Petr Cech recognises that Saturday’s North London Derby is a must-win for both in teams in terms of the title race.

Spurs lost their previous fixture away to West Ham while Arsenal were defeated by Swansea. Although it’s a small blessing that our rivals also dropped points, it does put the pressure on for Saturday.

For the first time in a while, Spurs go into the fixture as clear favourites and us as the underdogs. However, this doesn’t mean to say we should just roll over and allow them to win comfortably.

Despite being out of the match through injury, Petr Cech spoke ahead of the game.

“I think it is the game with a big, capital G because it is the one where, if we want to come back and not let Leicester go away with it [we have to win],” Cech said.

“If we don’t want to allow the teams behind us to close the gap on us, this is the game where you need to respond.

“We go game by game and there are 10 games to play and the way it goes, everybody has a chance. We know that we are still in it and face a tough opponent on Saturday.

“It is not only a London derby but it is probably a must-win game for both teams if you want to have a step closer to the title. It is a north London derby so everyone knows it is a special game in itself.

513504000 petr cech of arsenal in action during the gettyimages
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 02: Petr Cech of Arsenal in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Swansea City at Emirates Stadium on March 2, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“Everybody wants to win the title. All the people in the first five places who say they are not thinking or talking about the title are lying. I have never seen a football player, manager or anyone who was in the top five say ‘I don’t want to win the title’.

“Everyone wants to win it, but the way the season goes it has been strange because in normal circumstances, with the number of points any team has in the top five places, they probably would not even be top five.”

I’ve never felt more sure we’re going to lose to our closest rivals before. Not only are we playing terribly but mentally, our team just aren’t where we need them to be right now. I do hope the boys can go out at White Hart Lane and prove me wrong.