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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has delivered an interesting response when asked whether Tottenham can win the Premier League title this season. The Gunners were unable to claim bragging rights over their fierce rivals on Sunday afternoon as the first North London Derby of the season ended in a 2-2 draw.
Cristian Romero turned home Bukayo Saka's strike into his own net before Son Heung-min equalised before half-time. Saka put the Gunners back in front from the penalty spot in the second half - but Son equalised once again after capitalising on a Jorginho error.
Arsenal and Spurs both maintained their unbeaten record in the Premier League this season - but fell further behind reigning champions Manchester City at the top of the table. The Gunners are aiming to beat Pep Guardiola's side to the title and end their 20-year wait for a Premier League trophy this season.
However, they face a number of rivals aiming to do the exact same this season - and Spurs could be in the mix. Ange Postecoglou has implemented an exciting, attacking style of play since arriving at Hotspur Way and it has seen Tottenham go unbeaten in the Premier League so far this season.
When asked whether he feels that Spurs could challenge - or even win - the Premier League title this season, Arteta offered an interesting response. The Arsenal boss said: "I think they [Spurs] are a really good side.
"They are really well coached. You can feel the spirit in the team, the energy in them, but I think six games is too early for everybody to discuss where we’ll be."
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Injuries could play a key role in either side's title challenge this season - with Arsenal being hit with problems early on in the campaign. Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice are all currently struggling with injury issues - leaving Arteta's options weakened in key areas of the pitch.
Spurs suffered their own injury problems against Arsenal as summer signing Brennan Johnson sustained a hamstring issue. James Maddison was not fully fit heading into the game and he must stay fit if Tottenham are to challenge for the Premier League title after proving his importance to the team so far this season.
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