SUNDAY: Today, Arsenal will be facing one big test of their Premier League title chase when they make the short trip to perennial rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs who are placed fifth will be trying to win the fourth consecutive home league matches against Arsenal.
“I think the players are in a good emotional state,” said Arteta, Arsenal manager.
“They are excited, they are enjoying playing together and obviously we are in a good position. We have to now improve a lot of things and maintain a lot of the good things that have taken us this far.”
Mikel Arteta’s team is seeking their first league title since 2004.
Arsenal started the weekend five points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
However, Arteta did admit that they might have to change their “behaviour” after the club were charged with failing to control their players. That was for their angry reaction to not getting a penalty in Monday’s FA Cup win over Oxford United.
“I prefer not to comment on that [charge],” he said. “Anything we can do to improve we will always have a conversation with our players, the staff, as a club as well to see what we can do better, if we have to change any behaviour.”
Antonio Conte, Spurs boss has called on both sets of players to respect referee Craig Pawson this weekend.
“You have to show respect in every situation and especially also with the referee because I know very well the difficulty to be a referee, to take decisions,” the Italian said.
“I think to intimidate or to create a bad atmosphere is not fair. I don’t like this. I hate the people that try to do it. Don’t forget that we are talking always about a game of football.”
Arsenal are on an 11-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, while Spurs have lost five of their last 11, including October’s 3-1 loss at Emirates Stadium.
Head to head, Arsenal are a much better team. Matter of fact, for most part of the season Tottenham’s performances have just not been superlative.
