Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has called for cool heads ahead of Saturday's derby against Tottenham.
Wenger is well aware of the passion that surrounds these games, but says it is just as important to keep a cool head in the heat of battle.
“First of all there's always pride involved, the desire to beat your opponent like all the neighbours in the world have," Wenger said.
“It's always a fierce derby. As well to keeping your nerve, you must have full commitment while being lucid and calm enough to focus on the game.
“It's one of the fixtures that is very important for us and that we want to win, as well because in the table we have to make some ground up on the top teams.
“At home we have been very strong and our home strength will certainly be vital to decide where we finish at the end of the season.
“I think Tottenham are a good side but we have the quality to win this game and that's what we want to show."
Meanwhile, Wenger defended the "toughness" of his current team.
The Frenchman insisted this season's squad could be compared with his past teams.
"Yes, it depends. We have to agree on what is tough and what is not tough. I believe that a football player has to be efficient and that counts the most. Efficiency if you're a defender is not to make any mistakes and to win the ball. If you're a striker, it's to put the ball into the back of the net. Is that tough? It doesn't matter too much - it's how efficient you are in your game."
Source: tribalfootball.com