Arsenal Vs Spurs: Pride the least of the Gunners’ worries

The first North London derby of the season takes place on Saturday, with Arsenal four points behind Tottenham Hotspur. While the Gunners’ pride is on the line, it should be the least of their worries.

While sport is about titles and trophies, successes and failures, triumphs and defeats, there is, in the more base and irrational parts of our beings, a sense of pride that is both magnified and diminished, depending on the result, of course.

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It is, as fans, this pride that we understand most. The hanging of an Olympic gold medal, while easily imaginable, is a remarkable achievement and feeling that very few people in the world will experience. For most, the emotions that sport induces centre on rivalry; the competition of one against the other.

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For Arsenal, there is no greater rivalry than the one on their doorstep. It may have been Manchester United who challenged them for titles. But it was Tottenham Hotspur who thrust them in front of the fans and asked the question of their character, their commitment, their desire. It was Tottenham who disputed their pride; it was up to Arsenal to answer.

Often, for the fans, that question of pride is one that is as, if not more, important than the fullness of the trophy cabinet. The beating of the local rival is, sometimes, as satisfying as the lifting of a trophy. But for the players, for Arsene Wenger, for the club, although they may understand this slightly illogical thirst for superiority, it is not their aim. For them, it is simply the three points, and this season, they are more valuable than ever.

The first North London derby of the season comes with Spurs in the ascendancy. They currently sit four points ahead of the Gunners and are riding high after dismantling Real Madrid, the best team in the world, to the tune of three sumptuously worked goals. And if you were to see past the blistering form of Manchester City at the top of the table, Spurs would actually second, level on points with the peak of the mountain.

A seven-point seems insurmountable for a team that are only ever one bad week from crumbling; a hauling back to within one point, with a lease of life, a breath of fresh air, a redeeming quality to the performance, and, suddenly, a lacklustre start to the year does not quite seem so disheartening.

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Arsenal have the chance to ignite their season. Two consecutive losses would be catastrophic. The annual November capitulation. But if they are able to beat Spurs, they give themselves a fighting chance for the top four and the title, heading into a packed and pivotal festive period. Yes, North London pride is on the line. And for the fans, that may be more important. But for Arsenal, that is the least of their worries: They can re-inspire with one, startling performance.