adminLONDON. – Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has promised to put out a “completely different team” against Tottenham today following this week’s Capital One Cup disappointment.
The Gunners made 10 changes to the side that beat Aston Villa last weekend for the midweek defeat to Southampton .
But ahead of today’s north London derby, Wenger says he will be making changes with Per Mertesacker ready to make a return.
“He is available for the weekend – I don’t think there will be a problem with him,” the Gunners boss said.
“It was a disappointment to go out against Southampton but there will be a completely different team tomorrow (today).”
But Wenger admitted it’s not been easy to bring in extra recruits with his defence down to the bare bones following injuries. “We have been unlucky to lose Monreal and Matieu Debuchy but it’s very difficult to buy defenders in this market,” he explained.
Wenger believes history will give Arsenal a big psychological edge over Tottenham in the north London derby.
Gunners boss Wenger has lost just six out of 43 games against Spurs and has never finished below their neighbours during his 18-year reign.
Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino will also be the TWELFTH permanent Spurs manager since Wenger took charge in 1996.
Wenger believes victory is huge for both clubs, believes Pochettino is a good manager and insists Arsenal’s targets were always to finish in the top four rather than above Tottenham.
Wenger said: “For me a competition is always a new start. The next game is important. After that, the history can make you feel a bit stronger, yes, but let’s not be fooled. What’s important is how well we turn up with our performance tomorrow (today).
“You know that (this game is more important than three points) and I know that as well. It has a psychological impact on the confidence of the team.
“It’s early in the season to judge a team but they (Tottenham) have certainly less introduction of new players. They will benefit from stability and he’s a quality manager. He has shown that at Southampton.
“They (derbies) are important moments of the season, are they defining points? I don’t know but Tottenham has over the years had good players and a good team. To be on top of them of course means that you can fight for the top of the league.
“I am more proud to achieve our targets every year. That was to be in the Champions League, apart from that most of the time to be in the Champions League, one of our rivals was Tottenham. – The Mirror.
Online Reporter