Thomas Vermaelen does not believe that Manchester United's newly-earned status as Premier League champions will have any affect on Sunday's match.
The Red Devils arrive at Emirates Stadium having secured top spot with four games to spare, and Arsenal's captain knows that it will take a performance of top quality to earn three vital points for the Gunners.
"While we congratulate them, we cannot worry too much about that," Vermaelen said in the official matchday programme.
"The first thing is always to look at yourself and how you are going to perform, so I don’t see it as a big deal that they have already won the title. Both teams are hugely competitive and will want to win the game, so we’ll need to be at our best.
"Everybody here wants to do what United have done - we are all ambitious and have a big desire to win titles. We want to be doing it every year, and the drive is within all of us."
"Everybody here wants to do what United have done - we are all ambitious and have a big desire to win titles"
Thomas Vermaelen
He cited Arsenal's 1-0 win at Emirates Stadium in May 2011, when Aaron Ramsey scored the home side's winner, as evidence that a strong showing can see United off this time.
"We know we have the resources to take the three points," he said.
"I was injured last time we beat them, when Aaron scored the winner two years ago, but it is a good memory and shows what is possible. We have to make sure our game is spot-on, and give ourselves nothing to fear."
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