Arsene Wenger says Tottenham finishing above Arsenal would be 'one-off'

Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal not to give up on second place, insisting they can finish above Tottenham Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal not to give up on second place, insisting they can finish above Tottenham

Arsene Wenger claims that if Tottenham finish above Arsenal this season, it will be a "one-off" but warns his team still have not given up hope of overhauling their North London rivals.

Spurs, who are three points ahead of their neighbours with two games to play, are strong favourites to break a run of finishing below the Gunners in the Premier League table, which dates back to the 1994/95 season.

Arsenal face a daunting trip to Manchester City on Super Sunday, with Manuel Pellegrini's men needing a win to ensure they remain ahead of Manchester United in the race for fourth place.

But Wenger believes it is still possible for his side to surpass Tottenham and wants a minimum of a point at the Etihad Stadium to ensure Arsenal maintain their hold on third position.

"It is still an important game, even if Leicester are champions and we are second best," Wenger explained at his weekly press conference.

If they do that, you can at least say it is a one-off because in 20 years, it has happened once. But at the moment, it is not done. Arsene Wenger on Spurs' chances of finishing above Arsenal

"It is still a very important game because part of the responsibility of being a professional is to prepare the future, and the future of Arsenal Football Club depends on this game.

"Our target now is to secure a position in the Champions League next year and, if possible, to get in second place or at least secure third place. On Sunday, we can achieve that.

"Tottenham had a very good season. They didn't manage to finish very strongly recently but overall, they had a very good season and they have a strong team.

"But our target is still, if possible, to get in front of them."

Harry Kane and Per Mertesacker shake hands after Arsenal's 2-2 draw at Tottenham on March 5

If Spurs do manage to finish above Arsenal, Wenger does not see it as a sign of things to come.

"If they do that, you can at least say it is a one-off because in 20 years, it has happened once," Wenger said.

"But at the moment, it is not done."

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Though he remains bullish on Arsenal's standing in their rivalry with Spurs, Wenger did concede his team's league form has been disappointing.

Manchester City have enjoyed similar domestic struggles and Wenger admits both teams will look back at this season ruefully as an opportunity missed to mount a serious challenge for the league title.

"We have regrets because we had a chance to finish top of the league and apart from that, it is difficult for me to compare with City," Wenger said.

"They are a team who is expected as well to win the league every year with the investment they have, so they must be in a similar position."