Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has issued a warning to Arsenal ahead of the upcoming North London derby on Sunday.
Both teams have made an impressive start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, each amassing 13 points from their initial five matches.
The South Korea international who took over the captaincy following the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, believes that Arsenal won’t relish facing Spurs given their current form.
“[Arsenal] won’t want to face us at this time. Everyone is running for each other; everyone is fighting for each other. If someone comes off, you give a hand off and everyone is happy to do that. That makes us really strong as a team,” he said.
Spurs have showcased their attacking prowess, winning their last four league games, including a thrilling comeback against Sheffield United.
On the other hand, Arsenal, while not as potent in attack, have displayed defensive resilience, conceding only four goals, a feat bettered only by Manchester City.
As Ange Postecoglou and Mikel Arteta prepare their squads for Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium, the first North London Derby since Postecoglou’s arrival, stakes are higher than ever.
Whereas Arsenal takes pride in a tight backline, Son Heung-min and Tottenham boast of a free-scoring start to the season, having already found the opponents’ net 13 times so far.
Five rounds into the new campaign, Spurs’ sharpness in front of goal is only second to Manchester City’s (15 goals) and Brighton’s (14 goals).
Both teams are tied on 13 points. However, Spurs are in second place with a better goal difference of +8 – just like third-placed Liverpool – as Arsenal come in fourth with a goal difference of +5.
Before the derby, Arsenal will face PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League, marking their return to the competition after a hiatus since the 2016/17 campaign.
In contrast, Tottenham have no European commitments this season after finishing 9th in the previous campaign.
