EMERY DESPERATE FOR HIS ‘SPECIAL MOMENT’

UNAI EMERY believes today’s north London derby not only gives Arsenal a chance to close the gap on Tottenham to one point, but gives him a chance to experience one of his most ‘special moments’ as manager. Arsenal were 10 points behind Tottenham two weeks ago, but are now just four points back after three straight wins. Emery

(right) is cautious, however, that the threat posed by Mauricio Pochettino’s side at Wembley today will be far more severe than Bournemouth, Southampton or Huddersfield

offered in those victories. ‘It is going to be very difficult and very different to the matches we’ve played recently,’ the Spaniard admitted. Asked if Tottenham losing their last two matches, at Burnley and Chelsea, may

represent a vulnerability, he added: ‘This is a big opportunity for us to play with confidence in our moment, respecting them because they lost two matches, but are still having a very good season.’ For Emery, this is also a chance for him to endear himself to Arsenal supporters. A win would give him a league

double over Tottenham, a sixth victory in 10 meetings with Pochettino and Arsenal’s first away win against top-six opposition since January 2015. ‘I know I need to create each moment like a special moment and the past is not important,’ said Emery. ‘In football, the present is about how you create your future.’