'This is the first game I look out for'

Carl Jenkinson cannot wait for Sunday's clash against Tottenham Hotspur - because it is the first fixture he looks for at the start of the season.

The right back is a boyhood Arsenal fan and has featured in three of the last four north London derbies.

Jenkinson has fond childhood memories of games against Tottenham and is looking forward to locking horns with them again.

"It means an awful lot to me," the defender said. "It's a massive game. It's the first game I look for when the fixture list comes out at the start of the season.

"You don't have to be here long and you only have to experience one to realise how important it is.

"Someone like myself, who has grown up supporting the Club knows the importance of these games not only to myself but the thousands of fans.

"The boys need to be aware of what it means to the fans. I don't think that will be an issue at the weekend. Everyone will be more than up for it and we just want to keep playing how we've been playing.

"I remember Thierry's mazy run to score his goal against them. Most of my memories are of victories, which is nice. We respect Tottenham. They are a good side and they have signed some good players so we'll treat them with the utmost respect.

"This has got to be a big season for us. We've got to kick on. Finishing in the top four and [securing] Champions League football is great but we need to be pushing on and we want to be competing for the title.

"I think we're capable of doing that. We just need to get that consistency. With the quality of players we've got here, we're more than capable of competing for the title and I just hope we can get a good run under our belt."