Martin Keown states prediction for Tottenham v Arsenal

Martin Keown believes Saturday’s north London derby will be decided by which side can cope with pressure at White Hart Lane.

Arsenal are three points behind second-placed Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League title race after a 2-1 loss to Swansea City on Wednesday night.

This will be a shootout but the players can’t be frightened of the occasion

Martin Keown

The Gunners missed the opportunity to make the most of Tottenham Hotspur’s setback at Upton Park after a 1-0 defeat by West Ham United.

Arsene Wenger’s side played out a 1-1 draw with Tottenham in their north London derby at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season.

Former Arsenal defender Keown discussed the pressure on both Wenger’s players and Tottenham ahead of the clash at White Hart Lane in Saturday’s early kick-off.

“We have a new frontrunner in Tottenham and because of that, it’s doubly hard for Arsenal fans to get their head around,” Keown told Daily Mail.

“They have not been capable of winning the league for more than a decade but the last team they expected to get there before them was Tottenham. That’s why there is such anxiety at the club this season.

“They know there is a golden opportunity.”

Keown continued: “From the players’ point of view they will want be desperate to grab the headlines and take them away from Tottenham. This will be a shootout but the players can’t be frightened of the occasion. They have to relish this.

“For some of these players on both sides they might never get this opportunity again. They can’t allow doubts to creep into their heads because both teams absolutely have to win this game.”

Arsenal are in third place in the Premier League table and three points behind bitter rivals Tottenham.

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The Gnners are bidding to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.