Wenger ignores Spurs' squad claims

Fri Oct 30 2009 16:36:20

Arsene Wenger has shrugged off any claims Tottenham's squad is stonger than Arsenal's.

Both Robbie Keane and Ledley King have insisted that Spurs can match their north London rivals.

But Wenger insists he will not be drawn into any mind games and maintains his squad are focused on Saturday's match.

"We want to win tomorrow and the fact it is a derby gives us a little bit extra special motivation for everybody to win," Wenger, whose side sit one place above Spurs in the league table, said.

"But when the game starts it will be just down to the quality of the display no matter how much other psychological involvement there is in the game.

"I believe that we are in a strong position in every competition we play in and for us it's a good opportunity."

He added: "I have a strong belief in them and I believe we have the wanted strengths to win the championship.

"Don't forget that we have a game in hand, so the table doesn't reflect completely the reality and for us it's a good opportunity to get into a stronger position in the league and that's what we will try to achieve."

Wenger will be without Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky while Samir Nasri will start on the bench after making his return to action from a broken leg in midweek.

One player who Wenger believes will make an impression is Andrei Arshavin, who will be playing his first north London derby since signing for Arsenal in February.

"Arshavin can change any game, anywhere at any moment so I believe he will have a great game," Wenger said.

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