Last Updated: Sat, 17 Nov 2012 11:45
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has asked his players to rise above the tension ahead of Saturday's north London derby.
The Frenchman knows all too well how dramatic this fixture can be, with last year's 5-2 victory still fresh in the mind.
The Gunners are on the hunt for a much-needed three points in the Premier League after enduring a dip in form which has seen them pick up only two wins from their last seven Premier League outings.
Arsenal sit in eighth place in the table, something that the experienced boss wants to improve, and it has been 17 consecutive years since Spurs last finished above them in the league.
"We cannot say we are professional if we are affected by any reaction of the crowd. We have to deal with that," Wenger said.
"If you want to be a top-level professional you have to understand the crowd wants you to win and you have to deal with the fact that they are not always happy.
"That is where you see the personality and the sense of responsibility of the player."
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