Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to seize moment against Spurs and seal Champions League place

Mikel Arteta has urged his Arsenal players to seize the moment in Thursday's north London derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur and seal their Champions League spot for next season.

The Gunners take on their old rivals knowing that victory will secure a top-four finish and a place at European football's top table for the first time in five years.

They hold a four-point advantage over Antonio Conte's side and are aiming to win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time and complete the double over Spurs after beating their neighbours 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium back in September.

And while Tottenham are a different team under Conte than they were under hapless previous manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Arteta insists his team should have the “inner belief” to get the job done.

“For me it’s not about the pressure,” he said. “It’s about having that inner belief that tomorrow is the day and tomorrow we want to achieve what we have earned.

“It’s more about excitement and the opportunity and when you have that in football you have to go and deliver and do it. That’s the mindset we all have for tomorrow.

“When you have the opportunity to achieve one of your objectives in the season, you just cannot wait to play the game because this is a job, and the work you have done throughout the season to try to earn it.

“The message is clear, if we win against them we are in the Champions League next season.

“You don’t need any motivation or to tell them anything more than that. The opportunity is there, we are going to play and go for it like we always do. It’s how we have got into this position, and it’s how we are going to approach it.”

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