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Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers says that the North London derby is always a big occasion regardless of neighbours Tottenham Hotspur’s current form.
The Gunners travel to the BetWright Stadium for the latest North London derby instalment on Sunday afternoon. The two clubs are level in the Barclays Women’s Super League table on 15 points. Spurs have caught the eye this season under new boss Martin Ho.
When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Arsenal boss Slegers said that the latest North London derby is no different to any other regardless of Spurs’ form and that each fixture is huge.
“I think they’re all big; they’re big for us, they’re big for the players, they’re big for the fans as well, so no [not the biggest derby yet],” Slegers said. “It’s another big one, of course and I was involved in the away game last year.
“We really look forward to this one because it’s an important one for us, for the fans. We know they will show up and we’re so grateful that they are with us and supporting us through all times. We’re going to do our very best for the fans as well.”
Going on to discuss Spurs, Slegers admitted that she has been impressed with The Lilywhites’ style of play and said that her side will need to execute their own game plan carefully.
She said “They play different [this season]. I think they have some players that are performing well, they’re more aggressive in the way they play, they go high, they go player-for-player, they want to win balls in the opposition half and that’s different from what they did last year. They’ve been performing really well, so we have to be really smart with how we manage the game and what spaces we try to attack.
“If I look at how the team came back in today, we’re full of energy and belief going into the next one.”
As ever, Arsenal will be backed by a sizeable away following and Slegers highlighted the important role of the club’s fans.
She said “They are amazing, they get us through moments and I know it’s hard for them. Sometimes, when we don’t get the wins or the performances, I know that it hurts, so we’re going to do everything to give everything back to the fans, because they’re always there for us.”
Arsenal’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Tottenham Hotspur kicks-off at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon.
