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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.

 Veteran keeper Petr Cech says Arsenal are still the top side in North London
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Veteran keeper Petr Cech says Arsenal are still the top side in North LondonCredit: Rex Features

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.

 Mauricio Pochettino has much work to do to match the success of Arsene Wenger
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Mauricio Pochettino has much work to do to match the success of Arsene WengerCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Petr Cech insists Arsenal can overhaul leaders Man City and win the title
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Petr Cech insists Arsenal can overhaul leaders Man City and win the titleCredit: Rex Features

"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.

 Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger are both chasing the top-four this season
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Spurs chief Mauricio Pochettino and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger are both chasing the top-four this seasonCredit: Getty - Contributor
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"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."

 Alexis Sanchez is playing with full commitment, says Arsenal keeper Petr Cech
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Alexis Sanchez is playing with full commitment, says Arsenal keeper Petr CechCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Mesut Ozil, along with Alexis Sanchez, has declined to sign a new Arsenal deal
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Mesut Ozil, along with Alexis Sanchez, has declined to sign a new Arsenal dealCredit: Getty Images - Getty


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