Spurs v Arsenal has extra edge but derby mentality may be more key than form

After Arsenal lost to Aston Villa and went out of the Champions League in the same week, there were suggestions their season was at risk of unravelling. Since then they have secured a win at Wolves and thrashed Chelsea but they face a pivotal test of their credentials against their bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

That game is not just about a team fighting for the title travelling to one aiming to qualify for the Champions League; there is a lot more at stake in a derby – just ask Liverpool. The effect of hostility should not be underestimated in potentially season-defining matches. Tottenham will be desperate to dent the Gunners’ chances of securing a first Premier League trophy in 20 years.

No one wants to lose against their closest neighbours and with the extra edge to this fixture it is sure to be a ferocious battle. A lot of the focus is on Arsenal but Tottenham are six points behind fourth-placed Villa with two games in hand. They have a lot to play for, and the players and supporters are well aware of that.

When I was playing, derbies focused the mind. In the buildup I would think about the consequences of losing. The idea of seeing the opposition fans celebrate and gloat for days on social media would irritate me. My ego never wanted to experience that and it was a good source of inspiration to help lift things a potentially critical one or two per cent. There was almost a level of fear of facing the consequences of not winning, and channelling that was important.

Arsenal have shown great character to recover from setbacks, and winning at Spurs would boost their momentum. Their fixtures after Sunday – against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Everton – are winnable, leaving the visit to Tottenham as their