Arsenal legend warns Gunners not to get caught up in north London derby chaos

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has warned his former club not to get caught up in the chaos of the north London derby.

Mikel Arteta’s side head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium knowing they need to win to keep their fight for a first Premier League title in 20 years alive.

The Gunners sit a point clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but have played a game more than their rivals.

Martin Keown sends warning to Arsenal

The reverse fixture at the Emirates was a pulsating 2-2 draw and Sunday’s showdown is set to another thrilling affair.

It’s not just Arsenal with something to play for, Ange Postecoglou’s side are looking to qualify for the Champions League, and sit six points behind Aston Villa in fourth, having played two games less.

Keown has warned his former club that Everton’s win over Liverpool on Wednesday night is a reminder of what can happen when your local rivals are motivated to not only help themselves, but to also harm their opponents.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail Keown urged Arteta’s side not to get caught up in the chaos of the derby.

He said: “Mikel Arteta’s team cannot let themselves get caught up in the chaos like Liverpool did at Everton.

“They have to stay calm, concentrate, trust their tactics, showcase their football, and, above all, win to keep distance between them and their competition.”

Tottenham should certainly be the fresher of the two sides given Postecoglou’s men haven’t played for two weeks following their 4-0 defeat at Newcastle.

Since that game Arsenal have played four times, including Tuesday’s 5-0 over rivals Chelsea.

Given the dominant nature of that game Arteta was able to rest some of his players and made four substitutions inside the final 20 minutes.