Robin van Persie has challenged his team-mates to “put the record straight” by beating Spurs at the Emirates Stadium.

“What better way to set things straight again than to beat Spurs?” RVP said. “I would rather be playing them now than on any other day, and we know that a win is absolutely vital. I don’t think anybody would deny that Spurs have a really good side – and they’ve added consistency this season. They are winning the tougher games and, as a result, have made that next step towards the top teams. Spurs have invested a lot of money over the past few years, and when you look at the figures it’s reflected in their league position.”

Van Persie added in the Arsenal’s Official Matchday Programme:

“They are above us for the first time in many years, but it is in our hands to change the way things are going, win the game and start moving closer to them. A draw will not be a good result for us [on Sunday], either in our bid to catch up with Spurs or in our efforts to fight off our other challengers for a Champions League place.”

Andrey Arshavin has admitted sealing his loan move back to Zenit St Petersburg was a difficult procedure.

He told Russia’s Sport-Express "Friday was a very difficult day, nothing was decided until the very last minute. But I hope from now on everything is going to be fine. I want to play and will do all I can to help Zenit win the Russian title."

Arsenal had insisted the midfielder would not be leaving the club before the summer, but changed their minds after Zenit agreed to pay the loan fee. Arshavin had been the subject of much abuse from the Arsenal fans following his recent awful performances.

He made a decent start to his Gunners career after joining the club for £15 million in 2009, scoring four times in a thrilling clash with Liverpool. However, his form has dipped dramatically and the player was no longer regarded as an automatic pick.

Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal fans to show respect towards former striker Emmanuel Adebayor in tomorrow's north London derby.

Adebayor was plucked from obscurity at Monaco by Wenger in 2006, but has endured a poor relationship with the Gunners since leaving to join Manchester City in a multi-million pound move two-and-a-half years ago.

The 27-year-old - who joined Spurs on loan from City following a spell at Real Madrid - was the target of abuse during the first meeting between the sides at White Hart Lane in October.

Both clubs have issued a joint statement warning supporters anti-social behaviour during tomorrow's [Sunday] north London derby will not be tolerated.

Wenger added to the calls for calm. He said: "We want to respect everybody. Respect Tottenham players on Sunday and we want our players and supporters to be respected as well."

The Arsenal manager continued: "I bought Adebayor when nobody knew him in this country and he became a big player here so I am not surprised that he is doing well.

"He went to Manchester City, then to Real Madrid, then back to Manchester City and then to Tottenham, so he has only made big clubs and I am not surprised because he is a good player."

The Gunners head into tomorrow's [Sunday] game trailing their arch rivals by 10 points, and have not finished below Spurs in almost 20 years.

Wenger insists bragging rights are not on his agenda.

"It is the most important game because it is the next one. That is what top-level sport is like," he said.

"For us it is important, but because we have an opportunity to come back closer to Spurs and strengthen our position in fourth place."

Right-back Bacary Sagna has recovered from the broken leg he suffered in the away defeat to Spurs in October.

The French international admits he will have to be on high alert tomorrow to shackle the attacking threat of rampant Welshman Gareth Bale, who has chalked up 11 goals.

"He is a great player, but every weekend we play against great wingers," Sagna told Arsenal Player.

"He is extremely quick, that's why you have to stay close and make sure he does not come quickly at you."

Former players and managers alike have all had their say in the wake of Arsenal's slump.

However, midfielder Tomas Rosicky insists the squad must not let any external influences impact on their focus.

"The outside world will try to separate you, they smell blood, so we have to stick together and for the rest of the season fight for fourth place," the Czech midfielder told Arsenal Player.

"We are there right now so we want to keep that position. Togetherness is very important; we can't be influenced by the outside.

"We have the quality to [finish fourth], there's no doubt about it, but we have to avoid performances like those last week."