Mikel Arteta has set the tone for Arsenal’s next big test, making it clear the North London Derby is exactly the kind of game his side is craving right now as reported by fabrizo romano via their official x handle. After a frustrating midweek draw with Wolves, the Arsenal boss admitted the squad is already buzzing for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, saying the feeling around the camp is one of excitement rather than pressure.
Arteta said;
“If we could play today, I think we’d all love to.”
His words summed up the mood in the Arsenal camp restless, hungry, and ready to respond.
The derby comes at an interesting moment for both clubs. Softfootball reported that Tottenham will be playing their first North London Derby under new manager Igor Tudor, adding extra edge to an already fiery fixture.
Arsenal, on the other hand, arrive as league leaders and with recent history on their side, having won six of the last seven meetings between the two rivals.
Arteta also offered a positive injury update that could boost Arsenal’s chances. There is a “big possibility” that both Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz will be available, while Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, who picked up knocks against Wolves, are not expected to be major concerns. With the season entering its decisive phase, getting key players back at the right time could be crucial.
Beyond the derby itself, Arteta framed the next few months as a defining period for his team. He urged his players to embrace the run-in with courage and belief, describing the pressure of competing on multiple fronts as a privilege rather than a burden. He also called on supporters to fully buy into the journey, asking them to “jump on the boat” as Arsenal push for silverware.
With the title race tightening and emotions running high, Sunday’s derby is more than just another fixture. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to turn frustration into fuel, assert their dominance over their biggest rivals, and send another statement to the rest of the league that they are ready for the fight to the finish.
