No surprises as Arsenal learn of Tottenham plan

The wait is not over yet. Another weekend of watching everyone else in action is up next for Arsenal, who have to hold on until Monday to bring an end to a 16-day gap between fixtures.

Crystal Palace are next up on the agenda after the recent international break – one that was successful for many Gunners stars – which will be the first of the final ten matches standing between them and a hopeful return to the Champions League.

Of the sides chasing for a top four berth, Arsenal undoubtedly have the toughest run in. Manchester United’s is far from easy too, while Tottenham have got up to this stage with the vast majority of their big games behind them. They have the clearest path ahead.

Although there is one match they’re yet to play, one that could very likely be decisive in determining who will compete in Europe’s elite next season: the North London Derby.

No surprises as Arsenal learn of Tottenham plan by Premier League to have North London Derby scheduled for penultimate game of the season

And, despite being originally penciled in for January 16 before Arsenal used the heavily flawed rules to request the fixture to be postponed, it is still to be rearranged. Meanwhile, the Gunners have had all the other postponed matches on their schedule, both that were due to take place after the NLD, either played or arranged.

It was painfully clear what was taking place, and now Sami Mokbel has confirmed those assumptions with an exclusive.

Both clubs have been informed that the match is set to be played on the penultimate week of the season – week beginning May 9 – with the intention being that it will can be billed as a make-or-break Champions League decider prior to the final two games of the campaign. Broadcasters have exerted their control on the scheduling, hoping for ultimate drama.

Industry insiders play down these assumptions, but they’re not kidding anyone.

There are no European club fixtures scheduled for that week, therefore the matches can receive maximum attention and heightened viewing figures with the spotlight firmly fixed on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Nobody is surprised. There was no other reason not to have found a date (they still officially haven’t) especially when both sides haven’t been involved in European competition for the entirety of 2022.

Antonio Conte added an additional edge to the game when he called out Mikel Arteta recently over the decision to request postponement for the original date of the game:

"“I only want to remember [remind] Arteta [about] the game that we postponed – Tottenham v Arsenal, OK? Yes, If we speak about fair or unfair, OK, and, I stop,” said Conte.“If someone wants to speak about fair or unfair. We postponed a game Tottenham v Arsenal, if you remember. I don’t forget this and I think it is not right to speak about fair or unfair.”"

The Italian is far from within his rights to talk about ‘fair’. Furthermore, Arsenal didn’t postpone the match, the Premier League did.

Hopefully Arsenal will have top four wrapped up come the penultimate week of the season. Honestly, though, it would be a massive surprise if they did. This is looking certain to go down to the wire.

Derby day to decide top four? Quite possibly.