Former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke speaks to The Football News Show about his former club's professionalism ahead of a huge north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
He says the Gunners need to "block out the noise" if they are going to be successful at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Image source, Getty ImagesCould Arsenal's result in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon impact Manchester City's performance against Nottingham Forest?
The current Premier League leaders kick off at 14:00 BST at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, meaning City will know the result by the time they begin at 16:30 BST.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Manchester Evening News reporter Simon Bajkowski said "little things" could make the difference in the title race.
"I think they [Manchester City] will be a lot more confident after last night [against Brighton]," he said. "In 2024, Arsenal have really been the form team and they've been the one that have been dominating every team they have played, racking up huge scores and City and Liverpool, to an extent, have been hanging on in there.
"There is an interesting parallel from last season where City had beaten Arsenal in February to go top of the league and then travelled to Forest. Arsenal have got the derby on Sunday which is a huge game for them but City will know the result before they kick off.
"Will that play into the game as much as them needing the points and Forest needing the points? It's the time of the season where every little thing could make the difference."
Here is a selection of the key facts and figures before Tottenham host Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, 14:00 BST.
Tottenham have won just one of their past six Premier League games against Arsenal, with their four defeats in this run as many as they had suffered in their previous 16 against the Gunners.
Arsenal won this exact fixture 2-0 last season, last winning consecutive away league games against Spurs between 1987 and 1988 (a run of three).
Up to the end of the 2015-16 season, Arsenal v Tottenham was the most drawn fixture in Premier League history, with 20 of the 48 meetings between the sides ending level (42%). Since then, just four of the 15 north London derby matches have finished in a draw (27%).
Tottenham have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 12 Premier League games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - their longest run without a home shutout since September 2003 (15). In fact, only Burnley and Sheffield United (one each) have kept fewer clean sheets at home than Spurs this term (two).
Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot in the reverse fixture – he could become the first English player to score home and away for Arsenal against Spurs in a league campaign since Ian Wright in 1993-94.
Image source, Getty ImagesMikel Arteta says it "is a huge boost" to have almost everybody fit and available with just four games remaining in the Premier League.
"It is a good headache," joked the Arsenal boss ahead of Sunday's North London Derby at Tottenham. "It elevates the training sessions and offers alternatives to change the game.
"You feel for the players because I can see how much everyone wants to start and impact the team. But it is part of my job and they are fully ready whenever we need them. The spirit is so, so good."
The Gunners remain top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Manchester City who also have a game in hand.
"We are enjoying the moment and navigating it in a natural way," Arteta added.
"They [the players] are super competitive in everything, even in training, and that is a really good sign because we know what we have to do at this point in the season."
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's North London derby at Tottenham.
Here are the key lines from the Arsenal boss:
Jurrien Timber, who ruptured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the opening game of the season, could return to the matchday squad on Sunday but will be assessed on Saturday.
Arteta said "it is a huge boost" to have almost everyone available at this point of the season and described it "as a good headache".
On it being a two-horse race to win the title after Liverpool's recent dip in form: "We have to look at ourselves and win our matches. We have to wait and see what happens. It sounds repetitive but this league is tremendously demanding and there can still be a lot of turns."
He said the team spirit "is so good" and "everyone wants to start and impact the team" where possible.
On Tottenham: "The boys are going to be fully ready to play a great opponent. They will make it difficult for us and we will have to be at our best to beat them."
He said there is "more motivation" to win the North London Derby as a manager compared to when he was a player. He added: "You know what you can give to people and that is joy and happiness. When you have the chance to do that you want to make the most of it."
On the Opta supercomputer predicting a 27% chance of them winning the title: "Hopefully we can tweak that computer and make it higher! Can we upload new software or give it more tools?"
He said his side "keep raising the bar in training" and that is important for the remaining four games.
Follow all of Friday's live Premier League news conferences here
Image source, Getty ImagesBen White's agent has asked people to "please be kind" after he was criticised for asking not to be selected by England for the friendlies with Brazil and Belgium in March.
"No one knows what is actually going on in one’s life so I really believe people should think before making a judgment or criticising these elite performers in public," wrote Alex Levack on his LinkedIn page on Wednesday.
"Ben has shown unbelievable robustness and strength throughout this adverse period off the pitch and has blocked out all the noise and has performed incredibly well on the pitch, in a situation where many others could have and would have wilted.”
White has been in fine form at right-back for the Gunners this season, scoring four Premier League goals, including a double in the 5-0 win over Chelsea, as well asproviding four assists.
He signed a new contract with the club last month, which will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2028 with an option to extend for one more year.
“Ben has an incredible temperament and attitude which allows him the ability to navigate through his working and personal life," Levack continued.
"I suppose the main message is be kind to people as you do not have the full facts, which in Ben’s case neither Ben nor I wish to vocalise publicly, and do not know what is going on in people’s personal lives so again, please be kind."
Arsenal have been made aware that Newcastle United will listen to offers in excess of £80m for 26-year-old Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer. (90min), external
Guimaraes' £100m release clause will only be active for one month, from late May to late June. (Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside), external
Manchester United could look to sign 22-year-old Spanish left-back Miguel Gutierrez from Girona, but they face competition from Arsenal. (GiveMeSport), external
Meanwhile, Arsenal are tracking multiple midfield targets amid concerns a deal for 25-year-old Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi could be difficult. (Standard), external
Zubimendi says reports linking him to some of Europe's top clubs "are just rumours" and he is happy at Real Sociedad. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesMartin Odegaard became Arsenal captain before the start of the 2022-23 season
Mikel Arteta's decision to name Martin Odegaard as Arsenal captain in July 2022 was met with some scepticism at the time, but it has proved to be a stroke of genius.
The 25-year-old has led by example both on and off the field and could become the first Gunners captain to lift the Premier League title since Patrick Vieira in 2004.
Since arriving at Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid in January 2021, initially on loan, Odegaard has made a huge impact in north London.
BBC Sport looks at how the influence of Odegaard, who also captains his country Norway, has continued to grow during the Gunners' title-chasing campaign.
A decade ago, it was Arsenal boss Arteta who captained the Gunners for two seasons until his retirement in 2016, making him one of the best judges of character for assigning Odegaard to the role.
The Norwegian took over following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and interim captain Alexandre Lacazette.
When Odegaard was appointed skipper, Arteta said: "What I've seen over the past 18 months since he's been with us, he's represented the values of this football club, the team, the team-mates and the staff in the best possible way.
"He's also the captain of his national team and I think it was the right call, and I'm proud to announce that because I think he's a really good person to deliver that commitment to the club."
But it was a decision that came as a surprise to some supporters.
"I was a bit taken aback, purely based on his age," says Arsenal fan and YouTuber Pippa Monique.
"At 23, we are usually supporting one of our newest Hale End graduates on their first full senior season. But we have seen the major uplift in team performance, results and morale since Odegaard has sported the armband. Long may it continue and improve."
Michael Brown previews a crucial North London derby
Odegaard has been a shining example for his team-mates to follow this season, with the playmaker contributing eight goals and eight assists in the top flight.
And he has led by example when necessary, scoring the opening goal in four Premier League matches this term.
The Norway international also stepped up to score the first penalty of the shootout as Arsenal beat Porto to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years last month.
"I like to take the first kick in those shootouts, I think that's important for me to do that, and to try to make sure we start well. I enjoy that responsibility," he said in Arsenal's match programme before the first leg of their quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.
Odegaard was then named player of the match in the 2-2 draw with Thomas Tuchel's side, creating the most chances (five), making the most passes in the final third (29) and an overall passing accuracy of 88%.
It is not just at club level that Odegaard's talents are recognised.
Speaking before Arsenal's goalless draw with title rivals Manchester City, their young forward and Odegaard's fellow countryman Oscar Bobb said: "It is a dream to play with Martin. Having one of the world's best number 10s next to me makes it much easier."
In the 2-0 win over Wolves last week Odegaard sealed the victory in stoppage time, finishing from an acute angle to become just the second Arsenal player to register 50 Premier League goal involvements (31 goals, 19 assists) during Arteta's tenure.
He then followed this up with a sublime performance, providing two brilliant assists as Arsenal thrashed London rivals Chelsea 5-0 at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Image source, Getty ImagesMartin Odegaard is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring Arsenal's first penalty against Porto in their Champions League last-16 tie
Odegaard showed his dedication to the Gunners by signing a new contract in September 2023, which will keep him at the club for another five years.
"Martin is vital to connect everything in the way we play," said Arteta earlier this season.
Asked how much Odegaard drives the team as captain, he added: "A lot. He's made huge steps. His presence, the way he is behaving himself in front of the group and the standards that he sets is outstanding."
He has become a firm favourite for the Emirates faithful, too.
Monique calls him a player "any fan and manager would want to captain their team", adding he is a "marvel talent in midfield and a calm yet authoritative figure that everyone in the team can respect".
"You can always count on Martin to motivate team-mates when heads may go down," says the Arsenal content creator.
"He is always the first to amp up the crowd, whether we are winning or at 0-0 looking for that breakthrough goal, a few fist bumps and upwards arm swings is all it takes from the captain to get the Emirates Stadium roaring again.
"Win, lose or draw, Odegaard is always the last to leave the pitch as he circles the ground to applaud every fan for their support."
If the Gunners captain can help his side successfully negotiate another hurdle in the title challenge across north London at Tottenham on Sunday, that admiration from fans, team-mates and his manager will only continue to grow.
Former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy has called for Declan Rice to be played a more advanced role to further improve Arsenal.
A graphic from Wednesday's Match of the Day highlighted Rice's improvements in the final third since making the switch from West Ham last summer.
"Rice is growing in the more forward role he sometimes plays," said Murphy. "He's got this wonderful athleticism when he carries the ball and that commits defenders to give other players space.
"[Enzo] Fernandez and [Moises] Caicedo - two gifted midfielders - couldn't cope with him. They couldn't get near him [in Tuesday's victory against Chelsea].
"When you free him up to go and press higher, that makes Arsenal a better team for me. He's one of the best in the Premier League at closing people down when freed from that holding role.
"I think if he plays in this role more often, which I think he will as his Arsenal career progresses, we'll start seeing him reach double figures for goals. He's got all the qualities to score more.
"Granted he's playing with better players [compared to West Ham], but those numbers will go through the roof if he plays that role more consistently."
Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas says Kai Havertz's "simple" way of playing is "what makes him good".
The Gunners' forward, who moved to Emirates Stadium from the Blues in the summer, scored twice against his old side in their 5-0 win on Tuesday night.
Havertz has had to be flexible in his first season under Mikel Arteta, operating in different positions up front and in midfield.
Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, Fabregas said: "I don't like to talk about me but he reminds me a little bit of me in Barcelona because I used to play these two roles that he plays - as a false nine and the number eight.
"I know exactly what it feels like and it's good because he feels now [that he is] an important player for the team. But at the same time, you don't really know where you're going to play the next game so it can confuse you. It's better sometimes to just stick to one place and get the best out of it.
"Now [Thomas] Partey's back, then [Declan] Rice will go a little bit as a number eight more often. So from now on it will be the number nine spot and I think it suits him very well for the way Arsenal want to play."
After a slow start, the German international has found good form having now scored seven goals and made four assists in his past 10 Premier League games.
"I really like [him playing up front] because he has very, very good link up play," continued Fabregas. "He attacks in spaces, he can score goals and he has good timing of his runs. He plays simple, he doesn't try to make too many tricks or difficult things. He does what he has to do.
"He's very simple in that, very basic, and that's what makes him good. He's scoring loads of goals, important goals. The fans seem to like him as well, so he's a big plus for Arsenal this year."
Image source, Getty ImagesIt is "very important" for Arsenal to keep themselves in contention for the Premier League until the end, says former midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
The Gunners put themselves back on top of the table on Tuesday night with a thumping 5-0 win over London rivals Chelsea.
While Manchester City can leapfrog them again if they win their two games in hand, starting at Brighton on Thursday, back-to-back victories mean Arsenal seem to have put their recent blip behind them.
Having lost their lead in the title race at this stage last season, Fabregas feels Mikel Arteta's side are in a better place this time around.
"One of the big positives is that last year Arsenal struggled at this moment in time and they let it go [whether it was] for maturity, for inexperience, for football, for whatever you want," he said on the Planet Premier League podcast.
"But this year, they are there and there's a few games to go.
"You see that something is different. That the fans, that the players and the club believe. The people outside as well believe, even if they are not Arsenal fans or they see potentially that Arsenal can do something special this year - that's the most important.
"The players understand that this is a unique moment and they will not let it go [and will] go after Man City, who can be better because if they win all their games they will be champions.
"To be there at least until the end is very, very important for Arsenal this year."
Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Wednesday night's four Premier League fixtures as well as the goals from Tuesday's game.
If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.
Arsenal are being linked with a move for 28-year-old Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United also interested in the Frenchman. (L'Equipe - in French), external
Finally, the Gunners are prepared to accept offers of £20-25m for 30-year-old Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, and are still interested in 25-year-old Aston Villa and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz as a replacement. (Football Insider), external
We asked you for your views on Arsenal's 5-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Here are a selection of your responses:
Arsenal fans
Peter: Excellent performance. Arsenal may well be the best team in the Premier League, but still may not win it. Either way it is a step forward for Mikel Arteta and his talented young team.
Robert: Looking at this game must send out a message to Liverpool and Man City. An all-round performance by everyone shows Arsenal are in a better place mentally than last year. They have grown and taking this momentum into the derby against Spurs only benefits the Arsenal.
Neal: Flattering scoreline but we should have secured a second goal very early on while Chelsea were in disarray. Worrying period towards end of the first half where Chelsea almost nicked a goal on the counter-attack. Had they scored I feel the game would have been very different, however, once we scored again in the second half they crumbled.
Ian: Arsenal were superb. Chelsea were lucky to only lose by five goals as it could have been a lot more. If they don't win the title this year, its is Arsenal in 2025.
Chelsea fans
Andy: A shockingly embarrassing performance. What on earth was Pochettino thinking with that line up? Changing three of the defence away to Arsenal - no surprise they were all over the place. Enzo and Caicedo so poor and average compared to the excellent Rice and Odegaard. This is the worst Chelsea squad I can remember. They are not fit to wear the shirt.
Diane: There was a young lad holding a sign that said 'I don't want your shirt. I want you to fight for yours'. That out of the mouths of babes just sums up the whole game. Well done young man.
John: Toothless, gutless performance. I'm struggling to find any sort of positive from this performance. We are mid-table at best with no sign of any of these players being capable of a consistent team performance.
Rob: Picking those two centre-backs after a good performances by Silva and Chalobah was criminal and playing a young player alongside them was setting him up to fail. Third choices (if everyone fit) across entire back four and we wonder why we fail. Enzo and Gallagher way off the pace. Mismanagement on a grand scale.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was lavish in his praise of Kai Havertz as the former Chelsea forward played a central role in the demolition of his old club at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Havertz struggled to establish a role in Arsenal's team at the start of the season following his £65m switch from Stamford Bridge but two goals in The Gunners' 5-0 win confirmed he is now firmly at home in north London.
Arteta said: "Kai's overall contribution in every phase of play was tremendous. When you add the two goals he scored and some of the link-up play that he had in big moments, it was a great performance.”
It made it just about the perfect night for Arsenal as they applied pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League title pursuit ahead of their potentially testing games at Everton and Brighton, giving them a three-point lead and a vastly superior goal difference.
Arsenal's victory also continued an impressive response to the league defeat at home to Aston Villa and the Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich.
It provides the perfect platform for Sunday's crunch north London derby meeting at Tottenham Hotspur.
Image source, PA MediaFans of Arsenal and Chelsea have been reacting to the Gunners' 5-0 Premier League victory on Tuesday on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
Arsenal fan Pippa Monique: "We're still in there [the title race] and if Manchester City do drop points, that goal difference is going to be crucial.
"They gave us a performance to remember.
"It feels good to be top of the league but I can't get carried away, I remember how I felt last season when it all slipped away."
Chelsea supporter Teema Nicholls: "It was disgraceful, from the manager to the players. The lack of effort, the lack of tactical preparation - it was completely disgraceful.
"I just think he [Mauricio Pochettino] lacks accountability. He prepares these players to go out on the pitch to put in a performance like that. Where is he talking about what he has done to prepare the players? The players are soft, but that comes from the very top, that comes from the manager downwards.
"He needs to have a lot more accountability for his input into what's happened, not only on Tuesday but across the season."
Image source, PA MediaArsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised an "unbelievable" performance from forward Kai Havertz, who scored twice against his former club Chelsea in Tuesday's 5-0 victory at Emirates Stadium.
"He was unbelievable, in all departments," said Arteta. "For a nine to score two goals the way he scored, his contribution was great. I'm sure he’s very pleased."
The win moved Arsenal three points clear at the top of the table, although they have played a game more than second-placed Liverpool and two more than Manchester City, who are one point further back.
Arteta added: "It was a big performance, collectively and individually. I thought we were really good, against a really good team that was in great form and were going to ask us a lot of questions. I think we responded really well.
"From the start we were really determined, really flowing, playing with a lot of courage and making things happen. I'm really happy with the result. It's a big day for our supporters.
"It's great for us, for the confidence and for the belief that we can do it, we can come to these stages against big teams and win games the way we've done it. So enjoy it, then it's back to work on Wednesday because we have a big one on Sunday [against Tottenham]."
Image source, PA MediaMartin Odegaard produced an "electric" performance in Arsenal's 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea on Tuesday, says former England midfielder Izzy Christiansen.
The Gunners moved three points clear at the top of the Premier League table with their victory, and while Odegaard did not score himself, he set up goals for Kai Havertz and Ben White.
"They've just taken care of business with a real style and swagger about it," Christiansen told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"Odegaard was absolutely electric once again, the way he dictates the midfield and his positioning completely makes things tick for Arsenal.
"They were back to their best and they're so good when they score early, it eliminates any type pressure and they start to grow into the game. They've done what they needed to do to keep the pressure up."
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green also praised the Norway international, adding: "He's a key man for them and it's noticeable that when he plays well, on and off the ball, they play so well.
"[As an opposition] you have your team meetings before the game and you say 'this is the man to stop, do not give him space or time'. Chelsea were willingly letting him have that space in the second half. Arsenal had a party and really turned it on, and Odegaard in particular."
Arsenal and Manchester City are considering a summer move for Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 26. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is close to taking up his first managerial post, after holding talks with Dutch top-flight club Heerenveen. (Algemeen Dagblad - in Dutch), external
Former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, 37, will sign a contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC and will join them on a free transfer in the summer when his AC Milan deal comes to an end. (RMC Sport - in French), external
