Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Thursday's North London derby with Tottenham could be a "defining moment" for his team.

A double from Eddie Nketiah was enough for Arsenal to claim a 2-1 victory over 10-man Leeds United at the Emirates on Sunday.

Arteta's side now sit four points clear of Spurs ahead of the blockbuster meeting on Thursday.

"We are going to go for that match with the same enthusiasm that we always do but knowing that this can be a defining moment," he said.

"It can be another layer of motivation for us to really go for it. I can't wait for the game.

"We have earned the right to play that game in that context. We started the season with nine or 10 players out and playing the best two teams in Europe."