Spurs boss:‘Fans can push us to win last derby atWhite Hart Lane’
MAURICIO POCHETTINO has called on Tottenham fans to make White Hart Lane’s last derby one to remember as they look to end Arsenal’s 22-year dominance in north London.
Spurs sit 14 points ahead of the Gunners in the table and a win today will ensure they finish above their rivals for the first time since 1995.
Beating Arsenal to achieve the feat would make it all the more satisfying for Tottenham, who will also be hosting Arsene Wenger’s men for the final time at their current home.
The club confirmed on Friday they will play all their home fixtures at Wembley next season while their new 61,000 seater stadium is completed in time for season 2018-19.
Spurs are looking for their 15th home victory on the bounce and Pochettino wants the supporters to help condemn Arsenal to defeat in their last outing at White Hart Lane.
“We feel every time that we play, it is the last game – our fans are so excited, and our players, too,” Pochettino said.
“I think that feeling, that energy, that our fans translate to the team, is amazing and it is key, to push you and help you to give your best.
“They can play a part in our last two games.
“All we are achieving at White Hart Lane, is a big percentage because of our fans too.”
Tottenham have come close to finishing above Arsenal in recent years, not least last season when they needed to beat already-relegated Newcastle on the final day but instead lost 5-1.
“We have our own philosophy, our own way and it is important now to be focused,” Pochettino said.
“I can understand because after 20 years Tottenham always was below Arsenal and I can understand that means a lot to be above but personally for me I want to be above Arsenal but I want to win the title more.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will be taking charge of his 50th north London derby. It could well be his last. The 67-year-old has yet to announce whether he will remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of this campaign.
A vocal minority of fans have turned on Wenger in recent months as Arsenal slipped out of the title picture and were humiliated in the Champions League.
But they go into this clash having secured a place in May’s FA Cup Final and
with renewed optimism that they can break back into the top four.
And Wenger knows showing those battling characteristics which his players have displayed on occasion this year will be key to his team’s chances.
“The combative side, yes, of course, will be right,” he said.
“To be capable to fight, yes, will be a very big part.
“It’s true that for a while, the first Bayern game (5-1 loss in Munich on February 15) and Chelsea game (3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge on February 4) was a big knock.
“For a while we bit like a boxer who got put on the floor twice.
“We lost a little bit and people interpreted that as them not caring.
“I think the players care. The players have a good mentality. I love the attitude of this team. There’s a good atmosphere compared to one or two months ago.”
Wenger has a number of tactical options for the game, including whether to stick with his new- look three- man defence or revert to a back four.
He also has a dilemma in attack as he has to decide between Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott or Danny Welbeck to lead the line.
Wenger revealed he is being overly cautious with Welbeck since he returned from a second knee injury back in January.
“He has not practised a lot because he had a pain in his toe and needed to be stopped from training,” he said.
“I don’t play him at the moment regularly because he’s not fully consistently present in training.”
Lucas Perez, David Ospina and Santi Cazorla are also absent as Wenger chases a 23rd victory over Tottenham to leave White Hart Lane for the final time with a smile on his face.