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Arsenal have suffered a recent dip in form, failing to win their last three matches, and as they look to bounce back and improve their results, a North London Derby has approached.
A winless run of three games isn't the end of the world but the Gunners' failures have potentially spelt the end of their season. As a result, a win against Spurs is crucial for maintaining hope that 2024/25 could yet end on a high note.
Considering how recent meetings have played pit, the derby presents Arsenal with a great chance to bounce back from their new year malaise.
North London Derby presents Arsenal with perfect chance to bounce back
Like many games between fierce rivals, the North London Derby is not often affected by form and instead comes down to who "wants it more" on the day. Of course, that argument can be made for any football match but the NLD seems to be a prominent example.
Since Mikel Arteta's appointment, six of the ten matches he's managed against Tottenham have not replicated the preceding result. The latest example being a 1-0 win away to Spurs in September having drawn at home to Brighton the game before - albeit with an international break separating the two fixtures. Arsenal's 2-0 win on the other side of north London in January 2023 also came following a disappointing 0-0 stalemate with Newcastle.
As examples show, recent games do not tend to impact the results of this derby. It's almost as if the Arsenal players see the matchup with their arch-rivals as the perfect chance to banish any recent poor form and bounce back with a convincing win. If the Gunners are determined, they have a great opportunity to do the same on Wednesday evening.
Another factor that will be working in Arsenal's favour is Tottenham's severe injury problems. Key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will be absent on Wednesday, so Ange Postecoglou will once again be forced to continue with the makeshift defence he has implemented in recent games - one that includes Radu Dragusin and midfielder-by-trade Archie Gray at the heart of it.
Despite Arsenal's recent issues in attack, they are favoured on Wednesday, especially with their opponents and their step-in backline being there for the taking.
If past results against Tottenham are anything to go by, Wednesday's North London Derby presents Arsenal with a perfect chance to bounce back from their recent dip. Form's apparent insignificance when derby day rolls around will work in their favour and Spurs' shortage of fit defenders will only increase their chances of getting a good result. With a display of strength and desire, the Gunners squad can capitalise on this opportunity against Tottenham.