While Mauricio Pochettino is thinking about his Tottenham legacy starting with a comprehensive victory over Arsenal, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has revealed that the Gunners are ready to extend their impressive record over their rivals.

Super Sanchez

The ex-Southampton midfielder, who never got to play under Pochettino, revealed in an interview with Arsenal Player that star summer signing Alexis Sanchez has looked particularly motivated ahead of the weekend.

Oxlade-Chamberlain confirmed that, “Alexis really wanted to train and people had to tell him to take it easy.”

Big game Blues

He went on to say that he believes the Chilean international’s attitude, “sums up how much everyone wants to be around the squad and training.

“I think he knew we had a massive game coming up this weekend and, as a new boy, it’s good that he does know that.”

After scoring four goals since his arrival, including a fantastic free kick in Arsenal’s mid-week League Cup exit, Sanchez will be hoping that his attitude translates into opening his account in a North London derby.

Mutual respect

While Oxlade-Chamberlain lauds his teammates, Mauricio Pochettino has put all the focus on Arsène Wenger, admitting his long-term respect for the legendary French manager.

“I have full respect for him, he is a great manager. We have a good relationship. An 18-year stay in charge is not easy. It’s a big gap with me,” the Argentine was quoted in The Telegraph.

Brave heart Argentine

He went on to reveal that he would not allow awe of his managerial counterpart to hamper his teams plans, telling the paper how he will encourage an attacking style to obtain all three points for his reformed side

“We need to be aggressive, focused and show all that you have inside. We need to be brave.”

Rallying his team together, he admitted that to keep his job he must get the results and that his club are, “focused on the game, knowing [their] history. It’s important to write the history.”

Three points a must

With both sides challenging for Champions League football and potentially the Premier League title, three points are a must for both teams.

Arsenal players are confident, Tottenham’s manager is feeling ambitious; everything is set up for the clash at The Emirates to be a memorable one for all those involved.

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