West Brom vs Chelsea on
London, Nov. 17: Arsene Wenger has warned Tottenham that Arsenal will use Saturday’s derby showdown to prove the balance of power in north London hasn’t shifted permanently.
After decades of lording it over their neighbours from the other end of the Seven Sisters Road, Wenger’s side have found themselves in the unpleasant position of playing second fiddle to Tottenham over the last year. Tottenham will arrive at the Emirates Stadium sitting four points above 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 title triumph and the indignity of missing out on a Champions League berth last term was the final straw for many. Arsenals 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.
“The conclusion of people will be the comparison of the two performances on Saturday. We have a good opportunity to show we are the strongest, so Chelsea can put an indifferent start to their league title defence further behind them by extending a winning streak at troubled West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
Antonio Conte’s side are nine points adrift of leaders Manchester City after just 11 games.