Arsene Wenger has emphasised the huge challenge and difficulty of winning major silverware ahead of facing a Tottenham Hotspur team on Saturday who are still waiting for a first trophy under Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite finishing behind Tottenham last season for the first time in his 21 years at the club, Wenger remains adamant that Arsenal will not be underdogs and pointedly reminded fans of both clubs that their local dominance had spanned two decades.

He also rejected suggestions that his squad were physically weaker than Spurs and underlined how Arsenal still ended last season by winning the FA Cup. Pochettino has not yet won a trophy in his managerial career and Wenger said that next step always involved fighting against your own inner fears. “It is difficult in the game to win trophies,” said Wenger.

“Basically you need to focus on what is important and not focus on the trophy too much. By keeping your nerves and getting the players to focus on what is important. And, at some stages, by fighting a little bit against your inhibitions – the fear that you won’t get over the line. You always do [have anxiety]. It is always difficult to finish a job.”