Spurs aim to end Arsenal’s run

BATTLE UPFRONT Clash between city rivals promises to be fascinating study of teams who started with differing ambitions

LONDON: Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has warned Arsenal that his side are in the perfect form to end their bitter rivals’ 18-match unbeaten run on Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino’s team head to the Emirates Stadium on a six-match winning streak which has carried them to third in the Premier League table.

Tottenham are also on a high after salvaging their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Wednesday.

Revitalised by new boss Unai Emery, Arsenal’s own form has been just as impressive over the last three months and they sit only three points behind Spurs.

But Winks says the north London derby has come at the right time for Tottenham.

“It is a game the fans want to win and one that we want to win. Three games in a week is going to be tough, but confidence is high,” Winks said. “Of course they are beatable. The form we are in right now, it is probably the perfect time to go there. It is going to be a good game.”

The 196th clash between these feuding city-rivals promises to be a fascinating study of two teams who started the season with differing ambitions.

While Tottenham hope to mount a genuine title challenge, Arsenal would be happy with a top four finish after emerging from the dark final days of Arsene Wenger’s reign.

A victory would also give Tottenham their highest points total after 14 games of a Premier League season. Arsenal have lost just one of their last 25 top-flight home matches against Tottenham, but they have won only one of the last eight league derbies.

Emery’s side endured a long trip to Kiev for their Europa League win against Vorskla, but the Gunners rested 10 players to keep them fresh for the derby.

POSITIVE MOMENTUM

Rob Holding was the only player to retain his place from the previous Premier League match at Bournemouth and the defender said he hopes Emery gives him a chance to subdue Harry Kane, who has scored seven times against Arsenal, on Sunday.

“I’m looking forward to going up against Harry Kane. If he doesn’t score a goal, I’ll be happy,” Holding said.

Emery has impressed with his ability to reunite a squad fractured by the toxic atmosphere that marred Wenger’s last seasons and Holding admits the team and fans have bonded again.

“We knew with the new manager it was going to be a process. He’s come in and had a good first half of the season,” Holding said.

“With the fans behind us and the manager, the players are all buying into it. We’re in a positive momentum at the moment.”