Jermain Defoe is confident Tottenham can secure their first derby double over Arsenal in almost 20 years when they go to Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Striker confident Spurs can secure double over Arsenal
Jermain Defoe is confident Tottenham can secure their first derby double over Arsenal in almost 20 years when they go to Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The last time Spurs saw off their arch-rivals home and away was back in 1992/93, but there is every chance that barren run could come to an end this weekend - with a 2-1 victory having already been secured at White Hart Lane back in October.
Harry Redknapp's side make the short journey across north London sat 10 points clear of the Gunners in the Premier League standings.
With only one defeat having been suffered in their last 15 top-flight fixtures, there is feeling within the Spurs camp that their next fixture could offer them the chance to virtually wrap up UEFA Champions League qualification.
Defoe will not allow himself to get that carried away, but the England international is determined to help Tottenham edge one step closer towards that target.
Spirit
"It's going to be a difficult game but I'm confident, obviously, with the way we're playing," he told radio station
LBC 97.3.
"We've got a really strong squad now and everyone's playing well.
"Everyone's firing and team spirit is fantastic which I think is always important if you want to try to achieve something.
"We've got a great chance to go there and get three points."
There is no question that Tottenham head into derby day in better shape than their near neighbours, with Arsenal having endured demoralising defeats in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup in their last two outings.
Blip
Defoe is aware that it would be foolish to write the Gunners off, though, with it important that Spurs do not allow complacency to set in.
"It means more to Arsenal than us obviously because of the way things have gone for them this season," he said.
"I think it's been a lot of ups and downs, where at the beginning they didn't start too well, then they picked it up and then they've had a little blip again."
He added: "I've always said they're a good team.
"You can't write Arsenal off. In football it's always the next game, you can change it in the next one. And I think, playing against us, it'll be a different Arsenal from what people have seen over the last few weeks."
