Mikel Arteta: Arsenal will head into the North London derby on Thursday. A win for the Gunners will ensure their spot in the UCL. However, with four points separating them from Spurs, the Lilywhites will go for the win. With just two games remaining for both clubs after Thursday.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke about the fixture on Sunday.“We are going to go for that match with the same enthusiasm that we always do but knowing that this can be a defining moment,” he said.
“It can be another layer of motivation for us to really go for it. I can’t wait for the game.
“We have earned the right to play that game in that context. We started the season with nine or 10 players out and playing the best two teams in Europe.”
Speaking about Arsenal’s win against Leeds on Sunday, “It wasn’t taking our foot off the gas (following the red card Leeds received),” he added.
“After that, the red card presented a different match. They completely changed their behaviour and how they were set up and we had to manage that in a different way.
“For a lot of phases we did well but we needed to score the third goal and we had the chances to do that. Then the accident happened when we conceded a set-piece goal and then some nerves had to be handled.”
