Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino has said that he realises the importance of the north London derby as he prepares his side to face Arsenal later this afternoon.

Pochettino is looking to lift a Spurs side which struggled last time out against West Bromwich Albion when he meets Arsene Wenger's men at the Emirates Stadium in the 5.30pm kickoff.

"We are ambitious," said Pochettino, according to The Herald. "We (the new coaching team) arrived three months ago and we need to make our way but we are focused on the game and know the history. But it is also important to write the history, starting now.

"This is a big game, a tough game, I know. It is always an important game. We need to prepare for the game, to have a good performance and be aggressive. We need to play the game when the referee starts the game and not before. We need to play 90 minutes aggressively and stay focused on our job."

Spurs currently occupy ninth spot in the Premier League table after five games.