Ian Wright admits Arsenal have sustained ‘big blow’ ahead of Spurs clash

Ian Wright believes that being without Declan Rice for the North London Derby is a huge blow for Arsenal, given the midfielder’s importance to the side.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

The derby game after the international break has taken even more significance for Spurs and Arsenal after their results this weekend.

Ange Postecoglou’s men will be desperate to bounce back after falling to a defeat at St James’ Park, in a game they will feel they should have won.

Meanwhile, the Gunners will also want to get back to winning ways after being held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton.

Declan Rice red card sees him miss the derby

Mikel Arteta’s men will be without Rice for their trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the England international was sent off at the start of the second half against the Seagulls.

Since Rice got two yellow cards instead of a straight red, the decision cannot be appealed, with the former West Ham thus having to sit out the big game against Spurs.

When asked about Arsenal being without their midfielder for their trip to N17, Wright told Premier League Productions (31/08/24 at 2:40 pm): “Yeah, it’s a big blow. I think it’s a big blow for us simply because he is so integral to everything that we are doing.

“If Declan (Rice) is on the pitch for the second half (against Brighton) then we would probably win that game. He is a big miss. I think you could see that in the way that we played in the second half. But to get a point is such a big point now.”

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Arsenal are certainly a weaker side without Rice but they still arguably go into the derby as favourites as they are expected to challenge for the title.

Postecoglou and the Tottenham players will be keen to win the fans over and prove that they can go toe-to-toe with one of the best sides in the league.

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