Petr Cech claims Arsenal will stay top dogs over Tottenham unless Mauricio Pochettino’s men win trophies
PETR CECH claims Arsenal are still North London's top dogs despite Tottenham's transformation under Mauricio Pochettino.
The Gunners keeper insists Spurs can only be considered successful if they start winning trophies.
And he says Tottenham finishing runners-up last term - three places and 11 points above Arsenal - could be just "one odd year".
Cech, though is quick to identify Pochettino as the reason for Spurs breaking into the top four - and reaching the Champions League last 16.
Cech told Sky Sports: They've been there in the last few years so now I think they have to make sure they win something to show the progression.
"There is always one odd year where things can change.
"They have young, talented players as well as experienced players.
"Their team is very well balanced. There was always something missing but I would say the difference was when Pochettino came.
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"Success is ultimately winning trophies. We were under pressure the last couple of years, people talking about winning trophies, obviously we are disappointed not to have won the title but we won FA Cups.
"Although the season was not always what we wanted, we always had a trophy at the end of it."
This term, third-placed Spurs are already four points and three places clear of Arsenal, who trail leaders Manchester City by 12 points.
But Cech insists the title - and not just leapfrogging Tottenham - is still the Gunners' target.
He said: “The most important thing for us is competing against the other teams for the Premier League title and for the glory
"We are not competing against Tottenham Hotspur.
"Two years ago when we finished above them we were disappointed because we didn't win the title. Our target is to win the title.”
The Czech, 35, also claims Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are as focused as ever - despite their unsettled futures after so far declining to sign new contracts.
Cech said: “As a team we feel that - although there is a lot of speculation, their contracts are different to everyone else's - you can see they are committed."
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