenal and Spurs level on 13 points in the table.
Arsenal have a strong recent record against Spurs at the Emirates and have not lost a home derby in the Premier League since November 2010.
Arteta is determined for his side to maintain that record this weekend, in what he has billed as the Gunners’ biggest game of the season.
“This game doesn’t need motivation, it’s the biggest game of the season,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“They have a new manager who has done really well and has changed the vibe around the club. He’s also brought in a new style and we have to adapt.
“I really like him (Ange Postecoglou). I know players who worked with him and they speak highly of him. You can tell straight away that he’s fitting in really well. That’s the beauty of this league, we have so many good managers.”
Arteta confirmed that Thomas Partey will miss the clash with Spurs, though Gabriel Martinelli is being assessed and could feature.
“Thomas Partey is still out. The rest are available but there aren’t any other big issues.
“Gabi [Martinelli], we are still assessing him. He is not ruled out at this stage.”
