Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs face late fitness tests before huge derby.

As always there has been plenty of hyperbole created by ravenous journalists ahead of Sunday’s north London derby as various routes for our potential demise are plotted. Apparently if we lose we will have all of the proof that we need that Arsene Wenger has lost his marbles and it will only be a matter of time before the club begin the search for his successor.

However, the reality is that if we lose on Sunday we will still be well within reach of the top four place that sadly appears to be the club’s overriding ambition. A defeat would only prove that Spurs are a more complete side than us at the moment which has already been depressingly evident for the entire season. Surprisingly for ‘Arry’s mates in the press we actually have nothing to lose in this match. A defeat would not change anything for us whereas victory would keep us in the top four and may even begin to plant the seeds of doubt in that notoriously flaky Tottenham psyche.

We have had a week to simmer after the disastrous cup defeats and the fans will be expecting a reaction. Although a poor pitch is a feeble excuse, it is a genuine reason for this one dimensional Arsenal side to struggle. The Grove provides the perfect conditions for us to play at our best and it is not unrealistic to expect a marked improvement on our last two outings despite the quality of the opposition.

If Laurent Koscielny and Keiran Gibbs pass their fitness tests then we will at least have a balanced back four and hopefully the slick pitch will allow us to attack with more pace and confidence. Tottenham welcome back Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart who have the quality to punish our frequent lapses in concentration but whatever the result tomorrow, our season will inevitably carry on in the same infuriatingly inconsistent way.

@the_arse

Photo: Action Images

Arsenal Polls