MX23RW : Monday, December 7 14:43:21| >> :120:4668:4668:
Dec 6, 2020 at 4.30pm UK at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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Jose Mourinho: 'Form is not important heading into Arsenal clash'

Jose Mourinho: 'Form is not important heading into Arsenal clash'
© Reuters
The Gunners have lost four of their last six games in the Premier League.

Jose Mourinho does not expect Tottenham to be complacent in Sunday's north London derby despite the mixed recent form of rivals Arsenal.

The Portuguese manager criticised members of his squad following the 3-3 draw with LASK on Thursday.

He believes some have lacked motivation during the Europa League group stages, but there will be no shortage of incentive this weekend when Mikel Arteta's team travel to N17.

While the Gunners are 14th in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Spurs, it was only back in August when they triumphed twice at Wembley to clinch silverware under their new manager.

"I think everybody knows what Arsenal did recently, the way they beat Chelsea and (Manchester) City to win the FA Cup," Mourinho said.

"The way they played in Liverpool in spite of defeat, the way they beat United at Old Trafford, the way they normally play against the top teams.

"The number of players they use in the defensive process, the way they go in fast counter-attacks and fast transitions. I don't think I need to (warn the players about complacency).

"But probably I will, but I don't think we need that. We all know that a derby is nothing to do with form, momentum, injuries, suspensions. It's nothing to do with that. It's just Tottenham v Arsenal."

Fans will be back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time in nine months when Arsenal visit on Sunday.

Only 2,000 spectators will be allowed in due to the coronavirus pandemic and with London placed in tier two.

Those teams playing in tier three are not able to let supporters in, which has resulted in both Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa and Newcastle boss Steve Bruce criticising the decision of the Government to regionalise the return of fans.

Mourinho admitted: "I can understand their position but at the same time the situation is so difficult and so frustrating for everybody that I believe we have to accept all these things for the good of football, the good of people's happiness and the perspective of 'this is going to change for the better'."

Asked if the backing of the Spurs crowd could lift his players, Mourinho pointed out it would rely on which type of supporter was there.

Tottenham have not played in front of a home crowd since the FA Cup match with Norwich in March
Tottenham have not played in front of a home crowd since the FA Cup match with Norwich in March (John Walton/PA)

"It depends on the fans, their profile, the way people will face the game," the 57-year-old said.

"Do they want to go to the most beautiful stadium in England and enjoy that? Or do they want to go to play the game?

"If they want to enjoy the stadium and their passion for football, I don't think it makes a big difference.

"If they want to go there and play, wear a Tottenham shirt and play the game, that can give a little more motivation and pleasure for us, yes."

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Who will win Sunday's Premier League clash between Spurs and Arsenal?

Tottenham Hotspur
61.9%
Draw
16.4%
Arsenal
21.7%
816
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Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho shouts during his side's Premier League clash with West Ham United on October 18, 2020
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Tottenham HotspurSpurs117312391424
2Liverpool117312617924
3Chelsea1164125111422
4Leicester CityLeicester117042115621
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd106131917219
6Manchester CityMan City105321711618
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham115241814417
8Southampton105231916317
9Everton115242018217
10Wolverhampton WanderersWolves115241115-417
11Crystal Palace115151716116
12Aston Villa95042013715
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104241215-314
14Leeds UnitedLeeds114251620-414
15Arsenal114161014-413
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton102441416-210
17Fulham112181121-107
18Burnley10136518-136
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom11137823-156
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd110110518-131

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