Arsenal ready for title-winning test against Spurs

Although Arsenal powered to a 3-1 victory in the derby in October -- making it three wins in the last four meetings -- it is the painful memory of their most recent trip to Tottenham that remains etched in the minds of Arteta's players.

With just three games remaining last season, Arsenal would have been guaranteed to qualify for the Champions League if they won at fellow top four contenders Tottenham in May.

Instead, they crumbled to a woeful 3-0 defeat, then lost the next match at Newcastle to allow Tottenham to pip them to fourth place in a collapse that sparked furious criticism of Arteta from frustrated fans.

It was a debacle that could have proved fatal to Arteta's Arsenal project, but the Spaniard has impressively made amends with his astute leadership during a campaign that has exceeded all expectations.

Arteta believes the bitter taste from last season's surrender at Tottenham has played a significant role in fuelling Arsenal's title push.

"That was the result and the performance. There was a lot of things to learn and take from it," Arteta said.

"We are in a different place now and we have to show we can play the way we want."

Unbeaten in their last 11 league games, the Gunners find themselves with a golden opportunity to win the title for the first time since Arsene Wenger's Invincibles reigned supreme in 2004.

With champions Manchester City looking more vulnerable than usual and Liverpool struggling to shake off a season-long funk, Arsenal have seized the initiative in the title race with a remarkable 14 wins from their 17 games.

Arteta's side are five points clear of second placed City, who can expect a stern test from in-form Manchester United on Saturday.

A City slip at Old Trafford would open the door for Arsenal to increase their lead over Pep Guardiola's men.