The big international break is finally over. We can all forget the weekends that we spent without football because the Premier League is back. It’s back with all the right games and fixtures that are sure to help you get things going.

With the new fixtures being scheduled to take place, you can notice that there are some big games with the whole elite of football ready for kick-off. The most notable one among these fixtures is the big North London Derby, which comprises two legendary teams.

Both these teams have what it takes to be one of the best in world football. But for now, the competition rests between the tales and skills at the North London Derby because you have Arsenal, who are on the rise and first on the table, taking on Tottenham, who, under Conte, are invincible.

So who will take home three points when both these teams come face to face? Let’s go through a quick preview and try to get an idea of the same.

At Last, it’s Gameweek 9 of 38

Yes, that’s right. After weeks of waiting, Premier League football is back, and it is back for good. And what better way to start the same than a North London Derby. However, that’s not all that the league has to offer.

Soon after the derby, we go straight to Liverpool vs Brighton, which is another exciting fixture to look out for. We also have Crystal Palace and Chelsea going head to head on the same day and also at the same time.

However, fans will be expecting to watch another big derby, which is the Manchester Derby. We have Manchester City welcoming their biggest rivals, Manchester United, to the Etihad in what could be a clash for the ages.

Following the derby, we also have another exciting clash between Leeds United and Aston Villa, which has always had the potential to turn heads. So stay tuned because Gameweek 9 is going to be the talking point.

When and where is this fixture taking place?

Coming back to the North London Derby, you must know that it is scheduled to take place at the Emirates on the 1st of October.

It’s Arteta and Conte’s Game

There’s no doubt about the fact that Arteta has built a fine team. Arsenal isn’t the same old team that we got to see a few seasons ago. Today, they are at the top of the table and are arguably in contention for the league title.

That is a huge change that we have got to see, especially with Arsenal’s downfall being the main subject of footballing conversations for years. On the other hand, we are also getting to see a similar story with Tottenham.

They were a team that was made fun of for nothing being themselves. But with the right managerial change, life seems to be comfortable at Tottenham Hotspur. Antonio Conte has changed the team to his liking, and they are now in a competitive position to get trophies.

A return to the Champions League is the big headline, and Spurs have also added more attacking flair to their squad. Since Arsenal has done the same, this fixture is going to be more interesting than what you can expect.

You have the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Harry Kane, and more looking to lock horns and help their team get three points. But with all the effective firepower and tactics, there is a probability that it could end up as a draw.

While Conte is certainly the more experienced coach among the two, it is not easy to disregard the tactician that is Arteta. Having played for Arsenal and having been trained as a coach under Pep Guardiola, Arteta knows what it means to play at a derby.

So his quick attacking style of football, occupied with his defensive patterns, will surely come into play as he would want his team to score early and not concede. And for all that Tottenham has to face at an away game, they will also have to strengthen their defence because Jesus can penetrate through the same.

The Brazilian can make quick runs and dribble past players, something that he has been doing since his days at City. However, Arsenal won’t have it easy either. Conte’s teams are known to have most of the ball, and once they do, quick passes to the midfield and towards any forward running player can lead to a goal.

With Son, Kane, and more being in top form, Tottenham has all that it takes to beat a team like Arsenal. And Conte will surely look at the Gunners game against Manchester United in order to understand how effectively the Red Devils opened them up.

Rashford’s quick runs will surely leave Conte with ideas, especially tactics involving the need to find space, adding pace to the attacking line and more. So in all likelihood, one can expect a top game from both these teams as they step closer to beat one another and either try and win the league title or finish as a top-four team.

With Champions League qualification being the obvious requirement, both these teams are on a mission to add as many points as possible before the league takes another break for the World Cup.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Head-to-Head

Arsenal and Tottenham have gifted games like no other. There have been several North London Derbies that we have watched with bated breaths trying to figure out how things will end up.

And it is these derbies that have created superstars and stories that will be told for years to come. So keeping in mind all that has taken place in a North London Derby, here’s what the head-to-head stat looks like.

Teams	Arsenal	Tottenham
Total Wins	22	15
Home	17	13
Away	5	2

Arsenal and Tottenham have put together 60 games in the Premier League, and only 23 of them have ended as draws. While Arsenal’s superior wins should tell you about their dominance, you should also understand that Tottenham isn’t far behind. 

In a sense, this could be a close game, but for all the numbers, it is Arsenal who has the lead, and it is Arsenal who has always had the majority of it. Thanks to all that, fans can look forward to either a nerve-biting competition or a game where the winner was decided in the first half. 

Last Season’s Derby

Arsenal vs Tottenham (3-1)

26th September 2021 - Emirates Stadium, London 

There’s no forgetting the fact that Arsenal took the game away from Spurs in the first derby of last season. A goal from Emile Smith Rowe in the 12th minute of the game was all that was needed for the fans in the stadium to lose their minds. 

And what followed was complete domination as Arsenal sealed the game in the first half. After Rowe, goals from former Arsenal player Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka were all that was needed for the London club to get all three points. 

And Spurs ended up facing the wrong side of the results and, in the second half, only managed to produce a single goal. As a crucial game for the Gunners, it was one that started their revival and what followed was a season to remember. 

While it was Spurs who finally reached the Champions League, Arsenal can be proud of their rise to the top.

Tottenham vs Arsenal (3-0)

13th May 2022 - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

If it was Arsenal who won the first derby, the reverse fixture saw Tottenham claim all three points in what could be called the perfect revenge. Spurs, with a remodelled team under Conte, went ahead to get things going and complete the process in a matter of time. 

Two goals from Harry Kane at the 22nd and 37th minute and another from Son at the 47th minute were all that was needed for Spurs to show their rivals that they own the game. 

Kane was judged the man of the match, all thanks to his playmaking abilities and a cool penalty kick from the spot. Not only was it a derby win, but in many ways, it was also Conte’s way of saying that he is in charge of Spurs. 

Spurs, who at the 33rd minute had to face a ten-man team of Gunners, thanks to Rob Holding being sent off, composed themselves and controlled the game effectively. They never lost themselves and went forward with the belief that this game belonged to them.

Players in fine form 

If we are looking at players from both teams who are in fine form then the likes of Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus will strike your minds. And as honourable mentions, one can also say Son and Martinelli.

• Harry Kane 

Having scored a total of 6 goals, Harry Kane is surely in fine form. The England international who got off to a slow start has picked himself up and seems to be one of Conte’s best players. 

The flair with which he plays is second to none, and as a forward, he will always remain a threat to any opponent who dares to defend him. Thanks to all that, Kane will be eyeing the derby. 

• Gabriel Jesus 

There’s a new boy in town, and he goes by the name of Gabriel Jesus. And he’s surely going to be looking forward to this derby because why would he let go off a goal-scoring opportunity. 

And just like Kane, Jesus is in fine form, having scored four goals for Arsenal. So in all likelihood, Jesus will be ready for this game. Hence, with two forwards ready to battle, the North London Derby is going to be something that you can happily look forward to.