Arsenal keen to close gap on Spurs ahead of derby clash, says Emery

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Arsenal manager Unai Emery believes the opportunity to inch close to within a point of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League will be a “big motivation” for his players ahead of Saturday’s north London derby.


Midfielders Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan marked their sparkling return to form as Arsenal eased past Bournemouth 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

The win, coupled with Tottenham’s loss at Chelsea, means fourth-placed Arsenal head to Wembley this weekend four points adrift of their local rivals.

“It is a big motivation,” Emery told reporters.

“We need to take the opportunity like today, these three points. After we can have and get an opportunity like Saturday.

“They are still ahead of us in the table, and it’s difficult to win there, but it’s a good test.”


Mkhitaryan and Ozil both put themselves in contention to start the derby with a goal apiece against Bournemouth.

Arsenal manager Unai Emery refused to be drawn on whether the pair had done enough to feature in his tactical plans for the weekend.

“I’m going to watch the match back, and Tottenham’s, and after that I will decide our game plan for Saturday with every player,” he added.

“If we can play with big performance I want every player to help us with this decision.”