Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will go for the jugular in derby against Tottenham

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will go for the three points that would secure Champions League football when they make the short journey to Tottenham on Thursday night, even though a draw would ensure they remain overwhelming favourites to take fourth spot.

Arsenal can arguably afford a cagey approach given that, if they restrict Antonio Conte’s team to a draw, they would stay four points in front of Spurs with two games remaining. But the prize that a win would bring is irresistible and Arteta was in no mood to play down the significance when it was put to him that pragmatism could serve Arsenal perfectly well.

“We always play to win and that’s the way we will prepare this game,” he said. “I’m sure [Spurs] will try to do the same. That’s why hopefully it’s a really spectacular game.

“It’s the opportunity to achieve something we haven’t achieved for many years. It’s the game that will decide it. Normally you don’t play games like that in the league unless you are competing for the trophy but we know that, at our level, what this game can deliver to us is really important.”

Arsenal have won their past four games with a patched-up side, sometimes making life difficult for themselves in the process, and Arteta hopes Ben White will be fit to add defensive stability after missing the victories over West Ham and Leeds with a hamstring injury. He also suggested he was waiting on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who has sustained several knocks recently and came off towards the end of the Leeds game, although it would be a surprise if the winger did not start.

Arteta will urge his players to master the intensity of the occasion, which is the first derby to be played in front of fans at Spurs’ new home. “The expectation is huge,” he said.