Son Heung-min has vowed Tottenham will do everything to bounce back in the North London derby after an ‘unacceptable performance’ on their last outing.
Spurs will face Arsenal at home on Sunday in their first game since a 4-0 thrashing at Newcastle, almost a fortnight ago.
‘An unacceptable result and unacceptable performance, as well from me,’ said captain Son. ‘As a group, we’re talking a lot about this game and performance, and everybody knows how to step up.
‘There’s no doubt we can bounce back. We’re working really hard to bounce back. It will be a really good game to bounce back.
‘The motivation will be even higher than in other games. It’s a big derby and we know what it means for the team and the club and also for the fans.
‘We had a massive week to prepare for this big game and we’re feeling great. We are going to prepare well and play are style. We have to be ready.’
Arsenal travel down the Seven Sisters Road searching for the victory they need to keep their title challenge on track.
Son admits Tottenham’s closest rivals have become one of the best teams in the world and there is a daunting run of fixtures ahead for Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After the derby, they still have to face Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City as they attempt to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
‘It will be a good test for our team,’ said Son. ‘We’re very young and we’re still a little bit inexperienced because we’re building a young team. Some of them are in their first season in the Premier League.
‘So we can test ourselves against one of the biggest teams in Europe and the Premier League. But also in the world.
‘It’s very important the way we play. Stick to our play, stick to our game. I think it’s a very good test against one of the best teams in the world so it’s perfect. You want to always have good competition and you always want to face the best teams in the world.’
Son, with 15 Premier League goals this season, scored twice in the 2-2 draw at Arsenal in September, taking his total to six against Tottenham’s nearest rivals.
‘I’m always the type of guy with full confidence going into the games, believing in myself,’ he said. ‘Every single game is the same mindset.
‘It doesn’t motivate me even more because it’s Arsenal. Every single game is big for me and a chance to show how impressive I can be.
‘It’s not important who scores the goals or that I scored six goals previously in this game. I just need to be ready for the biggest game of the season.’
