Antonio Conte issues rallying cry ahead North London Derby as the hunt to secure fourth spot in the Premier League reaches boiling point.
“This is a game with great emotion, we have to control our emotions. It is a vital game for us, we need to win. There is no other solution,” says Antonio Conte
Tottenham welcome the Gunners to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the biggest derby clash in years in a six-point decider.
As it stands, Mikel Arteta’s side hold a four-point advantage in the top four race, meaning that Antonio Conte’s side are under pressure to record a home victory if they’re to give themselves a good chance of getting fourth.
Victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will cut Arsenal’s advantage to a point with two to play, defeat will see Mikel Arteta secure the red half of north London a seat back at the top table of European football for the first time in five seasons.
“These are important games for the table, first of all,” Conte exclusively told Sky Sports.
“It’s a vital game for us because if we want to continue having an opportunity to play in the Champions League we need three points, we need to win. There is no other solution for us.
Antonio Conte issues rallying cry ahead of North London Derby. (Image:Getty)
“I also know very well the importance of this game. It’s a north London derby, I understand the rivalry between the two teams very well, but the first thing for us is that we have to try and win and get three points for the table, and then because we want to give satisfaction to our fans.
“The game against Arsenal is an important game, it’s a north London derby, it’s important for the rivalry between the two teams, but the most important thing is the three points. With three points, it means we go very close to them and put pressure on them.”
With just three matches remaining the Lilywhites cannot afford any slip-ups when they host Arsenal as they still trail the Gunners by four points.
A win for the hosts would cut the gap down to just one point, while a loss will widen the gap to seven points.