Arsenal’s current unbeaten run will be put to the test when Unai Emery’s men take on their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs are currently third on the log with 30 points, three more than their hosts. A win for the Gunners at the Emirates would move them above their noisy neighbors on thelog through goal difference while a Spurs win would move them six points clear.
Sunday’s fixture is an all stakes affair even at this early stage of the season.
Arsenal are unbeaten in 17 matches so form really isn’t an issue, the main worry has been the appointment of Mike Deal as the referee for the Derby. Arsenal fans have never fancied Mike Dean and almost always boo him whenever he officiates at the Emirates. The boos are likely to continue this Sunday if the reactions on Twitter following the announcement are anything to go by…
This Lacazette photo sums up their mood currently..
Mike Dean will be in charge of the #NLD pic.twitter.com/hG0xWkL7ot
— Arsenal Central (@ArsenalCentral) November 27, 2018
Famous Arsenal TV ‘pundit’ Mr.DT is up next..
When the North London Derby is this weekend but then you realise Mike Dean will officiate it pic.twitter.com/xRFCvnB5iq
— Aubazettes (@Aubazettes) November 27, 2018
Wouldn’t any of us too..
I really don’t like complaining about referees, but given the history Mike Dean has with Arsenal, it is a shocking decision to select him to officiate a North London Derby.
I won’t be surprised if Mike Dean hogs all the post game headlines. 😤
— Moh Haider (@ArsenalMoh8) November 27, 2018
Video evidence unleashed too..
Mike Dean is clearly Arsenal's nemesis and seems to enjoy being the inevitable cause of our downfall.
Here he can't hide his excitement as he watches the ball bounce into the net for a spurs goal.
This is clear bias. He should have been stopped from officiating our games. pic.twitter.com/pAO4SW2iOO
— UberGunners (@UberGunners) November 27, 2018
Referee for Arsenal vs Spuds is Mike Dean. Again? Seriously???
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) November 27, 2018
others claim there’s an agenda behind it..
https://twitter.com/AFC_Islington74/status/1067418855314739202