Mikel Arteta reveals his concern over fans returning ahead of North London Derby with Spurs

Mikel Arteta has delivered his verdict over the impact of Spurs fans returning for the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal go into the game as underdogs after a poor start to the season has left them in 14th place with their lowest points tally ever after 10 Premier League games.

Spurs, on the other hand, have started the season on fire, and are top of the league with the most goals scored and least conceded.

However, it is not the form of the opponents that Mikel Arteta is most fearful of ahead of Sunday's fixture.

North London Derby Preview

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the match the Gunners' boss revealed that he is worried about the impact the return of spectators to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will have on the match.

Up to 2,000 Spurs fans will be allowed into the venue for the first time since March after a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was ended in England on Wednesday.

Arteta knows first hand the impact supporters can have on a team, after his side's performance in their 4-1 victory over Rapid Vienna front of the restricted Emirates faithful on Thursday.

Arsenal's fans in attendance at the Emirates Stadium certainly gave their team a boost in the Gunners' 4-1 victory over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League. ((Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

Goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Pablo Mari, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe helped a revitalised-looking Arsenal to the victory in what was a polar opposite display from the one seen in the defeat to Wolves just four days prior.

"Yeah," he said when asked if he was concerned about the added boost fans might give Jose Mourinho's side.

However, the Spaniard was also keen to point out that he didn't want to use the presence of spectators as an excuse for Arsenal ahead of the derby.

"We've been waiting for this moment for a long time now we're not going to complain," he said. "I'd rather play in a stadium with an atmosphere with some fans.

"This moment it's going to be them with their supporters and next week it will be with us and we want to bring more fans when it is safe.

"It makes sense when you have to handle this situation as well. Fans pressure when you have them pushing you, giving you that energy is the beauty of our profession and we can share that with them."