'The derby will not decide our destiny'

Lukas Podolski is eagerly anticipating the chance to compete in another “special” north London derby this weekend.

The Germany international scored in November’s 5-2 victory against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium, but is expecting a sterner test on Sunday.

 Arsenal are four points behind Andre Villas-Boas’ side but Podolski says the Gunners will fight hard to close the gap.

“They are a very good team, very strong and they are third in the Premier League,” he told Arsenal Player. “I like derbies, it will be a tough match but we want the three points and we have the quality to win there.

“It is something special when it is a derby, for the fans and for the Club. When you play away at your rivals you must fight for the three points.

“It is a big game but it will not decide who will play in next season's Champions League. We have 11 matches to go and every match is like a final and we must fight to get into the Champions League next season. This is important to us.”