Earlier this week, Mikel Arteta signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal.
It is reward for the impressive work he has done at the Emirates since he arrived in December 2019.
Arteta has changed the culture and mentality of the club and they are now regarded as serious contenders again.
But on Sunday, he has to earn the first tranche of his new salary.
Arsenal go into the North London Derby with Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino all unavailable – that is literally Arteta’s first-choice midfield.
With Manchester City recording their fourth consecutive win of the season against Brentford on Saturday, the Gunners are already playing catch-up.
Arteta’s men go into the game with seven points from their first three fixtures. City already have 12 and are looking imperious, with Erling Haaland scoring at will.
Despite their injury/suspension problems, Arsenal simply cannot lose at the home of their fierce rivals.
It would be a big setback for their title ambitions, especially as they are away to City next Sunday.
On the other hand, Ange Postecoglou has begun the season in lukewarm fashion.
This is the season where there will be expectations of him.
A 1-1 draw with Leicester City on the opening day, was followed by a 4-0 drubbing of Everton, before a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle.
To get their campaign back on track, Postecoglou’s men need to get a positive result against Arsenal.
In this fixture last season, Arsenal raced into a three-goal lead by half time. Then Tottenham pulled two late goals back.
This time around, you expect it to be a tight affair, with not too many goals in it.
But no matter what happens, Arteta and his men cannot lose.
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