Arsenal look to right Sunderland wrong

The stakes feel bigger than ever. Not only can Arsenal reclaim pride after the frustrating draw with Sunderland, they can also land a statement blow in the title race against Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s men have been on a charmingly consistent run this season, blending youthful exuberance with defensive solidity.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The problem?

The 2-2 draw against Sunderland before the international break reminded everyone that even the most confident title-chasing teams can stumble against scrappy outfits with nothing to lose. It was a mild bump in the road, but a bump nonetheless.

Enter Tottenham, stage left Thomas Frank’s Spurs may be in a rebuilding phase after the helter-skelter days of the Ange Postecoglou-era, but they are hardly pushovers.

The Dane has instilled discipline, structure and a nagging sense of purpose in his side, proving that you don’t need a superstar like Son Heung-min to make life difficult for Arsenal. Instead, Spurs now have a compact mid-block, runners willing to press at every opportunity, and James Maddison orchestrating mischief in the final third. For Arsenal, it is a test not just of skill, but of patience, intelligence, and the ability to turn superiority into goals.