'We have ‘a great chance’ of doing derby double over Arsenal' - Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe

The England striker believes that his side can build on their 2-1 home win over the Gunners in October by claiming all three points at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday

22 Feb 2012 16:08:00

By George Ankers

More On :  Arsenal FC, Tottenham, Jermain Defoe, Arsenal FC vs Tottenham
EPL: Jermain Defoe, Tottenham v West Bromwich
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Jermain Defoe believes that his Tottenham side have “a great chance” of beating Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday and securing the first double over their north London rivals in nearly 20 years.

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The last time that Spurs beat the Gunners home and away in a league season was in 1992-93 but, after a 2-1 triumph at White Hart Lane in October, Harry Redknapp’s side hope to change that.

The striker advised caution ahead of the game, before claiming that team spirit is a driving force in the team’s impressive form.

“It's going to be a difficult game but I'm confident, obviously, with the way we're playing,” Defoe told LBC 97.3.

“We've got a really strong squad now and everyone's playing well. Everyone's firing and team spirit is fantastic which I think is always important if you want to try to achieve something.

“We've got a great chance to go there and get three points.”

Tottenham currently hold a 10-point advantage over their fierce local rivals, sitting in third place in the league, whilst the Gunners lead the chasing pack in pursuit of the final Champions League qualification spot.

Arsenal have come under pressure of late following consecutive defeats to AC Milan and Sunderland within a week, but Defoe is expecting Arsene Wenger’s side to raise their game at the Emirates Stadium.

“It means more to Arsenal than us obviously because of the way things have gone for them this season,” the England striker opined.

“I think it's been a lot of ups and downs, where at the beginning they didn't start too well, then they picked it up and then they've had a little blip again.

“I've always said they're a good team.

“You can't write Arsenal off. In football it's always the next game, you can change it in the next one.

“And I think, playing against us, it'll be a different Arsenal from what people have seen over the last few weeks.”

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