Wenger plays down prospect of Arsenal finishing behind Spurs

Arsène Wenger has suggested supporters should retain a sense of realism if Arsenal finish below Tottenham Hotspur for the first time under his stewardship, with the manager’s faith in his squad likely to result in limited business in the transfer market this summer.

Arsenal could be 16 points behind the Premier League leaders, Leicester City, when they kick off against Crystal Palace tomorrow, as they attempt to eat into the six-point advantage enjoyed by second-placed Spurs. The last time Tottenham, who play at Stoke on Monday, finished above their north London rivals was in 1995, when the teams finished seventh and 11th respectively.

For Wenger finishing below their neighbours would not necessarily signify a definitive tip in the balance of power in the capital. “First of all, we are not behind Spurs yet,” he said. “Anyway, Tottenham have been 18 years behind us and they’ve survived. So let’s be realistic.

“If Leicester win on Sunday it does not affect us, it does not change the fact that we absolutely have to win our game against Palace. Let’s prepare for that no matter what the result is.

“We need a perfect run. They can drop points on Sunday but if they go until the end of the season having lost only three games, what can you say [other than] well done, congratulations, even if it’s Leicester that nobody expected.

“At the moment it’s difficult for us to accept that we are not completely there [at the top]. Leicester have lost three games, it is exceptional.

Arsenal are expected to sign the Borussia Monchengladbach captain, Granit Xhaka, this summer, with €44 million being sought for the Switzerland international. Guardian