Perry Groves has told Sports Mole that Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla will both be important players if Arsenal are to collect a positive result from this afternoon's North London derby away at rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The midfield duo were both widely lauded for the displays that they produced during the Gunners' 2-0 victory away at champions Manchester City last month - a game in which manager Arsene Wenger caused a surprise by deploying more defensive tactics than has been the norm throughout his tenure.
Ahead of today's clash, Groves believes that the pair can have a big say on proceedings at White Hart Lane, just as they did at the Etihad Stadium.
"Coquelin is the best holding midfield player that Arsenal have. He's more athletic, more mobile, he's got a lot more strength in his legs and he closes people down quicker than any other Arsenal player. The 4-1-4-1 system that Wenger played at the Etihad suits Arsenal down the ground as long as the four midfielders get back in shape quickly," said the former Gunners midfielder.
"It's also important that Santi Cazorla plays in the centre of midfield because you should always have your best players in a position where they are going to get involved more - he proved that at the Etihad.
"It was one of the best individual performances of the season at the Etihad from Cazorla. He showed bravery when he was closing the opposition down, which I know for someone of his height, you need to work hard in there. He also showed bravery in accepting the ball in tight situations and in the big games, you need your best players to do that to alleviate the pressure."
Arsenal, who go into the clash two points better off than Spurs, have lost just one of the last eight North London derbies.
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Liam Apicella
