Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has insisted that he and his teammates must not let their passion overwhelm their performance in the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 1-1 draw between the sides at the Emirates Stadium this season yielded nine yellow cards, and although the Welshman has admitted that displaying a physical intent is important in a derby match, he is adamant that it can't engulf their entire display.

Ramsey told the club's official website: "A lot of players suffer from that, not just in this game but in derbies in general.

"You see a lot of players getting sent off and putting in reckless challenges, which does get the fans more pumped but could also go against you, and you could get sent off for something. It's important to win the first tackle as in any other game.

"To win anything, the first header, the first attack - things like that which give off the signal that you're ready for this and you're ready for the fight. But it's more important to stick to the gameplan, believe that's the right decision and hopefully come away with three points."

Arsenal are fifth in the Premier League ahead of their showdown at White Hart Lane.