Arsenal news LIVE updates: All of the latest from the Emirates ahead of Saturday's showdown with Tottenham

Thursday November 16

Wenger hails Pochettino

14.25: Arsene Wenger has praised Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Saturday's clash with Tottenham.

"I don’t know, I don’t want to judge people," Wenger said, when asked if he sees some of himself in Pochettino. 

"I think he’s done an exceptional job and he’s a good manager. 

"After that, in our job it’s the distances and the quality that make the difference. 

"He has all the ingredients to go a long way but overall it’s very difficult to know and to predict what will happen in his career."

Ozil and Sanchez claim

13.30: Charlie Nicholas claims Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez should be left out of Arsenal's starting XI to face Tottenham.

"If Arsenal are serious about winning these big games, I would go with Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck and leave Ozil out and Sanchez out," Nicholas told Sky Sports.

"Are they two of our best players? Of course they are, but they don't do enough in these big games.

"Welbeck isn't as talented but what you've got to do against a back three is move them about to create chances, while Lacazette is our best finisher and sulky Sanchez doesn't like playing out wide.

"I'd play Alex Iwobi as well. People will question me for leaving those two out but it worked against Chelsea."

Petit insists Arsenal still No.1 in north London

12.55: Emmanuel Petit insists Tottenham are still behind Arsenal in the pecking order.

Petit played for Arsenal in the early years under Arsene Wenger.

And he insists Arsenal are still ahead.

“Tottenham were quite far behind Arsenal when I was there but, since then, Tottenham have become a very different club, and the once wide gap has closed. Spurs will become stronger and stronger as time goes on,” Petit told Paddy Power.

“Unlike Alli and Kane at Tottenham, Arsenal’s best players often want to leave, and this has been the case for a while now. Arsenal must aim to regain a similar dynamic to Spurs. They have been struggling to attract the right type of footballer and personality.

“That’s not just down to money, but also because of the club’s image.

“But Tottenham aren’t quite ahead of Arsenal yet. They haven’t won anything for nine years and, for all their effort and quality, they have absolutely nothing to show for it.

Wilshere exit backed

12.35: Jack Wilshere should leave Arsenal to force his way into England's World Cup plans.

That's the verdict of former Watford star Odion Ighalo.

"For him to get more games and to be ready for the World Cup, he has to play more so if he's still there and he's not getting the opportunities to play, I'd advise him to leave," Ighalo told Sky Sports.

"He's a very good player, he can't be there sitting on the bench. 

"If he cannot play at Arsenal, he can play at any other big team in the Premier League."

Dier in Eriksen warning

11.40: Eric Dier reckons Arsenal will face Christian Eriksen at the peak of his powers on Saturday.

"It's great for Tottenham he's continuing to excel," Dier said.

"We're seeing the best Christian Eriksen we've ever seen at the moment. Hopefully, he can keep going."

Dier says Tottenham are on intent on adding to their one win in 28 away fixtures against Arsenal.

“The mentality going into it is to win. Simple really," he added.

Cazorla injury claim

10.45: Arsene Wenger reckons Santi Cazorla's achilles injury is the worst he's ever seen.

"It is the worst injury I’ve known," Wenger said.

"It’s gone from worse to worse. I know how much Santi loves to play football.

"I wish [he returns in January]. He tries to practice. I hope he comes back in January.

"I hope that you are wrong [that he might not play again]."

Wenger on Giroud

09.55: Olivier Giroud is out of Arsenal's Premier League showdown with Tottenham, Arsene Wenger has revealed.

The hitman picked up a groin strain during France's 2-0 win over Wales on Friday night.

And Wenger says Arsenal will have to assess the situation on Monday.

"Giroud picked up an injury, I don’t think he will be available," Wenger said.

"It’s short term, we have to assess him on Monday."

Plan for Kane

09.05: Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal will be looking to stop Harry Kane in particular on Saturday.

The Tottenham man has netted six goals in his last six appearances against the Gunners.

And Wenger says Arsenal will have to target Kane to prevent him from continuing his North London Derby hot streak.

"To keep him quiet, yes," said Wenger, when asked if Arsenal have a plan for Kane.

"We have no fear. We are focused on nullifying their strong points."