Petr Cech has called for 'cool heads' as Arsenal gear up for Sunday's North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.

With Spurs losing just once this season and the Gunners winning their last five league outings, this weekend's affair promises to be a tight encounter - one that Cech says will be determined by which team remains focused despite the occasion.

"You feel how much the game means to the supporters and it means a lot to the players, too," the former Chelsea goalkeeper told Arsenal's official website.

You want to win every game and if it is a special match, you want to make an extra bonus for your fans - hopefully we will carry on the tradition and win. You need to play with your heart and with a cool head.

"In these types of games you need to make sure you play in the right way and you still need to keep your game going as this is how you win - because one free-kick, one mistake in terms of cards and it can change the game."

An away victory would see Tottenham move to within two points of Arsenal, who sit level with Manchester City at the top of the table.