Arsenal must beat Spurs to prove they have changed

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Arsenal have made a good start to life under Unai Emery, however they need to beat Tottenham Hotspur to show there has been a shift in mentality.

A new era at Arsenal under Unai Emery has begun well, however, defeat against Southampton could derail their season if they do not react against Tottenham Hotspur.

Having lost his first two games in charge of Arsenal, albeit against Manchester City and Chelsea, the Gunners went on a 22-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

However, that was abruptly ended after a 3-2 defeat away to struggling Southampton at the weekend.

Now Arsenal must react positively in the North London derby against Tottenham this Wednesday.

The Carabao Cup tie at the Emirates will be the second time in quick succession that the hated rivals have met, with Arsenal winning 4-2 last time out.

It saw the red side of North London climb above the white side into the Champions League positions. However, since then, Arsenal have dropped points against Manchester United and Southampton and are now five points behind Spurs.

Despite Emery’s good start at Arsenal, there has been a lot of luck this season.

The Gunners are yet to be in front at half time in a game and have conceded 23 league goals, more than Leicester City, Everton and Newcastle United.

Not only that, Arsenal often started seasons well under Arsene Wenger.

In fact, they are only four points better off than at the same stage last season, despite Wenger’s final year being seen as a disaster, and that is largely due to Arsenal’s general lack of a reaction to adversity.

Arsenal have often crumbled after a ditch in the road.

A good start would regularly spiral into chaos after a poor result, showing a lack of mental strength and bounce-back-ability.

Spaniard Emery is an extremely demanding manager and, if he and the Gunners can respond to disappointment against Southampton by beating Spurs, it will show there has been a change in mentality at the club and that they are on the right path.

Anything less, and the wheels could well start to fall off as they so often do at Arsenal.