UNAI’S GUNNER BE SPECIAL

UNAI EMERY says today’s north London derby could be a chance for him to get the love from Arsenal fans – just like Tottenham supporters adore Mauricio Pochettino.

The Arsenal boss has struggled to build a rapport with fans following two decades under Arsene Wenger.

Pochettino has been praised for building Spurs into title contenders in his five-year reign.

Yet if the Gunners can snatch a win at Wembley, the gap between the two rivals will be down to a point. So why such a difference in perception?

Emery said: “I don’t know. I think each coach has their own personality. Also I know I need to create each moment like a special moment and the past is not important.

“The present is about how you create your future. We are here because we are creating each moment in our own way doing positive things for our clubs.”

While Tottenham’s title charge has imploded, the memories of hammering Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 clash still burn bright. Then there is that night when Spurs got a famous result against Barcelona and also toppled Real Madrid.

Emery added: “For me, each match is one big battle against the coach that is in front of me.

“Against Pochettino it will be a sporting battle, because I have a good relationship with him.

“Maybe after the match it could be two or three days, depending on whether we win or lose, before we talk again. After that we can continue a good relationship.”

Ultimately what really rankles with Arsenal fans is that while Spurs have one foot in the Champions League quarterfinals, the Gunners face Rennes in the Europa League next.

All the more reason to secure a top-four finish. Two years ago, Arsenal failed to reach the Champions League with 75 points and once again that is unlikely to be enough.

Emery added: “When we can look at the last years with the points that we have now, usually it is consistent enough to finish in the top four. But this year it is not enough, we need more.”