Arsenal look to shake off title race nerves in key Tottenham clash

Arsenal need to overcome their recent title race concerns as the unsteady Premier League frontrunners travel to Tottenham for the north London derby.

Manchester City could add more strain on the Gunners by securing victory over Newcastle, while Michael Carrick faces Everton with hopes of strengthening his case for the full time Manchester United role.

AFP Sport examines three main discussion areas before this weekends fixtures:

Saka confident Arsenal will respond strongly

Resolute Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka insists his team will ultimately "get over the line" and break their long wait for silverware.

Mikel Artetas squad risks letting slip a strong lead in the title chase following back to back stalemates with Brentford and Wolves, resulting in only two victories from their previous seven league outings.

The Gunners lost their advantage in each game, with Wednesdays 2-2 tie against relegation threatened Wolves particularly frustrating after surrendering a 2-0 lead for a late leveller in added time.

Arsenal hold a five point advantage over runners up Manchester City, though Pep Guardiolas outfit has an extra match to play and will welcome the frontrunners in April.

Having seen City surge past them in the 2023 and 2024 title contests, the north London side, trophyless since the 2020 FA Cup success, now faces scrutiny over their capacity to cope with rising pressure.

Saka recognises that Arsenal have to quiet the sceptics by regaining momentum against fierce opponents Tottenham on Sunday. 

"I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line, and we're able to win trophies and make history for this club," Saka said. 

"We're back where we belong, fighting for everything."

Man City ready to strike

Tijjani Reijnders has cautioned Arsenal that Manchester City are set to exploit the frontrunners slip up after being drawn back into contention.

Triumphs against Liverpool and Fulham have positioned City to take advantage of Arsenals dip in form.

Guardiolas team would close to within two points of Arsenal with a success against Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, ramping up the intensity for the Gunners ahead of the north London encounter the following day.

"The mood's been good, but it was also good before. Of course we've dropped some points as well but it's good and we are on the hunt and we keep going," Reijnders said.

"We have to see of course, but if we keep going like this, who knows?"

Carrick boosting Man Utd prospects

Wayne Rooney has supported Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick for the long term position.

Ex United midfielder Carrick took over until seasons end following Ruben Amorims dismissal in January.

He began impressively with a 2-0 triumph over Manchester City in his debut match and added a 3-2 success at Arsenal.

Four triumphs and a draw in his initial five matches have propelled United to fourth spot prior to their Monday visit to Everton.

Rooney, the clubs record scorer, feels his old colleague might provide the stability needed for a club that has not claimed the title since 2013.

"We've been there and tried different managers - (Jose) Mourinho, (Louis) van Gaal, (Erik) ten Hag and (Ruben) Amorim - and for me Carrick makes sense," Rooney told The Overlap.

"Having someone there who knows the club and cares for the club makes a big difference. Michael is managing the whole squad and managing them well."

Fixtures

Saturday (1500 GMT unless stated)

Aston Villa v Leeds, Brentford v Brighton, Chelsea v Burnley, Manchester City v Newcastle (2000), West Ham v Bournemouth (1730)

Sunday (1400 unless stated)

Crystal Palace v Wolves, Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, Sunderland v Fulham, Tottenham v Arsenal (1630)

Monday

Everton v Manchester United (2000)