NEVER GUNNER HAPPEN Arsene: We’ll always be bigger than Tottenham
DEMANDED
And the Frenchman has also taunted Mauricio Pochettino’s side, saying they will NEVER be as big as the Gunners.
Wenger said: “We have a strong fan base, maybe the strongest in London and, as long as we do our job, Arsenal will always be the stronger.
“Tottenham will have a new stadium of 61,000 and obviously want to be bigger but no position is guaranteed.
“It’s about doing our job. But at the end of the day everything is decided by what happens on the pitch. That is what the size of a club is about, consistency at the top level.
“That is just down to us. I only think about Arsenal and making us as big as possible, making us stronger and stronger.”
During Wenger’s 20 years in charge of the Gunners, Spurs have NEVER finished above their bitter rivals.
Last season they blew their best chance and ended up a place behind Arsenal in third.
But they arrive at The Emirates today with the Premier League’s only unbeaten start and Wenger has told his players to keep cool in the red-hot derby atmosphere.
He said: “It is important that we keep our discipline, remain calm and do not let the occasion affect us.”
Wenger has been involved in his fair share of North London clashes during his time in England and admits the current form of the two sides makes this afternoon a mouthwatering prospect.
He said: “This is what makes this derby even better. The better the two teams are, the better the derby will be. In every city you want that rivalry.
“At the moment both teams are doing well so TONY STENSON that’s why I think that is why this one is more interesting.
“This is a game that you prepare to be at your best for, that you prepare for the intensity mentally and keep your discipline and your composure despite the fact it is a big game. That is important.
“If you look at the number of fouls in the Premier League I think you will see they are in our favour so we just have to keep doing what we are doing well.”
Last season, Arsenal finished the 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane with 10 men after the dismissal of Francis Coquelin.
And Wenger knows that sort of thing can easily happen in the powder-keg environment of a derby. He said: “I accept people do funny things in derby matches. Players who are normally composed, those you can rely on, sometimes lose it when it comes to derby games. “But it is important you keep your discipline, that you focus on football, no matter how big the game. “It can get a bit tense but sometimes you can have games like that. Sometimes you have just two or three moments in the game when it becomes absolutely heated but you have to master the situation when it happens.” Arsenal have not lost since the opening day of the season and have dropped just two points during September and October. November, though, is the month when they have traditionally collapsed or fallen foul of injuries. Wenger knows that only too well but said: “We do have history but we must change that. “I am aware of the record but we have to show the effectiveness of our displays on the pitch.” Wenger also played down talk of the current Tottenham side being their best for years. He said: “I don’t know if it is the best team I have seen in 20 years. They’ve had some good teams. “I accept they are a big challenge to us. They have been more stable at the top. “It is far too early in the season to say what the result might mean. “I believe it is too early to make a prognosis on what will happen at the end of the season.”