Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal are not underdogs going into the North London derby.
Arsenal go into Saturday’s game four points behind Tottenham and with no North London derby win in the Premier League since 2014.
Despite that, Wenger doesn’t believe his side will be underdogs and feels they have the quality to win the game.
Wenger asked if #afc are underdogs against Spurs: "No, not at all. Tottenham is a good side but we have the quality to win this game."
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) November 16, 2017
"Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win this game and this is what we want to show." #AFC
— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) November 16, 2017
As always, the game on Saturday is set to be an intense and passionate affair.
Wenger believes that a combination of pride, desire and focus will be needed if Arsenal are to get a result on Saturday.
Wenger on NLD: "There's always pride involved. The desire to beat your opponent and keep your nerve but to be lucid and calm enough to focus on the game."
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) November 16, 2017
The last encounter between the two sides at the Emirates Stadium ended 1-1.
An own goal from Kevin Wimmer had given Arsenal the lead, but they were pegged back early in the second half by a Harry Kane penalty.
Arsenal haven’t defeated Tottenham at home in the league since September 2013, when Olivier Giroud’s goal was enough to separate the two sides. Since then, it’s been three consecutive 1-1 draws.
Arsenal can go within a point of Spurs should they win. However, defeat would leave them seven points adrift and playing catch-up with their top-four rivals.