Sport

Arsenal must win NL derby as Arteta’s tenure reaches a crossroads

In the space of 120 minutes – and a penalty shootout – against Manchester United on Sunday, another opportunity to win a trophy passed by Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team had the chances to win the FA Cup third round tie. Most of them fell to Kai Havertz. Instead, the Gunners suffered a damaging defeat to deepen a growing sense of malaise around the club.

This was Arsenal’s third consecutive game in all competitions without a win. Indeed, it came on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton and a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals that followed an eerily similar pattern to the loss suffered against Manchester United.

In both matches, Arsenal spurned a number of opportunities to find the back of the net. Supporters have argued for years that Arteta requires an elite-level centre forward to make the difference in the biggest matches against the best opponents and their case appears to be a strong one after recent events.

Arsenal can’t wait for the arrival of a new centre forward, though. Speculation has linked the North London club with a move for Alexander Isak, but it seems unlikely the Swedish striker will leave Newcastle United in January. Victor Osimhen – on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli – has also been linked. Instead, the Gunners must use this week’s North London Derby to stop their backwards slide.

If Arsenal are to stand any chance of catching Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, they need three points on Wednesday night. They simply can’t allow the gap to grow any bigger. It might already be too late for Arne Slot’s team to be reeled in, but the turnaround in Arsenal’s title race can’t wait any longer.

Of course, Tottenham have their own troubles at the moment. Ange Postecoglou’s team might have beaten Tamworth in the FA Cup on Sunday, but their National League opponents still managed to force extra time and might have won it in 90 minutes. Spurs are struggling on all fronts right now having won just one of their last eight league fixtures.

Despite this, Tottenham can be dangerous opponents. It’s all or nothing for them. They lost to Nottingham Forest in their last away game in the league, but thumping Southampton 5-0 in the match on the road before that. While Spurs lost to Bournemouth, they also put four goals past Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium just two weeks beforehand.

The way Postecoglou sets up his Tottenham team to attack at all times could suit Arsenal, though. Against Manchester United, the Gunners failed to find the solutions to break down a low defensive block. Against Spurs, though, they will have open space to exploit in the attacking third. This could suit them. It might be a favourable match-up.

Injuries have decimated Arsenal’s forward line in recent weeks. Bukayo Saka is expected to be sidelined for the next month at least with Gabriel Jesus also withdrawn with an injury against Manchester United. Ethan Nwaneri was just starting to make a name for himself when he was also faced with a spell in the treatment room. Kai Havertz has also suffered with illness recently.

This comes after Martin Odegaard missed two months of action earlier in the season. Arsenal haven’t had much luck with regards to the availability of key players, but they can’t feel sorry for themselves. The season is at risk of slipping through the Gunners’ fingers. A North London Derby triumph would be the perfect way to get back on track.