The Mirror

Tottenham star points finger at team-mates and issues grovelling Arsenal apology to fans

Tottenham suffered a dismal defeat against arch rivals Arsenal in the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon - with Eberechi Eze scoring a superb hat-trick for the Gunners.

Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has issued a grovelling apology to supporters. That's as he also pointed fingers at his team-mates after a dismal 4-1 loss against bitter rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the Premier League standings to six points with a comprehensive win at the Emirates Stadium. Ebere Eze scored a hat-trick after Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the hosts, while an outrageous strike from Richarlison in the second half proved to be a mere consolation.

Thomas Frank 's side, meanwhile, sit ninth in the table with 12 games played. They have won five, drawn three and lost four so far this term.

Speaking to Sky Sports at full-time, Vicario was quick to apologise to fans and admitted his side showed no fight, despite it being one of the biggest games on the calendar. "A very bad night for us," the goalkeeper said.

"First of all we have to apologise to the people that support us every day. They expected us to fight and today we didn't fight. That's not negotiable to do in football in this level.

"It's a tough night - a very bad defeat - but we have to stick together. We have a big night on Wednesday, but we need to stick together. Tonight we didn't show the things we are normally capable of.

"The emotions are high, but we need cool heads and apologise to the people that support us - and have travelled today. I think we waited too much to get into the game.

"We were too passive. The game-plan we prepared was different. Today we didn't fight.

"We have to apologise first of all for this. But we have to stick together and move on because on Wednesday we have a big night."

Spurs return to action midweek for their tricky Champions League clash away at last season's winners Paris Saint-Germain. Then they must prepare for the visit of Fulham in the Premier League next weekend.

Arsenal, meanwhile, also face a difficult test against German outfit Bayern Munich in Europe on Wednesday night. And that is followed by another London derby away at Chelsea in the Premier League.

Arsenal are now in prime position to end their long wait for a Premier League title following their dismantling of Tottenham but there could still be some twists ahead of a busy Christmas period

Arsenal now stand alone as this season’s favourites for the Premier League title. The Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to six points by dismantling North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

An Eberechi Eze hat-trick was accompanied by a Leandro Trossard strike on a memorable afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side. It was also a productive weekend for Chelsea, who claimed second spot in the table as they eased past newly promoted Burnley.

And while the two London rivals enjoyed excellent wins, the same cannot be said of Manchester City, who hit a slight roadblock over the weekend. Pep Guardiola’s side were downed 2-1 by Newcastle at St James’ Park.

They remain third but are now seven points off the pace. But it's still early and there is guaranteed be more twists and turns on the horizon.

Here’s what’s to come for each of the top three in the Premier League over the next few weeks:

Arsenal

After dismantling Spurs, Arsenal face yet another big test next weekend as they travel to second place Chelsea. Should they secure victory in the game, then thoughts of the title really could be starting to cross the minds of the Arsenal players.

Just three days later, Arsenal then welcome Brentford to the Emirates Stadium. A trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa and former boss Unai Emery is their next assignment.

Struggling Wolves are Arsenal’s next opponents in mid-December ahead of their debut trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium for a showdown with Everton.

Arsenal’s next five fixtures:

Chelsea (A) - Sun Nov 30

Brentford (H) - Weds Dec 3

Aston Villa (A) - Sat Dec 6

Wolves (H) - Sat Dec 13

Everton (A) - Sat Dec 20

Who do you think are the favourites for the Premier League title? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Chelsea

Given Arsenal’s current form, it would be a real statement from Chelsea to secure victory against Arsenal next weekend - and that’s what Blues boss Enzo Maresca will have on his mind. Chelsea will then turn their attention to a clash with Leeds at Elland Road in their first December fixture.

Another away game follows that, with Bournemouth set to host the Blues the following weekend. Just seven days before they take on Arsenal, Everton will play yet another role in the potential title race as they travel to Stamford Bridge on December 13.

After beating Manchester City, Newcastle will then also want their say as they welcome Chelsea to St James’ Park shortly before Christmas.

Chelsea’s next five fixtures:

Arsenal (H) - Sun Nov 30

Leeds (A) - Weds Dec 3

Bournemouth (A) - Sat Dec 6

Everton (H) - Sat Dec 13

Newcastle (A) - Sat Dec 20

Man City

Despite currently finding themselves on the backfoot, Manchester City are certainly capable of stringing a number of wins together - and given the run of fixtures they’ve got heading into Christmas, you wouldn’t bet against them doing that.

Struggling Leeds travel to the Etihad Stadium next weekend, while a trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham then follows that.

Newly-promoted Sunderland travel to Manchester just a few days later. London duo Crystal Palace and West Ham then round off City’s next five Premier League fixtures.

Man City's next five fixtures:

Leeds (H) - Sat Nov 29

Fulham (A) - Tues Dec 2

Sunderland (H) - Sat Dec 6

Crystal Palace (A) - Sun Dec 14

West Ham (H) - Sat Dec 20

Tottenham hero Les Ferdinand gave his thoughts on Eberechi Eze's start to life at Arsenal before kick-off in the North London Derby, only to see him score a hat-trick

Eberechi Eze made Les Ferdinand eat his words after scoring a tremendous hat-trick for Arsenal as they thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the North London Derby. Eze was the star of the show on Sunday afternoon as the Gunners continued their utter dominance of the fixture and moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring before Eze took centre stage by finding the net with three confident and composed finishes. Richarlison scored a staggering consolation goal for Spurs from distance as he lobbed David Raya, but that was all their fans had to cheer.

Eze has now scored six goals in four games against Spurs across his career and the fact Tottenham tried unsuccessfully to sign him from Crystal Palace over the summer won't have been lost on Thomas Frank and co. Ferdinand played a role in Eze's development as QPR's director of football when they signed him in 2016 and he shared his thoughts before kick-off.

"I took him to QPR and straight away I saw a talent, someone we felt could go on and he's done that, in terms of going to Crystal Palace and then here (Arsenal)," Ferdinand said on Sky Sports. "I've often said I felt he could've gone from QPR to one of the bigger clubs.

"But he's come to Arsenal and I think he's playing with the handbrake on, that's what I'd call it. I think there's so much more from him. The reason Arsenal have bought him, he's got a calmness about him, the way he plays, his attitude and the way he is. I just feel he's got so much more to his game."

Asked to clarify his handbrake comment, he added: "There's so much more to come from him. It's almost like he's come to Arsenal and he's working his way in, rather than saying 'I'm the man, watch what I can do.' It's like he's working his way into it. I think he's got so much more to give.

"Every time I'm watching him, I'm thinking 'come on Ez, you've got more than this'. He's got what it takes to unlock teams playing a low block - I'm just not seeing him do it enough."

Eze certainly did enough on Sunday and could have scored four goals, had it not been for a good save from Guglielmo Vicario in the closing stages. Having come into the match with two goals in an Arsenal shirt, he now has five to go with three assists in 16 appearances.

"That's a good one man. Enjoyable day. Happy to help the team and to win today was a special," he told Sky Sports. "It's special. I am grateful. I prayed for it. This is what I pray for. I prayed for a hat-trick so I am grateful to God.

"That was the prayer today. God gave it to me and that is faith, man. All my family is here and that makes it even more special for me."

Eberechi Eze delivers stinging five-word Tottenham put down after Arsenal hat-trick

Arsenal moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League after their 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to Ebere Eze's hat-trick

Arsenal hero Ebere Eze ruthlessly shut down talk of his Tottenham Hotspur transfer snub. The 27-year-old netted a match-winning treble to become the first player to net a hat-trick against Spurs for 50 years on Sunday.

His two goals in the second-half inflicted misery on the Gunners' rivals, months after Spurs failed in their pursuit to prize him away from Crystal Palace. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time when he squeezed the ball home after the Spurs defence were caught napping, allowing the Belgian international to ghost in behind.

Eze got his first of the afternoon and second for Arsenal in a five-minute salvo for Mikel Arteta's side as they capitalised on a dominant first-half display.

The 27-year-old added two second-half goals to complete his treble and inflict misery on the Gunners' North London rivals, just months after Spurs failed to land his signature from Crystal Palace.

However, after achieving one of his boyhood dreams on Sunday, the Arsenal hero didn't want to be drawn on the summer transfer saga that saw him snub Spurs for the Premier League leaders, Eze said: "Let's not speak about that."

He continued: "That's a good one [feeling], enjoyable day, I'm happy to help the team. It's special, you know?

"Special man, I'm grateful again. I prayed for it, I prayed for a hat-trick, I'm grateful man. That was a prayer today and god delivered."

Arsenal won the race to sign Eze and done so from beneath the noses of their North London rivals. The Gunners landed the 27-year-old on a deal worth £60million.

Eze has previously claimed that he was prepared to swap Palace for Spurs but once his boyhood club came calling, it was a no-brainer to make the Arsenal switch.

He said as quoted by The Athletic : "I was prepared to go to Tottenham, but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them.

"My first (senior) Arsenal game was special. It almost didn’t feel real because it’s something I’ve been dreaming of for a long time.

"Playing for Arsenal from eight to 13, it’s been in the back of my mind wanting to go back. It felt like the realisation of a dream."

It was a crucial win for Arsenal, not just in earning bragging rights over their rivals, as they ensured that they capitalised on slip-ups from their Premier League rivals.

Liverpool's woes worsened as they fell further behind in their title defence while Newcastle United dented Manchester City's spirits with their 2-1 win at St James' Park.

Eze's treble, alongside Trossard's opener, sees Arsenal open up a six-point gap at the top of the Premier League going into a busy period before it intensifies over Christmas.

ARSENAL 4-1 TOTTENHAM: Eberechi Eze scores a stunning hat-trick for the Gunners as he dominates the North London Derby, just months after snubbing a move to Spurs

Eberechi Eze scored a stunning hat-trick as Arsenal re-established their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a comfortable North London Derby win over Tottenham. The Gunners continued their recent dominance over Spurs in the most painful way imaginable.

Mikel Arteta's side have now won four in a row against Tottenham, while Eze - who rejected Spurs to join Arsenal in a £67.5million summer move - now has six goals in his last four games against them.

Arsenal nearly took the lead after three minutes when Declan Rice smashed a volley straight at Guglielmo Vicario from Eze's scooped pass. Bukayo Saka tested Vicario with a curling free-kick before the Gunners' made their dominance tell.

Mikel Merino played a lovely clipped ball over the top for Leandro Trossard, who benefited from a deflection off Micky van der Ven to find the bottom corner on the spin. It was 2-0 five minutes later as Eze showed great composure to skip around a tackle and blast a shot past Vicario.

It got even worse for Spurs straight after the break when Eze picked out the bottom corner with a lovely finish on his left foot for 3-0. Out of nowhere, Richarlison got a goal back, lobbing David Raya from distance after Declan Rice was robbed by Joao Palhinha.

But it was to prove a false dawn, as Trossard found Eze on the edge of the box and he curled confidently into the corner. There could have been a fourth for the playmaker, but Vicario denied him. Here are the talking points from a one-sided affair at the Emirates Stadium.

Trossard has continually had to justify himself in an Arsenal shirt. The Belgian has been a utility player under Arteta, frequently used off the bench as an impact player, but also in big games because he can be trusted to carry out instructions. He's not the flashiest, yet he often delivers when it matters.

This season Trossard has come off the bench to completely change a game against Athletic Club, in which he scored once and assisted the other goal. He netted the winner against Fulham. And now he's got another goal against Spurs on his CV - to go with the winner in the 2-1 victory over Arsenal's rivals back in January.

He's not the quickest, but his instincts around the box, timing of a run and finishing ability were all on show as he brought down Merino's pass and made it 1-0. Noni Madueke has been injured and Gabriel Martinelli is back on the bench after a knock, but they may struggle to displace Trossard from Arteta's first-choice XI.

This was a stage set for Eze. We all know the story: the England star had been courted by Tottenham all summer, only to end up joining Arsenal in a £67.5million move. In his pre-match press conference, Thomas Frank joked "who is Eze?" when asked about him. He then added: "Very good player. He plays for Arsenal - a team we want to beat on Sunday."

Before kick-off, Les Ferdinand - who knows Eze from his time at QPR - said he felt he had been playing with "the handbrake on". His hat-rick was proof that this simply isn't the case. He showed wonderful composure with all three goals, skipping around Rodrigo Bentancur before slamming a shot past Vicario to make it 2-0.

His next two finishes were similarly dispatched. Spurs must be sick of the sight of him: he now has six goals and one assist against them in the Premier League, more than he has against any other club.

Frank was insistent that he wasn't just going to the Emirates for a 0-0 draw. He said his team wanted to win. There was no sign of that ambition, with Arsenal completely untested at the back.

Spurs went into half-time having failed to attempt a single shot. They had completed 90 passes to Arsenal's 233 and their game plan was not evident, barring the odd long throw from Kevin Danso - who had been shoe-horned into the starting line-up via a change in formation to a back three.

There was a clear admission of his mistake at half-time as Frank withdrew the centre-back for Xavi Simmons - the player he signed after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eze in the summer - but it was already too late. This was their first away league defeat under Frank, but he bears responsibility for the manner of it.

To say Tottenham's goal was unexpected would be a massive understatement. Arsenal were 3-0 up and cruising. Their fans were rejoicing in their complete and utter dominance. And then, Tottenham had their first shot of the entire game. It had an xG of 0.02, but was executed perfectly.

Palhinha deserves a lot of credit, having pressed high and robbed Rice with a sliding tackle. But having the confidence and audaciousness to even contemplate shooting was something else from Richarlison. To perfectly pick out the top corner as Raya retreated was stunning.

North London truly is red right now.

Arsenal did the double over Spurs in the league last season, winning 2-1 at home and 1-0 away. They have now won four derbies in a row and six of the last seven in the Premier League. The Gunners have a fantastic home record in north London derbies, with just one defeat in the last 33 league games – and that Spurs win came way back in November 2010.

Tottenham endured a woeful opening 45 minutes against fierce rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium but they might have had some real complaints about the legality of Eberechi Eze's goal

Tottenham icon Les Ferdinand claimed he couldn't fathom the decision to allow Eberechi Eze's goal in the North London derby. The England winger had doubled the Gunners' lead on Sunday afternoon with a low finish after Leandro Trossard had given his side the advantage.

But there were a number of complaints after the goal, with some suggesting that a host of Arsenal players were stood in an offside position and impeding Guglielmo Vicario's view.

Spurs icon Ferdinand - who was on punditry duty for Sky Sports - was among those and suggested that the strike should have been chalked off.

He said: "I don't understand. I need someone to explain to me how this doesn't affect the goalkeeper's sight. I don't understand. I don't understand how that's not looked at and seen that these players are blocking the goalkeeper's view of it. I really don't."

A statement from the Premier League's Match Centre explained the decision to allow Eze's goal. It read: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed that there were no Arsenal players in the line of vision of the goalkeeper, and they made no movement to impact an opponent while in an offside position."

Eze was then on the scoresheet once again just seconds after half-time with another standout finish before completing his hat-trick with 15 minutes to play. His treble certainly rubbed salt into the wounds of Tottenham having been on the verge of signing the winger in the summer, only for him to perform a shock u-turn and complete a move to the Emirates instead.

Eze's strikes against Spurs saw him double his haul for the season, having only netted twice for Arsenal prior to the latest edition of the North London derby - his only other Premier League goal coming against former side Crystal Palace last month.

Should Eze's goal have stood? Share your thoughts in the comments below

He will certainly be aiming to extend his form over the next week as Mikel Arteta's men face a testing run of fixtures. Arsenal take on German champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League in midweek, ahead of another London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Sunday.

Spurs in the meantime will be licking their wounds after their dismal showing at the Emirates. They take on French giants Paris Saint-Germain away from home before a clash with Fulham next weekend.

Arsenal have confirmed their starting XI for this Sunday's crucial North London derby, with Gabriel replaced by summer signing Piero Hincapie. The Gunners welcome fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium this weekend.

Heading into the game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a growing injury list to contend with - Gabriel Magalhaes the latest to have been sidelined. And the Spaniard has opted to replace him with summer arrival Hincapie. The on-loan Bayer Leverusen man has made just two Premier League appearances so far.

Martin Odegaard remains out as he continues his recovery. Speaking on his fitness, the Arsenal captain said: "This week I’ve been working really hard on my rehab – it’s going very well. I can feel I’m getting closer every day and getting towards the final stages where it's a lot more exciting.

"I’ve been doing some pitch work and training, so I really feel like I'm getting there. That's the best part of the rehab, when you're getting closer to joining the team, you can do a lot more on the pitch and you can be more aggressive in the rehab.

"I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger. I can't wait to be back now, we're on a good path and it's looking good. I'm really excited. I guess that's one of the good things about being injured. You get hungrier and more excited to play football again. That's the good part of it, I’m desperate to get going again."

Riccardo Calafiori, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the squad having been spotted on the team's pre-match walk - the latter drafted into the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Arteta has made a bold decision when it comes to attack. Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka support Mikel Merino - who leads the line for the Gunners.

Who will win between Arsenal and Tottenham? Share your thoughts in the comments below

From the Tottenham perspective, Thomas Frank starts with a back five, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur at the heart of midfield. Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are selected on either flank, with Richarlison starting centrally as Dominic Solanke continues to struggle with his injury issues.

Arsenal could extend their lead at the top of the Premier League with victory against Spurs. They currently sit three points clear of nearest challengers Chelsea. Spurs in the meantime would move up to third with victory at the Emirates.

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Merino.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Danso, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie, Palhinha, Bentancur, Richarlison, Kudus, Odobert.

Four injured Arsenal players have been seen with the squad just hours before Sunday's huge north London derby against Tottenham, fuelling speculation some - if not all - could feature against the Gunners' bitter rivals.

Riccardo Calafiori, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and club captain Martin Odegaard were all spotted leaving the team hotel on Sunday morning, report The Standard.

And their availability will come as a major boost to Mikel Arteta, there was no sign of Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz, both of whom were also doubts for the game.

Both Odegaard and Martinelli have been sidelined since October, while Madueke - a summer signing from Chelsea - last played in September.

Calafiori was also a doubt heading into the weekend after he pulled out of the Italy squad. The all-action left-back has been struggling with a hip injury.

Arteta was giving little away on Friday when he was asked if any of the Gunners' key men would be back from injury for the derby. “We put a lot of energy during the international break, with all the medical staff as well, to try to bring them [back] as quick as possible,” he said.

“So, tomorrow we have another training session, see how some of them are feeling, whether it is a bit too close to bring them into this game or we feel they can have a contribution in the game. Tomorrow we will have more clarity.

“It is the final stage and now it is when there is contact around them, when they have to be pushing to do very unpredictable things that they haven’t done. I think they are going to be with us soon. I don’t know if Sunday is going to be too soon.”

Martin Odegaard has been missing for Arsenal in recent weeks due to injury, but the Gunners captain has offered an update on his return ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham

Martin Odegaard has stated he is "getting closer" to a comeback from injury ahead of Arsenal's showdown with Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners are set to welcome Spurs for the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, as they look to widen their lead at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal currently hold a three-point advantage over Chelsea in the league standings, and it remains uncertain whether Odegaard will be fit to face Tottenham.

The Norwegian international has returned to training for the first time since sustaining his injury, having been sidelined for each of Arsenal's last seven matches across all competitions.

Ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham, Odegaard has provided an update on his recovery, suggesting that his return to action may not be too far off, reports football.london.

"This week I’ve been working really hard on my rehab – it’s going very well. I can feel I’m getting closer every day and getting towards the final stages where it's a lot more exciting," wrote Odegaard in his programme notes for the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.

"I’ve been doing some pitch work and training, so I really feel like I'm getting there. That's the best part of the rehab, when you're getting closer to joining the team, you can do a lot more on the pitch and you can be more aggressive in the rehab.

"I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger. I can't wait to be back now, we're on a good path and it's looking good. I'm really excited.

"I guess that's one of the good things about being injured. You get hungrier and more excited to play football again.

"That's the good part of it, I’m desperate to get going again."

Arsenal will still face several injury worries when they take on Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

Gabriel Magalhaes picked up a muscle during the international break whilst featuring in Brazil's friendly match against Senegal.

Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined for the Gunners. Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori could all return from their respective injuries for the North London Derby.

Arsenal will be determined to secure all three points against Tottenham, having seen Manchester City and Liverpool both lose on Saturday to give their title hopes a major boost.

People will be waiting for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta to slip up - but it won't happen

Pundits are already recalling Arsenal blowing leads in the title race and all eyes will be on them as they have the chance to go six points clear at the Premier League summit on Sunday

Ever since we all began publishing league tables after one round of games, reading too much into early season fixtures has become an increasingly infectious disease. Twelve match days into the Premier League and Nottingham Forest are on their third manager, for goodness sake.

After the Manchester United-Everton contest completes the latest set of games, every team will have 26 left. There will be a long, long way to go. So, why does the North London derby somehow feel particularly significant for Mikel Arteta?

Well, there is a simple answer. Until his Arsenal team have an unassailable lead at the top of the Premier League table, every game will be particularly significant for Arteta.

Eleven matches in for Arsenal and it is already squeaky bum time. Considering the Gunners have not lost a Premier League game since August 31 - the 1-0 reverse at Anfield their only defeat in any competition this season - that is a faintly ludicrous thing to say.

But so many people are saying if Arsenal fail to win it this season, then Arteta will never have a better chance. And, particularly after the failure to win from a leading position in 2022-23, those same people will be looking long and hard for any sign of fallibility on Arteta’s or Arsenal’s part.

And the good news for Arsenal fans is that they will struggle to find one. Yes, the loss to injury of Gabriel, a supreme operator at the heart of defence this season, is a blow (although not as long-term a blow as was first feared) but Arteta now has a squad that can cope with physical setbacks.

Because of the patience shown by the club, Arteta has nurtured a squad that is a nice balance of new blood and ideas with youngsters who are maturing rapidly and great talent that has become nicely familiar with Arteta’s way of working. Players are being tied down to new contracts, the academy production line is whirring with quality and there is a tactical continuity, whatever eleven Arteta fields.

Never mind the minor blip at Sunderland last time out, this looks like an Arsenal team AND manager that has taken the final steps into title-winning maturity. But it has taken a while.

And that is something those who now make the executive decisions at Spurs should bear in mind. Patience is the new knee-jerk.

Thomas Frank has shown himself to be a fine long-term planner during his time at Brentford. And his start at Spurs has been steady rather than spectacular, although steady is what was required by those upstairs after the year of Big Ange.

It might not be what was required by sections of the fanbase but Frank comes across as a manager whose real impact will be slow-burning. So far, there have not been too many attacking pyrotechnics in his Tottenham reign but his side have conceded less than a goal a game, compared to the average of 1.7 per game under Postecoglou last season.

That is what good managers do. Make sure the foundations are sorted first. Again, that will take patience, the same patience shown towards Arteta.

From the outside, of course, a lot of pundits will judge Arteta game by game, waiting for signs that Arsenal might again allow a fine title opportunity slip by. And that is why this North London derby seems to be carrying even more significance than usual.

But almost six years after he walked through the managerial door at Arsenal, Arteta cuts a different character. He is comfortable, he has matured, he is calmer.

And, more importantly, he has a squad that can deal with setbacks … even if one of them arrived in the form of a North London derby defeat at the Emirates. By the very fact each club will have 26 games remaining, the title race will still be wide open after this latest round of fixtures. But whatever happens, Arteta and Arsenal will stay calm.