Arsenal legend David Seaman has highlighted the importance of winning derbies, ahead of his former side’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.
The Gunners were paired with their North London rivals in the Round 3 draw, and the 7.45pm kick-off has been selected for Sky Sports’ live coverage.Read more: Derby day delight in Capital One Cup Round 3 draw
The former goalkeeper - a League Cup winner in 1993 - believes there’s nothing quite like a derby victory, particularly after successive defeats, with the latest coming against Chelsea last time out.
“It’s a tough game. Arsenal are going into it after two defeats while Tottenham are going into after two wins. Arsenal need to win it more.
“It’s a North London derby and you need to win these games, more so for the fans but they won’t want to be going into their next Premier League game following three defeats.
“It’s the fans that have to go into work the next day - the bragging rights are ace when you’ve won but shocking if you’ve lost.
“It’s a good test and a good time to have a game like this, particularly after the Chelsea game.”
Read more: Capital One Cup Round 3 preview
Seaman was involved in numerous North London derbies during his playing days and remembers them well.
His first one at White Hart Lane, where the latest instalment will take place, is one that stands out in particular.
“You remember the derbies. I remember almost all of mine.
“I can recall my first one at White Hart Lane when we were going for the league and we drew 0-0, and I was named Man of the Match.
“I also remember the semi-finals, with Gazza [Paul Gascoigne] scoring, and then us beating them.
“They’re huge games, and games you want to win so badly. I don’t think there’s any other game that you want to win more than this one.
“That winning feeling is so much sweeter afterwards, mainly because the fans are that much happier.”
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