Arsenal news: Sokratis makes Spurs revelation before derby, sends Premier League warning

Unai Emery’s men are 17 games unbeaten after drawing with Bournemouth at the weekend and will hope to maintain their streak of games without defeat away at Vorskla Poltava in the Europa League on Thursday (5.55pm).

But Sunday’s visit of arch rivals Spurs to the Emirates Stadium (2.05pm) is already garnering greater attention with the two teams among those competing to finish in the top four.

Arsenal have missed out in both of the last two seasons although have improved this season, going on their longest unbeaten run in over 10 years.

It is also the longest run without a loss of any team in Europe’s top five leagues with Arsenal juggling their league and cup commitments well so far.

But Spurs will provide another stiff test having downed fellow capital rivals Chelsea last weekend on a run of five straight victories across all competitions.

Arsenal have lost just one of their last 29 home games against their North London foes but Sokratis has dismissed the pressure of the clash. 

He told journalists: “Of course it will be a very important game but I don’t think it is a game that can give you the Champions League.

“For example, if we win against Tottenham and lose other games, it is the same thing. 

“It is very important that in every game we go for the win.

“We have confidence [that we can break into the top four] but it is not easy, we know that.”

And in a message not only to Spurs but to the rest of the Premier League, Sokratis insists Arsenal are still not at top gear.

“We are around 70 to 80 per cent [of our potential],” the Greek defender – who made his first appearance since September away at Bournemouth – said.

“Of course we need to improve, of course we would like to put Arsenal in the top teams in the Premier League. We try every day for this.

“We need to improve sometimes to not lose the ball, or when we have the ball to finish the action and score.

“That is the difference, we need to improve and we know this. 

“We work every day and I am happy I am part of a team that work very good together.”