Opportunity knocks for Spurs amid rivals' crisis

Injury-hit Gunners facing a tough test as Postecoglou aims to reverse recent trend

- Simon Collings

BEFORE a ball has even been kicked, the momentum going into Sunday’s north London derby feels firmly in Tottenham’s favour.

Mikel Arteta may have given Arsenal a boost this morning by agreeing terms on a new contract, but on the pitch the Gunners have plenty of problems as they look to make it three wins in a row at the home of their fierce rivals.

In the space of a fortnight, Arsenal’s midfield has been dismantled. First, new signing Mikel Merino injured his shoulder in his first training session with his new teammates. Then, Declan Rice was sent off against Brighton, meaning he is suspended for this trip to Spurs.

Arsenal’s misery was compounded on Monday, when Martin Odegaard limped out of action for Norway with an ankle injury, which looks set to keep him sidelined for weeks.

If Mikel Arteta was unaware of the phrase ‘bad luck comes in threes’, he is now.

Arsenal’s woes will be music to Tottenham’s ears, though, and all of a sudden they have been presented with a golden chance to end their poor recent run against the Gunners.

Spurs have won just one of the previous seven games between the sides and have not led for a single minute across the past four derbies.