Ex-Arsenal star Alexis takes aim at old rivals

ALEXIS SANCHEZ warned Tottenham he is looking to conjure more magical moments at their expense ahead of tonight’s Champions League win-or-bust showdown in Marseille. ‘I have great affection for Arsenal and great memories from my time there, and beating Spurs, every time it was very special,’ said Sanchez. ‘These are memories I hold close to my heart and cherish.’ He is one of four ex-Gunners in the ranks at Marseille, who will qualify for the last 16 if they win at the Stade Velodrome, a result that would send Spurs tumbling into the Europa League. The others with Arsenal in their hearts are Matteo Guendouzi, Sead Kolasinac and Nuno Tavares, who is spending this season on loan from the Emirates Stadium. ‘Every player has got the motivation to play and win,’ added 33-year-old Sanchez (pictured). ‘We want to progress and are working to do so. I’m here to be victorious for the team, playing for the fans. The atmosphere drives us on. We’re at home, so we have the capabilities to do it.’ The Chilean forward has a strong record against Tottenham. He lost only one of the seven north London derbies he played in and scored in two of them. He returned to haunt Spurs further with a goal for Manchester United in an FA Cup semi-final before joining Inter Milan, where he won the Serie A title under Antonio Conte — now in charge of Tottenham but banned from the touchline for this critical game after his red card against Sporting Lisbon. ‘We had a great experience together but he is a very demanding coach,’ said Sanchez, when asked about Conte. ‘If you don’t give 100 per cent you don’t play the next game.’ Marseille signed Sanchez on a free from Inter in the summer but he did not play in their 2-0 loss at Tottenham in September because he was serving a ban from last season. ‘No one wins with just desire,’ said Marseille boss Igor Tudor. ‘You win with a good plan and by avoiding mistakes. It is the game of the year due to the importance of this fixture. ‘It is a really top opportunity for the boys to reach the knockouts but don’t forget we are an outsider.’