Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Mikel Arteta "needs" to start midfielder Thomas Partey against Tottenham to avoid a repeat of the Manchester United game. The Gunners lost to the Red Devils without the Ghanaian international and face the possible prospect of the same happening in the north London derby this weekend.
While the game holds its usual importance among fans and playing staff, the great start made by both clubs only adds the stakes to such a huge clash at the Emirates on Saturday. Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with six wins and one loss from their opening seven games.
As for Spurs, they are third, yet to taste defeat in the Premier League but with five wins and two draws from their first seven this season. While it's still early days, both teams will have their title credentials tested amid talk of either side competing right at the top come the end of the campaign.
