'Arsenal really need a boost... and must take chance to narrow gap at the top'

Who is the north London derby bigger for? I would have to say Arsenal this time around.

It has been a disappointing week for the Gunners, losing the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final to Newcastle and then being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Sunday - both at home.

The manner of those defeats, especially against a 10-man United, have not sat well with the fans.

There has been chat around Mikel Arteta's management and whether he can win the Gunners silverware, and that is because, although their home record was strong, their performances have not been overly convincing in recent weeks.

A derby win would not completely squash that conversation, but it could perhaps move it to the periphery.

Gabriel Jesus is also the latest name added to the long-term injury list and given Bukayo Saka's absence it feels the club really need a boost, and a victory over Tottenham always provides that.

Arsenal must take the chance to narrow the gap to Liverpool, who dropped points at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

The title race is not over in January.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford