“P.A.L. is finally here”, “They’re gonna LAP Spurs” - why Arsenal fans are delighted with Emery’s starting XI

The day has finally arrived for both north London rivals. It’s Derby Day! One of the most hotly-anticipated fixtures in the Premier League will transpire in a short while at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, and like usual, it’s expected to be a highly-absorbing, topsy-turvy and transfixing encounter.

Arsenal have just announced their starting line-up, which consists of: Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, Kolasinac; Torreira, Xhaka, Guendouzi; Pepe, Aubameyang, Lacazette.

Emery is expected to set his starting XI in a 4-2-1-2-1 formation, with Guendouzi in front of the anchor-duo of Torreira and Xhaka, and Auba and Pepe occupying the wings beside the lone frontman, Lacazette. Notably, this is the first time Emery has selected the celebrated trio to start from the get-go, which has excited the Arsenal faithful as evident below.

Lacazette, Pepe and Aubameyang 👀 pic.twitter.com/FeElI3yIOO

— Felix. (@WittyGooner) September 1, 2024

P.A.L is finally here… 🇨🇮🇬🇦🇫🇷

— Evan Cooper (@Lacazest) September 1, 2024

They’re gonna LAP Spurs.

— Alex Gam (@AlexGam2013) September 1, 2024

They're going to make them climb the North London ALPs

— Ghoochannejhad (@_C_hacha) September 1, 2024