Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that his side intend to keep Tottenham Hotspur quiet in their North London derby clash.
The Gunners are aiming to bounce back from their heavy defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich during the week to keep their challenge for the Premier League title on course.
However, Mertesacker has admitted that his team will face a tough challenge in the match due to Spurs' strong start to the campaign.
He told Sky Sports News: "Tottenham are always competing for the top spots, always reaching the Europa League. They want the next step into the Champions League spots. Our job is to keep them quiet as much as we can.
"They have learned as well they do not want to be a Europa League team anymore, they want to be a Champions League team. Both teams are very successful in the Premier League in recent weeks, so now is a good time to go head-to-head. I think us being at home hopefully gives us that energy we need.
"They are important games and a special atmosphere. That extra per cent you give during that game, the extra per cent you get from the fans. As long as you are winning it is a good day."
Arsenal play Spurs at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Simon Sinclair
