Arsene Wenger explained that he loves the north London derby because of the significance they have, which can give fans special moments.
As the Frenchman approaches his 46th game facing the Gunners’ bitter rivals, the longstanding Arsenal manager says he relishes playing Tottenham Hotspur because of the buzz in the lead up to the game and the euphoria winning brings to fans.
I enjoy [the derby] because I believe that what you want in football is to play games that are important and where there is an excitement in the preparation, games that have meaning for everybody.
Football can give special emotions to people and you want to be part of that.
Wenger has enjoyed a lot of success over his neighbours in his time as Arsenal boss; Tottenham are yet to finish above Arsenal with him in charge at the Emirates.
There have been times when that record looked in danger and times when it hasn’t all gone Arsenal’s way – the Gunners didn’t beat Spurs last season, drawing at home and losing away.
Wenger is wary of the underestimating Maurico Pochetino’s men.
They have been a threat every year since I’ve been here.
In the last 20 years, they always had very strong teams and let’s not forget that some periods we were eight or nine points behind them in April, so they have had very strong teams.
This year they are younger, they work very hard and they will be a tough opponent again – they are every year.
