THIERRY HENRY has issued a warning to Arsenal’s stars ahead of their North London derby against Tottenham this afternoon.
After title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool both lost on Saturday, Arsenal have the opportunity to go six points clear of second-placed Chelsea.
But the two-time Premier League winner with Arsenal insists Mikel Arteta‘s boys must stay focused on the task.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the Gunners legend said: “It’s Tottenham. Yes obviously the game is important, but you find yourself in a situation where you play against your enemy.
“So you put the title on the side and you make sure that you can brag the day after.”
During his time in North London, Henry boasted an unblemished personal record against Spurs.
In 11 matches against their neighbours, the Premier League Hall of Famer has won seven and drawn four, scoring five goals and providing two assists in those derby games.
After scoring a sensational solo goal in their 3-0 win over Spurs in November 2002, Henry sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Tottenham fans.
Today, he has a statue at The Emirates depicting that famous celebration at Highbury.
Reflecting on the legendary moment, Henry said: “At the very beginning, you can’t pretend to know.
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“I’ll be honest with you I wasn’t born being an Arsenal fan. You kind of understand what it means.
“If I remember exactly, I sprinted one way, then I sprinted the other way and I didn’t want the ball for a little while.
“But yeah, it was special and it stayed in history.”
With first-choice strikers Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres both ruled out for the crunch clash, Arteta is likely to start Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino in the No9 role.
Key centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes is also absent with a groin problem.
Merino will be hoping to draw inspiration from Henry’s impeccable record against Spurs when he takes to the pitch.