Ange Postecoglou insists Tottenham should deal with themselves heading into the north London derby with Arsenal, reasonably than on denting their rivals’ Premier League title hopes.
With 4 matches remaining, the Gunners are a degree clear on the summit from reigning champions Manchester Metropolis, who nonetheless have a sport in hand on Mikel Arteta’s aspect in second place.
Whereas Arsenal look to remain very a lot within the hunt for a primary league crown in 20 years, fifth-place Tottenham will goal to scale back their six-point deficit to fourth-place Aston Villa, on whom they’ve two video games in hand.
Spurs are winless within the final three north London derbies – successful simply probably the most latest six – although they twice got here from behind to earn a degree in September’s reverse fixture on the Emirates Stadium.
And Postecoglou has his sights firmly set on beating his aspect’s rivals, and says his gamers aren’t pushed by the prospect of thwarting their opponents’ title bid.
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“Not by way of that as a motivation,” he stated when requested if he wish to dent Arsenal’s title hopes.
“I perceive the significance of successful in opposition to your conventional rival. I by no means imagine your motivation ought to revolve across the demise of any person else.
“Your motivation ought to be about your self. We are able to win on Sunday, nevertheless it doesn’t imply we’re title contenders this yr. I need to win as a result of I need us to progress. I need us to be ready combating for the title.
“If that’s your form of measure, all the time peering over the again fence to see what your neighbour’s constructing, you would each have the worst homes on the street as a result of everybody else is constructing lovely locations, and also you’re wanting over the again fence.”