Sunday Sport

Nothing Beats an Ars spank!

TIM FIRED UP TO RUIN WENG TITLE BID

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TIM SHERWOOD has turned up the pressure on Tottenham’s north London rivals by claiming Arsenal CANNOT afford to lose if they want to sustain their title challenge.

Experience­d Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has been told by rookie Spurs chief Sherwood that dropping points will have a significan­t impact on their hopes of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Sherwood, whose side head into the derby on the back of heavy defeats against Chelsea and Benfica, said: “They are looking upwards – but if they want to continue their challenge then they can’t lose on Sunday.

“It’s a real dark spell for us at the moment, but football is all about ups and downs. This is a great opportunit­y to bounce back.

“We want to get away from just wanting to win two games against Arsenal and that’s our season. But there’s nothing better than to beat Arsenal.

“You wish you could play them every week, I can tell you. Results haven’t been that great in the past, but the occasion is always fantastic.

“Wins aren’t regular enough. If we can do that then it will give the fans, the players and everyone a lift.”

If Wenger’s side can triumph and emerge unscathed from a rough set of fixtures that includes title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, then the Gunners will be in pole position.

Wenger concedes that the Emirates outfit would then be in the driving seat in the race to lift the domestic crown and end their nine- year trophy drought.

The Frenchman said: “If we can do that then we will be the favourites, of course. But it’s all for us to do. Let’s start well on Sunday.

“It’s down to how well we perform. The next four games will decide how well we do.

“Let’s go step by step and make a difference to be in the top four – and after, go for more.

“The first step is against Tottenham. The derby is always special.

“It’s a big result on the day, but it won’t define our season.

“After last year’s game we kicked on and we did quite well. We were consistent.

“We had a series of fixtures as well which were feasible. This year, March is very important for us.

“The way we deal with this month will be decided by the way we deal with the Tottenham game.”

Kyle Walker and Sandro are doubts for Spurs, with Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere all out for Arsenal. FEELING THE STRAIN: March is a crucial month

for Wenger

 ??  ?? EYES ON DERBY PRIZE: Sherwood sees victory over Arsenal as a huge boost for the Spurs players and fans
EYES ON DERBY PRIZE: Sherwood sees victory over Arsenal as a huge boost for the Spurs players and fans
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