Arsene Wenger has urged his Arsenal side to put their recent poor form behind them to defeat rivals Tottenham Hotspur, but has admitted that the contest won’t be easy.
The Gunners have struggled in recent matches, falling to a midweek defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, before losing 2-0 against Chelsea in the Premier League at the weekend.
The latter match was also characterised by marked indiscipline on the part of the Gunners, as two Arsenal players—Gabriel Paulista and Olivier Giroud—were dismissed.
This weekend they come up against fierce local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup.
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After a slow start to the season, Spurs are improving rapidly, and head into the London derby on a run of three consecutive wins, having defeated Sunderland, Qarabag and Crystal Palace in their last three fixtures.
Speaking to Arsenal Player, as per talkSPORT, Wenger has admitted that it the upcoming cup match won’t be easy.
“They had a slow start but since then they have had two good wins, so that will have boosted their confidence,” the French manager began.
“It makes you think it will be a very even game tomorrow.”
However, the coach has urged his side to secure a ‘special’ victory against their fierce local rivals: “We want to get back into winning habits and that is why the momentum is even more important for us.
“Every single game that you play with Arsenal you want to win, especially this one which is a bit more special because it is always a big meaning.”
Both North London heavyweights have enjoyed great success in the League Cup; Arsenal have reached seven finals, winning two, with their last triumph coming in 1993.
Spurs, by contrast have reached eight finals, winning four. They were defeated finalists against Chelsea last season, and last won the competition in 2008.