Form is irrelevant during Arsenal-Tottenham clash, says Szczesny

Nov 16, 2012 7:00:00 PM

The goalkeeper believes the atmosphere of the north London derby means recent displays are defunct, while he looks to learn from his injury troubles and dismissal during Euro 2012

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes the form of his team-mates and rivals Tottenham will prove meaningless during the "massive" north London derby this weekend.

The two sides managed third and fourth-place finishes respectively last season, but find themselves in seventh and eighth place after eleven games of this campaign.

However, Szczesny, who has returned to full fitness ahead of Saturday’s clash, reckons that prior form will count for nothing when the rivals face off at the Emirates.

“It’s a massive game, and it doesn’t really matter what form you are in when it comes around,” the Polish shot stopper told the club's official matchday programme.

"Both teams have had some disappointing results recently, but it’s all about commitment in this one and I’m confident we can go out there and get the job done.

“Hopefully it can have the same effect for us that it did in February, when it really kick-started our season.

“It comes a little bit earlier this year, so after a frustrating couple of weeks we hope a similar thing can happen - and over a longer period.”


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Szczesny has been absent for most of the season through injury, while a tumultuous Euro 2012 campaign saw him sent off in Poland’s opening game against Greece.

And the goalkeeper is determined to draw strength from the incident and use the experience to spur him on in future.

He said: “It probably made me a stronger person rather than a stronger goalkeeper.

“You can’t take a lot of good things out of it - I was sent off in what was probably one of the most important games of my life, and was half-guilty for the goal we conceded as well. But it was a learning curve for me and I think I did take strength from it.

“Before the Euros, as I said at the time, I felt physically at my best - my preparation had been fantastic, I felt really sharp and couldn’t wait, but I found out that you never know what’s around the corner.

“You just have to try to make the most of all the opportunities you’re given."

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