Antonio Conte loves a challenge, everyone knows that. It’s his drive that’s made him a champion at every club he’s worked. And although few Spurs fans expect him to win the Premier League title this year, he could make a big statement with a victory at their biggest rivals’ stadium – a victory the Cockerels have been waiting for since 2010.This is the first North London derby after many years in which both teams have the quality to make it into the top four – or even more. The confidence is high in both camps, the fans are raring to go, having missed watching their clubs during the international break – all the elements for a fiery match are there!Thierry Henry in all his time at Arsenal, Never lost a game to TottenhamLegend💯 pic.twitter.com/LK0bHHWWPT— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) September 30, 2022 The Gunners sit top of the table after an unexpectedly strong start, while unbeaten Tottenham are just one point behind in third place. With Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United still recovering their equilibrium after turbulent starts to the season, a path has opened up for the north London clubs to gate-crash the title race.If a title challenger was expected to emerge from these rivals, it was Tottenham who were the more likely candidates after snatching a top-four finish from their bitter rivals and neighbours in dramatic fashion last term. But Mikel Arteta’s wise recruitment and a strong start to the season returned the spotlight to the team that seemed too flimsy in the past. However, the 3-1 defeat at Manchester United left a question mark over the Gunners – can they do it in a big game?##NAJAVA_MECA_6686181##Arteta needs a statement victory to show there is substance to the surge that gave Arsenal their best start to a season since 2004, courtesy of a five-game winning run. History is in Arsenal’s favour, with Tottenham on a run of 11 top-flight visits to the Emirates Stadium without a win since their last success in 2010.Conte is impressed with Arteta’s work and believes Tottenham should be equally clear-headed about their approach to his own rebuilding project.”I think if I see what happened at Arsenal, they’re a club who backed Arteta over the years. You’re seeing when you trust a person, and Arsenal showed this also in a tough period with Arteta by backing him in every moment, now they’re having good results. They had a good step. I think this season they’re better than last season. They made good signings, especially Jesus and Zinchenko from a club like Manchester City, two players that are used to winning and having a winning mentality. It’s always very important to go together, with the coach and the club. If you want to build something important, you have to go together to have a good relationship.”#OnThisDay November 20th 2010. Premier League.Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham HotspurNasri (9) Chamakh (27). @GarethBale11 (50) @rafvdvaart (67) Kaboul (85)pic.twitter.com/SzHd2MCsAR— HotspurMemories (@HotspurMemories) November 20, 2021 Spurs captain Harry Kane and his attacking partner Son Heung-min will be looking to continue their strong goalscoring record in the derby whilst summer signing Gabriel Jesus will take part in his very first.William Saliba, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ivan Perisic are further expected to make their North London Derby debuts but once again fitness concerns surround Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian was withdrawn from international duty as a precaution but could yet still play.Whoever takes the pitch today, they will have only one goal in mind – to win.PREMIER LEAGUE – ROUND 9Saturday14:30: (2.15) Arsenal (3.50) Tottenham (3.60)17:00: (2.35) Southampton (3.35) Everton (3.40)17:00: (3.05) Fulham (3.35) Newcastle (2.50)17:00: (4.80) Crystal Palace (3.50) Chelsea (1.91)17:00: (1.42) Liverpool (4.80) Brighton (8.50)17:00: (3.40) Bournemouth (3.35) Brentford (2.30)19:30: (2.04) West Ham (3.50) Wolverhampton (4.10)Sunday16:00: (1.40) Man.City (5.30) Man.Utd. (8.00)18:30: (2.45) Leeds (3.40) Aston Villa (3.05)Monday22:00: (1.80) Leicester (3.70) Nott.Forest (5.00)***odds are subject to change***
