RVP wants to put record straight

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has challenged his team-mates to "put the record straight" by beating Tottenham in Sunday's north London derby at Emirates Stadium.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger maintains the squad must not feel sorry for themselves despite a battering in the last 10 days, slumping to a 4-0 defeat in Milan which all but ended their Champions League hopes before then crashing out of the FA Cup at Sunderland.

By contrast, Spurs are flying high under Harry Redknapp, currently 10 points ahead of their rivals in third place and Van Persie told Arsenal's Official Matchday Programme: "What better way to set things straight again than to beat Spurs? I would rather be playing them now than on any other day, and we know that a win is absolutely vital."

He added: "I don't think anybody would deny that Spurs have a really good side - and they've added consistency this season.

"They are winning the tougher games and, as a result, have made that next step towards the top teams.

"Spurs have invested a lot of money over the past few years, and when you look at the figures it's reflected in their league position.

"They are above us for the first time in many years, but it is in our hands to change the way things are going, win the game and start moving closer to them.

"A draw will not be a good result for us [on Sunday], either in our bid to catch up with Spurs or in our efforts to fight off our other challengers for a Champions League place."