Antonio previews Arsenal: “We need to show the desire, the will to get the three points”
Fri 13 January 2023, 18:30|
Tottenham Hotspur
Lecce-Bari, Juventus-Turin, Chelsea in London, Inter v AC in Milan and now Spurs-Arsenal, it’s fair to say Antonio Conte has seen his fair share of derbies in 38 years as a player and manager.
Just like his first taste of the north London derby in May, the stakes are high as Arsenal make the trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the 172nd league meeting between the teams on Sunday (4.30pm).
It’s a rivalry that stretches back over 100 years now, to 1921, the first meeting between the teams as a north London derby following Arsenal’s move from Woolwich to Highbury in 1913.
Fans will hardly need reminding that the Gunners are top of the Premier League for this latest N17-N5 clash, with us fifth, two points adrift of Newcastle and United.
This will be Antonio’s third NLD, and he told SPURSPLAY what he’s made of the fixture so far: “I understand very well the importance of the north London derby,” he told us. “The atmosphere is amazing, incredible.
“Last season, I remember very well, it was amazing to play in this atmosphere. Also, when we played away, the atmosphere was also really strong at the Emirates. For this reason, we want our fans to create a great atmosphere for us on Sunday.”
Antonio on... derbies
“Every derby is very, very difficult, because you start to live this type of game many days before you play. It happened the same in Milan, Inter v Milan is a really difficult game. In Juventus, Juve v Torino and when I played for Lecce, it’s Lecce v Bari, a great rivalry. A derby is always a special game. At the same time, we are talking about getting three points. This is the most important thing.”
Antonio on... what it takes to win a derby
“You have to be strong... strong mentally. We need to use the head, the heart, the legs and to show the desire, the will to get the three points. This is very important if you want to win a derby, or a game like this against an opponent, who, don’t forget, is top of the league.”
Antonio on... Arsenal
“This summer, the worked well, they improved the team, the squad. Don’t forget, they have been together three, four years with Arteta, and many young players developed well, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, plus players with experience like Xhaka, Partey. We are talking about a team they built and, on this path, they sent away many players, brought in many players, and now they are doing very well.”
