Former Arsenal Emmanuel Petit midfielder thinks his old team are still ahead of their rivals, but only just – and that they could learn a lot from Spurs, particularly in terms of player loyalty.

Speaking to Paddy Power News, Petit revealed his concerns about his former club ahead of the North London derby this weekend.

“Tottenham are not yet at the same level as Arsenal – but their players have a loyalty and pride in their club that the Arsenal players don’t.

“The Gunners’ best players often want to leave, and this has been the case for a while now. Whereas, I get the feeling that there is far more motivation and commitment at Spurs.

“It’s often asked ‘what would happen is Real Madrid or Barcelona came in for Harry Kane and Dele Alli?’ But I have the feeling that, unlike in the past, these guys would choose to stay.

“Five years ago, they would have left without hesitation – but the future is bright for the Lilywhites. They’re one of the financially strongest clubs, have a new stadium on the horizon, an excellent manager and an impressive academy.

“Tottenham were quite far behind Arsenal when I was there but, since then, Tottenham have become a very different club, and the once wide gap has closed. Spurs will become stronger and stronger as time goes on.

“Unlike Alli and Kane at Tottenham, Arsenal’s best players often want to leave, and this has been the case for a while now. Arsenal must aim to regain a similar dynamic to Spurs. They have been struggling to attract the right type of footballer and personality.

“That’s not just down to money, but also because of the club’s image. But Tottenham aren’t quite ahead of Arsenal yet. They haven’t won anything for nine years and, for all their effort and quality, they have absolutely nothing to show for it.

“They must win something, and quickly. Otherwise, the players’ motivation to stay may disappear.

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