The Mirror

As statement victories go, this was as big as they can get for Arsenal. A patched-up midfield, missing key players, and yet they dug deep to produce a performance full of determination and grit.‌

This will give Mikel Arteta even greater confidence that his team can overhaul Manchester City in the title race this season. At the heart of the victory was Brazil defender Gabriel who scored the winner - obviously from a set piece - and then guarded his own goal with a magnificent defensive display.‌

It was no wonder Gabriel went over to the away end after the final whistle, fists clenched in delight and celebrating with the jubilant Arsenal fans. It puts Arsenal up to second place in the Premier League table, two points behind City ahead of next week’s early title crunch at the Etihad next Sunday.

In truth, there was little to choose between the teams and it felt inevitable that it would come down to a set piece because Tottenham cannot defend them and Arsenal love scoring from them.

Bukayo Saka’s in-swinging corner caused chaos, Ben White and William Saliba created havoc and there was Gabriel left unmarked four yards out to head home the 64th minute winner.

It is actually unforgivable from a Tottenham point of view because they conceded 16 goals from set pieces last season which was the highest in the Premier League.‌

Arsenal have now scored 23 from the start of last season and Arteta’s men are getting better at them… and Ange Postecoglou has still not learnt his lesson.

Tottenham fans booed at the final whistle, which is a reflection not just of this defeat but an underwhelming start to a season when anything other than getting into the Champions League places will be seen as failure.

For Arsenal, this was about showing they can cope in adversity because that is what title successes are built on. No Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard in midfield? No problem. Well, that is a bit of a stretch because Jorginho and Thomas Partey tried hard but it was almost as if Arsenal played without a midfield.

Jorginho was playing his first minutes of the season and looked very rusty while Partey looked lost without Odegaard and Rice. But that is when you need others to step up. Kai Havertz chased every ball, Leandro Trossard was good in support while Jurrien Timber was relentless at left back. Defensively, Arsenal were magnificent.

Tottenham could not find a way through and if they cannot beat an under-strength Arsenal team then it does underline the gap between the two clubs.

Incredibly, Arsenal have now won their last three north London derbies at Tottenham which is the first time that has happened since September 1988 and the Gunners went on to win the title that season.‌

It was a scrappy derby but referee Jarred Gillett showed eight yellow cards which seemed far too many and stopped the game from flowing. Tottenham started well and Arsenal keeper David Raya made two smart saves from Dejan Kulusevski.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is NOT in the team for the North London derby against Tottenham.

The Norway midfielder, 25, hurt his ankle on international duty during the recent domestic break and was a major doubt ahead of Sunday's match, though Mikel Arteta stopped short of ruling him out completely on Friday.

But the Gunners talisman has failed to make the cut and is not in the squad for the trip to The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While it remains to be seen how Arsenal will line up when the action starts, it appears Arteta has opted for a slight change in shape in Odegaard's absence, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey partner up in midfield with Declan Rice suspended. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli will line up ahead of them and it's thought that Trossard will start the match playing behind Havertz, who finished last season strongly in the No.9 position.

It's better news on the injury front for Tottenham, who welcome Micky van de Ven and summer signing Dominic Solanke back into the starting XI.

Ange Postecoglou had hinted earlier in the week that both were in contention to play following recent issues, with Solanke returning to bolster Spurs' forward line alongside Son Heung-min.

While Odegaard was expected to miss out on Sunday's match, Arteta stopped short of officially ruling him out in his press conference.

He said of his captain: "We need some more tests. Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see. Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens."

Spurs XI: Vicario, Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison, Johnson, Solanke, Son

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Partey; Saka, Havertz, Trossard, Martinelli

Arsenal and Tottenham will face off in Sunday's North London derby with both sides looking to enjoy bragging rights over their neighbours.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal took four points from Ange Postecoglou's Spurs last season, drawing at the Emirates Stadium before winning 3-2 at the home of their rivals. They'll be up against it this time, though, with at least a couple of first-teamers unavailable.

Declan Rice is suspended for the Gunners after his red card against Brighton last time out, while Mikel Merino is not yet ready for his debut after picking up an injury in training. They could also find themselves without captain Martin Odegaard, who was seen in crutches after sustaining an injury on international duty.

"We need some more tests," Arsenal boss Arteta said of the Norwegian. "Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see. Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens.”

Tottenham have injury concerns of their own going into the game, most notably in the form of Yves Bissouma. The midfielder limped out of Mali's match against Eswatini during the international break, and might not be risked.

Spurs are already without injured forward Richarlison, but summer signing Dominic Solanke is expected to be available. The £65m man made his debut on the opening weekend of the season but has missed the last two games with an ankle problem.

Micky van de Ven is also available again after sitting out the defeat at Newcastle. "Micky's good, he's trained all the way through the international break and it was good for him to stay with us to build him back up so he's ready to go," Postecoglou confirmed.

Who will win the North London derby? Have your say in the comments section

The return of Solanke and Van de Ven, as well as the anticipated introduction of Rodrigo Bentancur for Bissouma, might not be the only changes for Spurs. There's also a chance Brennan Johnson could return to the starting line-up in place of Wilson Odobert as Postecoglou shakes up his front-line.

As for Arsenal, the potential loss of both Rice and Odegaard could force Arteta's hand. Jorginho is likely to replace the suspended Rice, while the absence of Odegaard could prompt Arteta to push Kai Havertz back into midfield.

With Gabriel Jesus available again up front, there are more options for Arteta. The other big question concerns the left-hand side, where Leandro Trossard started last time out and may well keep his place ahead of Gabriel Martinelli and deadline day signing Raheem Sterling.

The one other area of concern for Arsenal is at the back, where Riccardo Calafiori picked up a problem while away with Italy. Regardless of his fitness, though, there's no reason for Arsenal to move away from the back four which started the last two games.

Likely Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Solanke

Likely Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard

The first North London derby of the season is upon us - and it could have major implications in the Premier League title race.

We're only three games into the new season but after dropping points against Brighton, Arsenal could have significant ground to make up on Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City team if they can't get the job done against Spurs.

That won't be lost on Ange Postecoglou's side, who will be all to eager to throw their arch-rivals off track while pushing themselves further up the table.

Arsenal will be without Declan Rice and potentially Martin Odegaard too - will that work into Tottenham's hands? Or will Spurs pass on what looks like a golden opportunity to pile misery on their neighbours? We asked the Mirror Football team...

John Cross

This fixture has served up so many classics and upsets down the years.

It is hard to find too many people backing Spurs right now, but I think they have a big chance because Arsenal have big-name absentees and know this is the start of a huge week in their season.

No Declan Rice through suspension. Martin Odegaard with an ankle injury. How will they line-up and cope? Arsenal have had two big wins at Tottenham in the last two seasons - but I fancy it will be third time lucky for the hosts.

Arsenal are under big pressure to get a result ahead of a Champions League trip to Atalanta and also then an early title crunch at Manchester City.

Tottenham will look to seize on the opportunity to put a real spanner in the works. They cannot afford another loss to Arsenal - and will be so up for this game.

Son Heung-Min is deadly in these games and if Spurs can make a strong start then it could be a really tough day for Arsenal.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Andy Dunn

A lot of the talk ahead of this latest contest has been about who will NOT be there for Arsenal, namely Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

But let’s remember who WILL be there, namely David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel.

While Rice and Ødegaard are the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s attacking systems, the Gunners’ consistency has been based on a supremely competent defence. That defence has conceded only four goals in nine Premier League games, eight of which were won with the one draw coming in the last game after Arsenal were reduced to ten men.

In that nine-match run, only one team has scored twice against Arsenal and that was Spurs.

With Arteta like to adopt a more cautious approach, Tottenham will not get that sort of joy again and Arsenal will still have enough offensive threat to steal the points on the break, in the same they did at Villa Park last month.

It will be tight but the Gunners have found a way not to lose games and will nick this one.

Prediction: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal

Conor Mummery

All the talk leading up to the north London derby has been around Arsenal's absentees in the form of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

The two are a huge miss for Mikel Arteta going into a game of this magnitude, but the result could well be decided by who's missing for Tottenham.

Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven both missed the 2-1 defeat by Newcastle before the international break, and it would be a big ask for Spurs if the pair are still unavailable on Sunday.

Spurs missed Solanke at St James' Park, with no-one able to hold the ball up or get on the end of the chances they were creating. But if Ange Postecoglou does have both available, I'd back Spurs at home to get the better of Arsenal this time around.

Despite the defeat at Newcastle, Spurs created more than enough to win the game, and if they can find that clinical edge in front of goal on Sunday, it'll be a big ask for a depleted Arsenal in N17.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

Ben Husband

In isolation, the result against Brighton wasn't a concern. After all, claiming a point against a good Brighton side while playing with ten men is no mean feat.

But it was more the reckless abandon the Gunners displayed when a player short. They looked like a team who believe they can't drop ANY points if they are to usurp City.

Even at this early stage, Arsenal appear to be playing on the type of edge that teams reserve for the final few games of the season. And without both Rice and Odegaard, their desperation could work against them vs a Spurs team so reliant on counter attacking.

I think Spurs could really dominate the midfield and cause Arsenal plenty of problems. The visitors will still be solid, but I expect an early Spurs goal and then a second when Arsenal go all out for an equaliser.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal

Nathan Ridley

If the North London derby means one thing, it's goals. With Arsenal missing a huge chunk of their spine - Declan Rice and Martin Odgeaard - I expect another open game full of chances and one in which the Gunners' resolute defence will be fiercely tested.

Spurs might be missing some firepower given Dominic Solanke and Richarlison's injuries, but an Ange Postecoglou side will always know how to threaten. Of course, though, Arsenal still have their own quality in attack and Bukayo Saka loves a goal in this fixture.

Back-to-back draws wouldn't do Mikel Arteta any favours in the title race, but given the circumstances, he may just have to take a point.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Daniel Orme

There’s no getting away from it, it’s been a bruising fortnight for Arsenal. They’re already without the suspended Declan Rice, while Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori have picked up injuries on international duty.

The two midfielders in particular will be huge losses for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are now very low on options when it comes to the centre of the park. Having said that, the same could be said for Spurs, who may potentially be without the services of Yves Bissouma.

That could potentially lead to a somewhat wide open affair so it could be a case of whose attack is more on form. Kai Havertz could be one to watch having started the season in fine form. Son Heung-min has already struck twice so far this season and has a decent record against Arsenal throughout his career.

It would not be a surprise to see both get on the scoresheet in an entertaining affair in North London. And with both sides desperate not to lose, a high-scoring draw could be the result.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Mark Jones

Tottenham have pace and Arsenal crave control, but the Gunners will be missing two players who are so often the key to that control, and Spurs still have all their quick lads.

So I fancy the hosts to start fast and run all over an Arsenal side which will have to pick an unfamiliar midfield. Mikel Arteta has always been able to call upon Declan Rice ever since he signed for Arsenal last summer, while Martin Odegaard represents so much of what Arteta is trying to achieve.

Spurs need to find a way to not play the occasion, just the side in front of them. If they can get bodies around Thomas Partey and Jorginho then the Gunners pair won't like it, and Arsenal haven't looked as threatening going forward or from set-pieces this season. Keep cool heads, hurry their opponents, and Spurs win.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

David Anderson

Tottenham may fancy their chances in the North London derby because Declan Rice is suspended and Martin Odegaard is injured, but I think Arsenal will be too strong for them.

Although Arsenal were caught out last time by Brighton when Rice’s stupid red card allowed the Seagulls to fight back and snatch a point, this is a side that’s only lost one Premier League game in 2024.

They’ll also be buoyed by Mikel Arteta signing a new contract to commit his future to the Emirates and they still have plenty of match winners.

Spurs will be smarting from their loss at Newcastle last time out when they managed to pluck defeat from the jaws of victory.

Ange Postecoglou’s side looked great in thumping Everton at home, but the Blues were woefully off colour. He’s still bedding in his summer signings and this game, although at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where they almost fought back to snatch a point in April, may be too soon for them.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Chris Waddle has warned misfiring Tottenham must be ruthless in front of goal if they want to finish in the top four.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are already off the pace in the battle for a Champions League spot and could lose more ground if they are beaten by rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Tottenham thrashed Everton but dropped points against newly-promoted Leicester and Newcastle, despite dominating both matches.

Former Spurs star Waddle says they need to improve in front of goal if they want to secure a spot among Europe’s elite.

He said: “Tottenham’s drive and ambition must be top four. They are in the pack with Newcastle and Man United. I’d put Villa in there too. They're all competing for one spot.

“I can see them giving teams a game, but the problem is putting the ball in the back of the net. Tottenham probably deserved to beat Newcastle last time out but they lost. They created so many chances in that game and were punished for profligacy, which also happened against Leicester for the first game of the season.

“That is becoming an unwanted habit at the club and is something that they will want to set right immediately, and there’s no better time to do it than the North London derby.”

Tottenham will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s fixture, which saw Arsenal run riot to lead 3-0 at half-time before a late fightback from the hosts fell just short. But Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from the draw with Brighton to get their title bid back on track.

Waddle added: “Tottenham can upset anyone on their day. They’ll always upset teams, but they will give Arsenal chances on the break, the way they play with such a high line.

“Both teams need a result. Arsenal won’t want to go to Manchester City next week lagging behind them. They know they can’t afford to let Pep’s team build up a head of steam in the league table if they want to be serious contenders this season.

“The atmosphere will be electric. I think even with their midfield woes, Arsenal are slight favourites for this one.”

Chris Waddle was speaking on behalf of casinoapps.com

A north London derby veteran snubbed Arsenal in favour of a move to Tottenham.

Midfielder Didier Zokora joined Spurs from Saint-Etienne for £8.2million in the summer of 2006 after impressing for Ivory Coast at that year's World Cup in Germany. At the time, Zokora was also wanted by the Gunners, who had just pipped their local foes to Champions League football.

Arsenal had also been Premier League champions just two years earlier and were about to move to the Emirates. However, despite holding talks with Arsene Wenger, Zokora was adamant White Hart Lane was the right place for him.

“When I signed for Spurs, Arsenal also wanted me,” he once told the Telegraph. “I spoke with Arsene after the World Cup but I preferred to come to Spurs because it gave me a good option for my life. I am very happy.”

It was arguably a wise decision as Zokora is among the small band of players who can claim to have won a major trophy with Spurs in recent times – the 2008 League Cup following an extra-time victory over Chelsea. Meanwhile, Arsenal were in the early days of a nine-year trophy drought which didn’t end until the 2014 FA Cup final victory over Hull.

Zokora’s impressive Tottenham form saw him linked with Real Madrid, but he was happy to stay put, having signed a new long-term contract in 2008. He said: “Everybody knows Real Madrid wanted me but I signed a new contract for this club and, if they want me, I stay.

HAVE YOUR SAY! What's your prediction for the north London derby? Tell us in the comments section.

“The club needs me, my life is here. Real are one of the best clubs in the world so that is good for me, no? That means I am not a bad player!”

Despite that declaration, he would spend just a few more months at Spurs after losing his place as a regular starter. Zokora joined Sevilla in the summer of 2009, spending two years with the La Liga club. Spells in Turkey, India and Indonesia followed as his playing career wound down. Now 43, Zokora is back in his homeland, where he was most recently assistant manager at AFAD Djekanou.

Arsenal are back in action on Sunday afternoon - and the game needs no introductions.

The Gunners take on fierce rivals Tottenham in the latest iteration of the North London derby. It’s been a bruising international break for Mikel Arteta ’s side though, giving the Spaniard plenty to think about.

Declan Rice is already suspended after his red card against Brighton, while Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori are all major injury doubts. That could see a host of changes to the starting line-up for Sunday’s game.

The battle lines have already been drawn ahead of the clash. Take a look at the latest headlines coming out of the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta considers Nwaneri

Mikel Arteta would have no qualms about handing Arsenal academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri a full debut vs Tottenham. The Gunners are currently going through somewhat of a crisis in midfield.

Nwaneri has made two substitute appearances for the club, one of which seeing him become the youngest player in Premier League history. Speaking about the 17-year-old, Arteta said: “A huge development, big credit to everybody working in the academy, starting with the coaches, Jack [Wilshere], Mehmet [Ali], the coaches around him, Per [Mertesacker], that have prepared the player to be in the right position now to shine and be prepared for the different context and demands he’s going to be facing right now.

“He’s been doing really well, physically he’s really mature, personally really mature, his game understanding has improved a lot. Now we let him do. He has enormous quality, a lot of talent and he needs space to shine.”

What team should Mikel Arteta name vs Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Spurs have Odegaard doubts

Tottenham have reportedly been left doubtful about the severity of Odegaard’s injury ahead of Sunday’s game. The Norwegian playmaker has been spotted on crutches during the international break.

But Spurs believe that he could make a surprise return to contention, according to The Independent. And Arteta stoked speculation after refusing to rule Odegaard out. He said: "We need some more tests. Let's see what happens in the next day or so. He is super positive about everything. Martin wants to be there every single day."

Arteta issues set piece warning

Away from team news, Arteta has also warned his side that they will have to be on their game when it comes to set pieces. The Gunners have been prolific from set pieces over recent seasons - and are aiming to do the same against Spurs.

He said: "It's a very specific phase of play but if we were only dependent on one player, then we would have a problem. We haven't built our methodology or our way of attacking or defending any phase of play in that way. So we are going to adapt to whatever players that we have and we will still be very efficient."

Arsenal have been banned from wearing their home kit for Sunday's clash with Tottenham due to a colour clash.

The ruling comes as the Premier League and referee governing body PGMOL have told the Gunners that their home kit includes too much white on the reverse of the shirt, therefore creating a clash with Spurs' traditional home colours. Arsenal will now sport their away strip for the game - rather than the red they normally wear on derby day - which will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was reported that Mikel Arteta's side did send a request to the Premier League to wear their red shirt for the fixture. However their plea was turned down.

It has also emerged the club were warned in the summer about the potential kit clash. Nevertheless, with the kits ordered far in advance of the season, production on the new strip was well underway before the issue reared its head and Arsenal decided to press on.

While Arsenal will wear their predominantly black kit this weekend, the reverse fixture in January will see Spurs don their away strip. It will also be the first time in recent seasons either team has had to change colours for the game.

Arsenal did inform fans of the decision in a statement. The club confirmed that their offer of wearing their famed red shorts and red socks was rejected by the powers that be.

The statement said: "PGMOL and Premier League ruled that our 2024/25 home kit features too much white, thus clashing with Tottenham’s traditional colours, even with the option of red shorts and socks for us, which was also discussed.

"As a result, for the first time in recent NLD (North London Derby) history, we’ll be wearing our changed colours, with our black adidas away kit being donned at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"Our adidas away strip for this season has already got off to a winning start when we wore it for the first time in competitive action against Aston Villa last month. It has been designed to celebrate the rich and well-established connection that our club has to the African diaspora in North London and beyond."

Arsenal are looking to win their third game on the spin at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Last season saw the first game finish honours even in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates.

The reverse fixture went the way of Mikel Arteta's team, who opened up a staggering 3-0 half-time lead before eventually running out 3-2 winners. However the chances of Arsenal repeating such a win are in the balance with the club going through something of a mini injury crisis.

The Gunners will go into the game with a number of players missing. Declan Rice is suspended following his red card in the draw with Brighton, while new signing Mikel Merino has been made to wait for his debut after picking up an injury in training.

Fellow new signing Riccardo Calafiori is also absent, as is Martin Odegaard, with both players joining the casualty list during the international break.

Pedro Porro has struggled to shake the shame that plagued April's agonising north London derby defeat to Arsenal.

But Tottenham's all-action, powerhouse right-back insists Spurs are itching to finally exorcise those lingering demons today - by proving they're now a better team.

When reflecting upon the bitter 3-2 setback in which the Gunners raced into a remarkable three-goal half-time lead, Porro, who is yet to earn a taste of the bragging rights since sealing his £40million switch from Sporting, muttered two words unpromptedly: "Set-pieces."

That's because two of Arsenal's gift-wrapped goals came from corners and the Spaniard is determined to ensure there is no repeat of that horror show, stating: "We know the importance of the match on Sunday. We are different this year.

"Sometimes things happen in football that you don’t expect and that was one of those occasions. But in the second half we could have turned that match around if things had run our way.

"We're a different team now. I think you can see that in the first three matches of the season, even if results don’t always go the way they should in football. You can see that we are a stronger team this year and we hope that the result will be different this time around."

Tottenham, who splashed out £125.4million on four new summer signings, have flattered to deceive in their first three Premier League matches, collecting just four points.

However, there is arguably no better time to trade blows with their arch-rivals - without the suspended Declan Rice and injured captain Martin Odegaard - as Spurs bid to kick-start their campaign and ignite the fire within their empty bellies. Standard-setter Porro is a self-confessed warrior, who previously claimed upon arrival at Spurs: “Let me loose in a prison and I'll end up owning the place."

His infectious commitment, character, industry and desire has become a fundamental driving force behind Tottenham's quest for success under Ange Postecoglou but his admirable rise to prominence has not come without setbacks.

The 24-year-old was a surprise omission from Spain's 26-man Euro 2024-winning squad and he never spoke to Pep Guardiola, let alone trained with Manchester City, during two-and-a-half years with the club.

From an early age, Porro's mantra has been about proving people wrong and that is precisely why in many ways, he's considered the perfect fit for Tottenham. He added: "Since I was small, I've had to fight for everything. You had to be tough in my house. Often there wasn’t any food. I know others have that situation, too, but that is how it was.

"If you want something in life, you have to fight for it. The phrase about being boss of the prison was something my grandfather taught me, and that’s why I say it. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, this spirit. It’s a winning spirit, as well.

"My grandfather always had three sayings: Vista larga [long view, big picture], pasa corto [short steps to get there] and mala leche [bad milk]," - the belief that bad character could be passed down to a baby through their mother.

Porro considers these three commandments non-negotiable and if his Tottenham team-mates are willing to follow suit, there is hope they will be drinking from the bottle come the end of the season.

Arsenal are ready to make April fools of Tottenham - by inflicting further set-piece misery upon their rivals.

Five months ago, the Gunners helped themselves to two precious first-half goals against Spurs via corners and now Mikel Arteta is optimistic the absence of suspended taker Declan Rice makes them even more unpredictable from dead-balls.

He said: "It's a very specific phase of play but if we were only dependent on one player, then we would have a problem. We haven't built our methodology or our way of attacking or defending any phase of play in that way. So we are going to adapt to whatever players that we have and we will still be very efficient."

No Premier League team scored more goals than Arsenal (20) from set-plays last season while the Gunners also boasted the second sternest backline when defending dead-balls - much to the brilliance of specialist coach Nicolas Jover.

However, the brief yet untimely disruption to free-kick and corner routines almost pales into insignificance when you consider that Arsenal will also be without Rice's relentless engine and interceptions, plus indispensable captain Martin Odegaard's leadership, vision and precision following his devastating ankle injury blow.

But Arteta, who could also hand loan signing Raheem Sterling his debut, appeared to hint at two possible solutions in the form of versatile fan-favourite Kai Havertz and deadly super-sub Leandro Trossard.

The Arsenal boss, fresh from penning a new lucrative contract in midweek, said: "Kai is so important due to the consistency and performances that he's shown over the last year or so. That's what we need from our players, that's why we brought him here, to be one of the main players and be a very prolific goalscorer, regardless of what position that he plays in."

He also launched a passionate defence of frustrated forward Trossard, who wants more minutes and has the quality to hurt Spurs: "I don’t think Leo needs any injury to shine. He has earned the right, with performances and the way he has conducted himself in any scenario, to have a very important role in the team. He's a crucial player for us."

Arteta swiftly rebuffed suggestions that Arsenal were fortunate with injuries last season after also losing new signing Mikel Merino to a fractured shoulder: "I don’t know, I think it was a lot of work done in the right way. All the staff and the way we have things around the team internally gives the players the best possible resources. To have that robustness in the squad was great.

"I think we have started this season very unlucky, with some injuries that you cannot control. We will have to wait and see at the end of the season how well we have done. Certainly we will put everything that we can into being as good availability-wise as last year."

Riccardo Calafiori is also due to be assessed ahead of the north London derby after suffering a calf issue while away on international duty with Italy while Gabriel Jesus is now ready to feature.