Santi Cazorla says his Arsenal team-mates must rise to the challenge of beating Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday and blow the race for Champions League qualification wide open again.
Spurs moved up into the third place in the Premier League after Gareth Bale's superb stoppage-time goal secured a hard-fought 3-2 win at West Ham on Monday night.
However, should Arsenal - who are unbeaten in five league matches, winning three in a row - secure victory on enemy territory this weekend, the gap would be reduced to just one point.
Cazorla netted both goals in last weekend's 2-1 win over Aston Villa, which kept the Gunners within striking distance of the top four, now just two points behind Chelsea.
The Spain playmaker has confidence Arsene Wenger's men can maintain momentum with a strong display against their fierce rivals.
"It is very important, not just because it is a great rivalry or that it is Tottenham versus Arsenal, but the fact that they're a side with great players who are fighting with us for a top-four spot," Cazorla said on the club's official website, www.arsenal.com.
"To beat them and get into the top four and the Champions League, which is our aim for the season, is essential.
"We know how important it is and I hope we can rise to the challenge."
