Former Arsenal captain predicts extra motivation for Tottenham in North London derby

William Gallas believes Tottenham will be especially fired up when they meet Arsenal this weekend.

Arsenal travel to their local rivals for a North London derby on Sunday, with a win almost certainly vital for Mikel Arteta’s team to keep up the pressure in the Premier League title race.

For Tottenham, they need a victory in order to keep up the battle for a Champions League spot with Aston Villa ahead of them - but having played two games more than Ange Postecoglou’s side.

As well as their own ambitions, a win for Tottenham would put a dent in Arsenal’s trophy hunt, and speaking to Lord Ping, former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender Gallas said he thinks that will provide extra motivation.

He said: “From a Tottenham perspective, there are two motivating factors. The first motivation is the fact that it’s a North London derby. 

“That motivation will always be there – Tottenham will want to be better than their rivals in the Premier League, so that is one factor. 

“The second motivating factor, and I’m sure the fans have been thinking about this for a while and will be letting the Tottenham players and staff know that they can potentially stop Arsenal from becoming champions. 

“I think the Tottenham players will do everything to put a serious dent in Arsenal’s title challenge. It’s double motivation for Tottenham on Sunday. This season, under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham have improved a lot. 

“This game is going to be absolutely electric. Arsenal will go there with a lot of confidence. I’m sure that we’re going to see quite a few goals on Sunday.”

Live on DAZN PPV: Canelo vs. Munguia on May 4.  Click here for details.