There are not many bigger dates in the diary for Tottenham and Arsenal supporters than the North London derby.
Over a century old, the storied rivalry has taken on heightened significance in recent years as both clubs have been regular contenders for top four places and the Premier League title.
One of the few players to have represented both clubs is David Bentley, who rose through the youth ranks at Arsenal before making his Premier League debut during the 'Invincibles' season of 2003/04.
A fruitful spell at Blackburn Rovers saw him earn a call up to the England national team as well as a move back to north London in 2008 - only this time in the white of Tottenham.
Part of the squad that saw Spurs reach the UEFA Champions League for the first time, Bentley famously scored a wondrous volley on his return to the Emirates Stadium in a frenzied 4-4 draw.
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The North London derby experience
"It’s massive," Bentley says of the derby occasion. "Everyone knows the importance to both fans and clubs for the North London derby and what it means. You feel it in the youth set up and you feel it at senior level.
"It’s all good natured and good banter and with the media now it makes the hype even bigger. You feel it in training in the week before, the energy is great, the anticipation is strong and [there’s] a great buzz around the camp ahead of the game.
"For me I loved the games, it’s great to get up for playing against your rivals and it means so much to the fans and also players as well."
Stakes are typically high. While league position and going far in cup competitions is paramount for all clubs, a memorable win against your bitterest of rivals can endure for years to come, even in underwhelming campaigns.
And as the fans have some added nerves ahead of derby day, Bentley attests to the extra importance filtering into the players’ pre-match preparations.
"The hype is there for sure. You didn’t need to get specifically hyped up for it as training is more intense the week leading up for the game. All you hear is about the upcoming North London derby.
"Fans you meet on the street help as well as they get you up for the game as well.
"Preparation is similar, you need to ensure the basics are done right and everyone knows their jobs and to play the way the manager wants you to play. But there is a little bit more excitement around training definitely."
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Tottenham reaching Arsenal's level
Historically, eras of glory and silverware have often fluctuated between both sides, and so has been the case in recent seasons.
2016/17 became the first time Spurs finished ahead of Arsenal in the top flight in twenty-two seasons, with the Lilywhites doing so again a further five years in a row until 2022/23.
The recent resurgence of the Gunners can also be seen through their two most recent visits to Tottenham.
Having been winless in away tussles for seven years previously, respective 2-0 and 3-2 victories have helped mount serious title challenges.
"You look at what Mikel Arteta has done at Arsenal and you can only applaud this. What Edu and Mikel have done in terms of transfers has been excellent.
"Arsenal have increased their points tally every season and the quality of player has improved the club as well."
Narrowly falling short of Manchester City has seemingly been the marker of a great side in recent seasons, as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool can second, but Bentley is confident about success continuing for Arteta’s men.
"The fans and Emirates is buzzing on match day and everyone is pulling in the same direction. Arsenal is a great club to play for right now and there is a lot of positivity that a trophy will come very soon."
On the flip side, Tottenham are still seeking to solidify a regular place in the Champions League and contend for trophies again, as they enjoyed in the previous decade under Mauricio Pochettino.
Qualifying for the UEFA Europa League last season was an important step in getting back to that, but Bentley insists there is still more work to be done.
"Spurs are just on that journey with Ange [Postecoglou] turning things around by getting the fans on side and match days are better.
"Tactically Ange has to get things right and Spurs must buy well moving forward and progress their points tally."
With such a well-oiled set up in place and a crop of young players making up the spine of the team, the present and future is bright for Arsenal. Tottenham getting to a similar level is certainly a tall order now, but one that Bentley believes is possible in due course.
"It’s tough with Arsenal continuing to improve as if they do so it will be a while for Spurs, but any drop off and it may be sooner."
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Ange Postecoglou
Last year’s switch to the full-throttle vision of Ange Postecoglou signified Spurs’ intent to dominate more and take the game to their opponents after nearly four seasons of defensively-minded, counter-attacking football.
Finishing fifth in his inaugural season was a promising start for the Australian, who is still working on fully imprinting his winning ‘with a flourish’, as Danny Blanchflower would say, approach on the squad.
Does Bentley, who made his name as a winger under Harry Redknapp, Mark Hughes and Arsene Wenger, think he would have enjoyed playing under Postecoglou?
"Absolutely. You see what he has done so far, it’s really positive.
"Jose [Mourinho] and [Antonio] Conte didn’t play attractive football and the relationship with fans wasn’t great. Ange has come in and the football is better, the fans are engaged on match day, so they have the foundations for something good.
"Ange comes across well in the media, has a good sense of humour and you can see he is a coach who has a good relationship with his players. I like that and I like the way he comes across."
After three matches, Tottenham are tenth having collected 4 points while Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League on 7 points.
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