Arsenal need to win derby more than Spurs, says Jermain Defoe

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Spurs are 10 points clear of the Gunners with 13 Premier League games to go and the Gunners find themselves facing a huge test of character following another chastening week.

Arsene Wenger's side were comprehensively beaten in their Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at AC Milan last Wednesday before crashing out of the FA Cup at Sunderland on Saturday.

Arsenal have lost three of their last four League meetings against Tottenham and are only above fifth-placed Chelsea on goal difference, prompting Defoe to insist their latest tussle has greater significance for Spurs' opponents.

He said: "It means more to Arsenal than us. Obviously because of the way things have gone for them this season, 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.

"But at the same time 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."

Although Defoe expects the Gunners to raise themselves for Sunday's game, the 29-year-old striker believes Tottenham can continue their recent good form.

Spurs have lost only one of their last 15 matches in all competitions - an unfortunate 3-2 defeat at Manchester City - and Defoe is relishing the prospect of locking horns with the club's old adversaries.

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

"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 and achieve something. We've got a great chance to go there and get three points."