Podolski excited by ´special´ derby

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has described the north London derby against Tottenham as ‘something special’.

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has described the north London derby against Tottenham as ‘something special’.

The 27-year-old has been in impressive form since his move to Arsenal from Cologne and netted during the 5-2 win against their rivals in November.

Podolski rates rivals Tottenham very highly, and Andre Villas-Boas’ men go into Sunday’s game four points ahead of Arsenal.

“They are a very good team, very strong and they are third in the Premier League,” Podolski told the club’s website.

“I like derbies, it will be a tough match but we want the three points and we have the quality to win there.

“It is something special when it is a derby, for the fans and for the club. When you play away at your rivals you must fight for the three points.”

Arsene Wenger’s side have finished above Tottenham in every season since the Frenchman took charge, but that could change.

“It is a big game but it will not decide who will play in next season’s Champions League,” Podolski said.

“We have 11 matches to go and every match is like a final and we must fight to get into the Champions League next season. This is important to us.”