Wenger - The derby can be spectacular

Arsene Wenger says the north London derby is as special to him as ever after 18 years in charge of Arsenal.

Saturday’s clash at White Hart Lane will be the manager’s 700th Premier League game - and his 45th match against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners drew 1-1 against their rivals at Emirates Stadium in September and Wenger is confident that Spurs’ home advantage will not matter.

“In the derbies the home ground is not too significant sometimes because it’s a high commitment, high pace and we just focus on the quality of our game and our performance no matter where we play,” the manager explained. “We’ll do the same tomorrow.

“Of course [the derby is special] because the two teams are fighting very hard to be at the top of the league. It can be a spectacular game.”

Arsenal’s 5-0 win against Aston Villa was their fifth consecutive win – a run which includes four clean sheets - and Wenger believes his side’s defensive solidity is one of the reasons for their fine form.

“[One reason is] confidence, the fact that we defend better maybe,” the manager added. “We have another good test tomorrow on that aspect of our game. After all, football is fragile when you have not got confidence.

“When you have positive results behind you it makes everybody stronger and we have also recovered nearly all our defenders now, and that is of course important.”