Arsenal vs Tottenham: 5 key players with anticipation brimming

1. Henrikh Mkhitaryan

I talked about the delicate rise of Mesut Ozil earlier, about how he has inched his way back into the spotlight before grabbing it firmly with both hands against Bournemouth, but Henrikh Mkhitaryan was already holding it and he didn’t let it go.

Mkhitaryan has been the man of the match in three straight matches, going on an absolute bender of prolific play. So many memorable moments have cropped up in the past two matches alone, and I’d like to believe he’s still surfing on the swell of momentum as he comes into the Derby.

Unai Emery also pulled Mkhitaryan off early against Bournemouth, which was a dead giveaway that the Armenian will be in the starting XI against Spurs, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s been dynamic, unstoppable, and everything we’ve been dying to have in an attacker. He’s been a finisher, a creator, a dribbler, an all-effort guy and everything in between.

If he can keep up that streak against Tottenham, then so much of the attacking responsibility is already taken care of. Get him the ball early and often and let’s see just how much his recent potency can translate to this massive fixture.