Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal want to win the north London derby tomorrow for themselves, and not to stop Tottenham Hotspur from winning the league.
Spurs have never finished above Arsenal during Wenger’s reign, but are currently second in the league table, leading the Gunners by three points, and could deliver a hammer blow on their north London rivals’ title hopes with a win at White Hart Lane on Saturday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are firm favourites to win their first league title in over half a century, and despite their loss at West Ham on Wednesday night, they are going into the latest installment of the north London derby as favourites to beat Arsenal.
Many Arsenal fans are dreading the prospect of a Tottenham title party on the Seven Sisters Road, but Wenger admits that he doesn’t understand that mentality.
He indicated that he wants Arsenal to win for their benefit, and it is not about stopping Tottenham or anyone else, but about finishing above everyone else to become champions.
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When asked will it be worse for Arsenal if Tottenham win the league, Wenger told a press conference held this morning: “I never understood that.
“You want to do well, because you want to do it for yourself. You have to give everything and sport is about the guys who are the best, who win it.
“It is not about the identity, but it’s about doing your absolute best to finish above everyone else.”
