As was the case in nearly every North London derby over the past few years, there will be plenty to play for when Arsenal and Tottenham face off in a Premier League fixture on May 12.

Both North London clubs head into this fixture eyeing a top-four finish in the Premier League standings this season. Arsenal currently holds a four-point advantage on Tottenham for fourth place with three matches to go in the campaign.

The Gunners took care of business on matchday 36 with a narrow 2-1 win against Leeds United, while Spurs finished with a 1-1 draw result against Liverpool.

In speaking following Arsenal’s victory over Leeds United, manager Mikel Arteta was asked on whether there is a bit more motivation to now secure a top-four spot with a possible away triumph over Spurs this week. Overall, the Spanish coach is looking forward to facing Spurs for the fifth time as manager of Arsenal.

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“We are going to go for that match with the same enthusiasm that we always do but knowing that this can be a defining moment and that can be another layer of motivation for us to really go for it,” Arteta said. “I can’t wait for the game.”

As of late, Arsenal has continued to simply scrap victories, which include back-to-back one-goal wins. Arteta sees that his side is simply doing what it can to come out on top in league matches.

“We are finding ways to win matches,” Arteta said. “The way we played for the first 35 minutes was brilliant. Under pressure to play we are doing under pressure in front of our people is credit to them. But you always have an opponent and the context changes throughout the game and you don’t expect to always be on top for 95 minutes.

“We are getting better and dealing with it because we are winning matches.”

In the big picture, Arsenal heads into this edition of the North London derby with a chance to pick up its third straight win over Tottenham. More so, it possibly still could overtake Chelsea for third place in the standings, as the Blues hold a mere one-point lead on the Gunners.