Tottenham are on par with Arsenal and derby will be ‘explosive’, says ex-Gunner

Arsenal icon Nigel Winterburn has urged his former team to take nothing for granted against Tottenham because they're every bit as good as the Gunners are at the moment.

The two sides head into the first North London Derby of the campaign level on points after winning four of their first five Premier League matches. Mikel Arteta's men are showing no signs of slowing down after last season's title challenge and Spurs look a team transformed under Ange Postecoglou.

As such, today's game has all the makings of a classic and Winterburn said he wouldn't be surprised if things got a little feisty. "It could be an explosive game. I think it's going to be highly entertaining," the former left-back said speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport via 888sport earlier this week.

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"It's probably the closest the teams have been in terms of points when playing each other for quite a while, so it's already a significant game. Tottenham Arsenal is always a big game, but this one is especially big," he added.

Winterburn, who made just under 600 appearances for the Gunners between 1987 and 2000, suggested both teams will be under huge pressure to get a win. He said Arsenal will been keen to consolidate their position as top dogs in north London and challengers-elect to Manchester City, while Tottenham need a result to prove they can hang with the big boys.

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"From Tottenham's point of view this is their biggest test of the season so far," the 59-year-old continued. "From Arsenal's point of view it's a North London Derby and we're the team expected to be chasing down Man City. [But] it's already a huge game in the calendar for [both teams]. It doesn't need any build up."

When asked for his views on Postecoglou, Winterburn begrudgingly admitted he was rather impressed. "They've made a great start which pains me to say it," he said.

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"I'm not surprised given the way they're playing, and the way Ange got Celtic playing. He likes to play out from the back. They're playing quick, attacking football. They've proven even with Harry Kane gone they're dangerous. I think Tottenham supporters will be delighted with their start."

Last weekend's last-gasp turnaround against Sheffield United meant Spurs have made their best-ever start to a Premier League season after five games. But before fans get too excited, the record they beat was the one Antonio Conte's side set just last year – and it's fair to say their campaign ended in tears.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are two points worse off than they were at this stage last year. Though a win later today would seal the club's best start to a Premier League season since the Invincibles began their title defence in 2004/05.

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