Arsene Wenger has called on his players to stand up and be counted ahead of the crunch North London derby on Sunday.
Arsenal boss wants his side to turn their season around against Spurs
Arsene Wenger has called on his players to stand up and be counted ahead of the crunch North London derby on Sunday.
His Arsenal side sit ten points behind bitter rivals Tottenham and face the prospect of finishing the season, not only without any silverware, but also behind them for the first time in 15 years.
Spurs, by contrast, are hitting some of their best form of the season and have one foot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with just a home tie against League One side Stevenage standing in their way.
But Wenger urged his charges to show strength of character and tackle the challenge head on.
"No matter what we say at the moment it will be printed in a negative way. It is up to us to transform that into a positive way," the Arsenal boss said.
"You can't complain. We are in a fantastic job and we have a big game in front of us - to feel sorry for ourselves would be criminal.
"We have a good opportunity to show that we have character, that we have the mental qualities to play for this club and let's go for it.
"When you are in our situation at the moment, it is important you show faith in your players and stick with them.
"You judge at the end of the season. The only thing you can say is that in the last 15 years Spurs have finished behind Arsenal.
"Tottenham are doing well and we are on a good run in the championship so it will be a good game. Every game is massive now until the end of the season, but it is exciting.
"What is terrible is to play a game of no importance. What is important is that we enjoy it and come out with a good performance."
