Arsenal attacker Santi Cazorla has described this Sunday's North London derby as a "very important" encounter.

The Gunners go into the match at White Hart Lane four points behind their rivals, who currently occupy third spot in the Premier League table.

With a place in next season's Champions League at stake, Cazorla has expressed the importance of his side collecting all three points.

"It's very important, not just because it is a great rivalry or that it's Tottenham versus Arsenal, but the fact that they're a side with great players who are fighting with us for a top-four spot," he told the club's official website.

"To beat them and get into the top four and the Champions League, which is our aim for the season, is essential. We know how important it is and I hope we can rise to the challenge.

"Like everyone else, I'm really looking forward to the match against Tottenham and I hope we can achieve our goal of fighting for a Champions League spot. It's going to be a really difficult game but a great match to watch."

Cazorla scored during the first derby of the season, which ended in a 5-2 win for Arsenal.