Vertonghen insists revenge is not the main factor for Tottenham against Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen does not want the desire to avenge the defeat to Arsenal earlier in the season to overshadow a crucial match in the race to finish in the top four of the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League, ESPN has reported.
Speaking to the Tottenham website, Vertonghen admitted the 5-2 defeat at the Emirates Stadium in November hurt, but stressed the forthcoming return match was more important for Spurs’ hopes of finishing third this season that getting one over their near neighbours.
“ We want to win this game not just because of revenge, but because we want to beat Arsenal anyway, we want to stay in the third position and to keep our good run going,” Vertonghen said.
Despite only moving to White Hart Lane last summer, Vertonghen says he is well aware of the way in which last season petered out for Tottenham after a defeat to Arsenal. Spurs took an early lead at the Emirates Stadium, going two goals clear after little more than 30 minutes, only for Arsenal to hit five goals in reply. That sparked a run of form for Arsene Wenger’s men that took them to third place - at the expense of Spurs.
“We have 11 matches left and every game is a cup final now. We all know what happened last season. We are all determined to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League because we all believe this team is ready for it and deserve it,” Vertonghen added.
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