“The Merseyside derby was a warning" - Martin Keown urges Arsenal to learn from Liverpool's mistakes ahead of Tottenham showdown
Martin Keown has advised Mikel Arteta to avoid making the same mistakes Liverpool did ahead of Arsenal's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's men recently suffered a blow to their title hopes after losing 0-2 to Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday. The Reds are now two points behind second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand as well.
Arsenal are set to lock horns with Tottenham away this weekend and Keown has warned the Gunners to prepare themselves and avoid facing a similar fate as Liverpool did. The former Arsenal defender wrote in his column for the Daily Mail:
“The Merseyside derby was a warning for Arsenal about what can happen when your local rivals are doubly motivated to not only help themselves but harm you. By winning 2-0, Everton took a gigantic stride towards survival and at the same time, they tripped up Liverpool in their pursuit of the title.
“It was the ultimate double delight for Sean Dyche as the visitors succumbed to the emotions of a growling Goodison Park. The same opportunity is on offer for Tottenham tomorrow."
“They want to finish inside the top four and they have the chance to disrupt Arsenal’s bid to become champions," he continued. "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.”
The Gunners provisionally lead the Premier League table, with Manchester City trailing a point behind with a game in hand.
Gabby Agbonlahor makes a prediction for Arsenal's crunch PL fixture against Tottenham
Former Aston Villa star Gabriel Agbonlahor has backed Arsenal to secure all three points in the north London derby this weekend. The pundit has predicted a 3-1 scoreline in favor of the Gunners.
Highlighting Kai Havertz's form this season and backing Martin Odegaard to find the net, Agbonlahor said (via TBR Football):
“Havertz has started to shine. I’m going to go for 3-1 Arsenal and Odegaard to score.”
The Gunners secured Havertz's services from Chelsea last summer for a reported £65 million. The German forward initially struggled to perform at the north London outfit, leading to criticism over his signing.
However, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has been in great recent form for Arteta's side and has racked up 11 goals and five assists in 33 Premier League appearances.
Meanwhile, Odegaard has played an instrumental role in Mikel Arteta's side and has been in extraordinary form. The Gunners captain has recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 44 appearances across all competitions this season.