Tottenham are now the dominant side in north London admits ex-Arsenal legend

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has insisted that they must accept that Tottenham Hotspur are now the more dominant side in north London ahead of this weekend’s derby.

Spurs travel to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday lunchtime looking to remain undefeated against the Gunners for the seventh consecutive clash, with boss Mauricio Pochettino also searching for his 100th managerial win with the club.

The Lilwhites make the just over 10-mile trip four points and three places ahead of Arsene Wenger’s men, who have endured indifferent form so far this campaign.

Tottenham will be buoyed by the fact they find themselves entering their first north London derby after having finished above Arsenal for two decades.

However, despite a shift in power for all to see, Wright does not blame his former club’s French manager for not admitting his side are underdogs, but does himself accept that Spurs are now the stronger outfit.

“You cannot expect Arsene to say Arsenal are underdogs in a game against Spurs”, the 54-year-old told the London Evening Standard.

“Otherwise the fans would be sharpening the pitch forks! It would be like conceding they have overtaken us. I’d never readily admit we are underdogs to Tottenham… ever.

“Even with everything Arsenal have won, you would not get a Tottenham fan admitting to be in our shadow because of the pride.

“The tide is turning, though. It seems like Tottenham are progressing and we are almost regressing. They are a bit above us and we have to accept that.”

Pochettino leads his side into the first north London derby of the season having never tasted defeat from Saturday’s opponents in the Premier League since his arrival to White Hart Lane.

In addition, with Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Harry Winks and even potentially Hugo Lloris all expected to make their returns, this weekend could well see that statistic remain in place.