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Another week, and another big derby in the English Premier League as Arsenal host Tottenham in the showdown of the north London giants. Derbies don't come much bigger than this and, if it is half as good as last season's thrilling 4-4 draw at the Emirates stadium, it will be a cracker.

Both meetings ended all-square last season (the return match at White Hart Lane was a much-less eventful 0-0), which is a sign that Tottenham under Harry Redknapp are closing the gap on their more successful neighbours - last season's 4-4 draw was Redknapp's first game in charge, just four days after his appointment.

Another indicator of progress is that Tottenham go into this derby in fourth place in the Premier League table, level on points with third-placed Arsenal (who have played one game fewer). Having beaten Liverpool 2-1 at home on the opening day, however, Tottenham have disappointed in recent games against the big four, losing 3-0 at Chelsea and 3-1 at home to Manchester United.

Tonight's derby is the acid test for Tottenham, not just in terms of local pride, but also their wider ambitions. It is exactly one week short of 10 years since they last beat Arsenal in the league, home or away, and a victory over their biggest rivals could mark a turning point for Redknapp's side.

That will be difficult to achieve at the Emirates, where Arsenal have a 100 per cent record this season - matched only by leaders Chelsea. But Arsenal should be wary of the visitors, who arrive with the best away record in the Premier League with 10 points from a possible 15 and only one defeat. That was the heavy loss at Chelsea, though it is worth recalling that the game at Stamford Bridge swung on a controversial penalty decision that went against Tottenham when they were trailing only 1-0.

Arsenal's record in London derbies has been one of their weak points since the start of last season, with just three wins in 10 matches. Last week's 2-2 draw at West Ham, where they surrendered a two-goal lead in the final quarter of the game, was a timely reminder that derbies are one of the key battlegrounds that will decide the fate of the title hopefuls.