North London derby: 'It could take years for Tottenham to catch Arsenal'
North London derby: Tottenham and Arsenal will do battle on Sunday
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As Arsenal and Tottenham prepare to meet in Sunday's north London derby, two former players have opened up to GB News ahead of the clash.
The Gunners are the stronger side at present, having narrowly missed out on Premier League title glory in each of the last two seasons.
But Tottenham may be onto something with Ange Postecoglou. Though they're yet to hit their stride this term, Spurs have come on leaps and bounds.
Ray Parlour knows all about the fixture, having established himself as an Arsenal icon during his time with the Gunners.
North London derby: Tottenham and Arsenal will do battle on Sunday
PA
Speaking to GB News via NetBet, the ex-midfielder has expressed a belief that it could take Tottenham 'a few transfer windows' to close the gap on their fierce rivals.
"For Spurs, they must continue to invest in the right players as recruitment is key," he said.
"You have seen it took Arsenal a while to get to the level they are at right now.
"Mikel Arteta and Edu have done a brilliant job to recruit top quality young players, as well as having the likes of Bukayo Saka who has come through the ranks.
"Years ago Spurs had a good side with Harry Kane, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale etc and finished above Arsenal in the table.
"Now it’s Arsenal who are looking stronger and the Emirates is a great place to watch football for Arsenal fans right now.
"It could take Spurs a few transfer windows to close the gap. But at the same time, Arsenal show no signs of faltering with their recruitment being excellent.
"They are going from strength to strength to maintain their status as the No 1 team in London, but most importantly, title challengers."
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David Bentley can offer a unique perspective, having played for both clubs during his football career.
He started his career at Arsenal before going on to spend five years with Tottenham.
Bentley thinks winning is essential for the Gunners, despite it still being so early in the season.
"Just win! It’s as simple as that," he told GB News, via William Hill, when asked what Arsenal must do to stop Manchester City from winning the title once again.
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North London derby: Ray Parlour thinks it could take years for Tottenham to catch Arsenal
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"You can’t let City get ahead and must stay close to them.
"Arsenal saw last season there is no room for slip ups and City are such a force with a top squad, they will keep going throughout the season and winning games."
As for Tottenham, Bentley thinks top four has to be the target for the season - rather than mounting a title charge.
"It’s to get back in the Champions League and finish in the top four," he said when asked about Postecoglou's side.
North London derby: David Bentley reckons Arsenal must win and that Tottenham can only aim as high as the top four
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"Spurs can’t not be in the Champions League if they want to improve and progress as a club. It’s difficult because the competition is so high.
"Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool have been a cut above the rest, but there is room for Spurs to finish fourth as the other teams are inconsistent.
"Ange has transformed Spurs in a positive way. The fans are on side, the team are playing good football.
"The two previous coaches didn’t bring the best out of the players and the football wasn’t great. Now, Ange needs to be more tactically aware when playing certain teams and they can push on and compete for trophies."
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