Derby Day Clash: Can Europe Bound Arsenal End 5-Year Hiatus Against Arch-Rivals Tottenham Hotspur?

There are several reasons that make football the greatest sport in the world. Somewhere near the top of that massive list lies the rivalries that every team shares with other clubs. Moreover, there’s seldom any love between two local rivals who have been competing for centuries, like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The two clubs have their grounds in the Northern part of London, and they play each other again today. The match is very important for both the clubs as a win for either would put them in prime contention for a top-four spot, and that would translate to Champions League football next season.

Keeping aside the monetary benefits of being in the competition, clubs can attract the best players if they play in the best competition in the world. Therefore, both the clubs would be going all out today.

Arsenal and their dramatic season

Arsenal are currently in control of the fourth spot in the Premier League table with 66 points from 35 games. Spurs have 62 points after the same amount of games, and even a win wouldn’t help them leapfrog Arsenal. However, if Arsenal wins or draws this match, it would be almost impossible to see Spurs overcoming the deficit.

Arsenal have done a fantastic job this season as Mikel Arteta’s vision for the club is coming true. The club finished in 7th place last season and wasn’t a part of any European competition.

That has inadvertently helped them grab a spot in the top four and they are favorites to play in the Champions League next season, something they haven’t done in five years.

What have Spurs got to lose?

Things haven’t been much better for Tottenham either. Antonio Conte’s men haven’t been in the Champions League since 2019-20, and another year without UCL football could spell the end of Conte’s reign. The Italian manager has done a good job at the club, but this is the most crucial match of the season and he needs his team to get behind him.

There is also a possibility of Harry Kane leaving the club next season if Spurs don’t get UCL football, but with City signing Erling Haaland, that door is now closed.

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It’ll be interesting to see if Conte can pull off a miracle, or whether Arteta’s men make light work of their local rivals.