Arsenal must play with 'cool minds' in derby against Tottenham

Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal players to keep their mind cool as he prepares to welcome back Granit Xhaka from suspension for Sunday's north London derby.

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Xhaka is available again after receiving a straight red card in Arsenal's 5-0 defeat at Manchester City before the international break, a costly incident that Arteta spoke to the midfielder about following the game.

It was the latest occasion a moment of ill-discipline has hampered Arteta's side after games against Leeds, Burnley, Southampton, Wolves and Villarreal last season in which they had a man sent off and failed to win.

Arteta said: 'If we do what we did last year and play four or five games with 10 players, we know that we are going to suffer in this league.

'It is something that we want to eradicate. We have to play with cool minds and understand what are the limits in the game and what you can and cannot do.'

At the same time, the north London derby is a special occasion and Arteta will reiterate its importance to his players.

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The former Arsenal midfielder said: 'They do [know what it means] and I will make sure that they understand what it means.

'The history between the two clubs and where this rivalry comes from and what it means emotionally to all of our supporters.

'You have to play this game with a slightly different skin because there is a little bit more at stake.'