Wenger: Chance to show we're stronger than Spurs, Latest Football News - The New Paper
Football

Wenger: Chance to show we're stronger than Spurs

Arsenal boss wants win to quash talk that north London rivals are now superior

Arsene Wenger has warned Tottenham Hotspur that Arsenal will use tonight's derby showdown to prove the balance of power in north London hasn't shifted permanently.

After decades of lording it over their neighbours, Wenger's side have found themselves in the unpleasant position of playing second fiddle to Tottenham over the last year.

                      epl
ARSENAL TOTTENHAM

Spurs will arrive at the Emirates Stadium four points ahead of the Gunners in the Premier League and still basking in the afterglow of their memorable victory over European champions Real Madrid earlier this month.

While Mauricio Pochettino's team harbour ambitions of winning both the Premier League and Champions League, Arsenal are living in reduced circumstances.

Having finished below Tottenham last season for the first time in 22 years, a black cloud hangs over the Gunners, who appear destined for a grim fight for a top-four finish.

Many Arsenal fans have grown tired of Wenger's excuses after 13 years without a league title and the indignity of missing out on a Champions League berth last term was the final straw for many.

Arsenal haven't beaten Tottenham in the league since March 2014, a barren streak stretching to six matches.

But despite a damaging defeat at leaders Manchester City in their last league game, Wenger is adamant his team are primed to end their frustrating run against Tottenham.

Asked if Arsenal were underdogs in the derby, Wenger said: "No, not at all. I think Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win this game and that's what we want to show...

"We have a good opportunity to show we are the strongest, so let's do it.

"It's one of the fixtures that is very important for us and that we want to win, basically as well because in the table we have to make some ground up with the top teams.

"Our home strength will certainly be vital to decide where we finish at the end of the season."

Wenger's hopes of a much-needed victory weren't helped by the injury suffered by France striker Olivier Giroud during the international break.

Wenger may have to start erratic forward Alexandre Lacazette, who was left out of previous marquee match-ups with Liverpool and City.

"He didn't play away at City, I think that's the only game he didn't start (along with Liverpool). I trust him completely," Wenger said of his pre-season signing from Lyon.

Despite Arsenal's plight, Pochettino believes it would be foolish to take victory for granted against wounded opponents.

"We need to show massive respect to them," Pochettino said.

"In the last 22 years, we have finished above Arsenal only one time. That does not mean today we are better than Arsenal.

"Now we need to believe we do not deserve too much praise or credit."

Pochettino will be without injured defender Toby Alderweireld, while goalkeeper Hugo Lloris may not be fit to return from a groin problem.

Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks could feature after missing England's friendlies against Germany and Brazil. - AFP

Football