Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger prefers Samir Nasri to Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart
Arsene Wenger gave a satisfied smirk and reeled off a list of names as he tried to explain why he was happy to ignore the advice of Robin van Persie. [LNB]'This is the strongest squad I've had,' said Wenger. 'Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott, Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Andrey Arshavin, Robin van Persie. All creative players, top-class players, so we had no need to do that. We are not in the search in this department.' [LNB]Gunning for glory: talented Samir Nasri is getting better all the time, saysWenger[LNB]Van Persie had dared to suggest Arsenal might want to sign Rafael van der Vaart, his friend and fellow Dutchman who was unsettled at Real Madrid and available for £8million. Now the 27-year-old is thriving at Tottenham, with seven goals in 12 games, and preparing for his first skirmish with Arsenal at the Emirates today amid perceptions that north London's rivals are now matched more closely than they have been for many years. [LNB]Van der Vaart's arrival, together with the form of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, two more players monitored closely by Arsenal before moving to White Hart Lane, has fuelled new ambition at Spurs. [LNB]Manager Harry Redknapp is delighted with his side's progress and exudes a confidence that comes from seeing his side totally outplay holders Inter Milan in the Champions League. [LNB]Wenger wasn't about to motivate his rivals with a detailed critique. Instead, he offered a gentle reminder that his team had been competing in the Champions League for the last 13 years and were familiar with the pit falls Spurs would encounter as the campaign unfolded.[LNB] The Real deal: Van der Vaart has flourished at Spurs since his summer move from Madrid [LNB] He agreed with Phil Neville's assessment that this Arsenal team were more 'resilient' and stronger on their travels and paid tribute to 23-year-old Samir Nasri, flourishing in his third season in English football after his £15.8m move from Marseille. [LNB]Like Van der Vaart, Nasri has seven goals including two in a 4-1 Carling Cup win at Spurs in September, and he has been outstanding for his country since his surprise omission from the World Cup squad. His movement and vision were key factors as France destroyed England at Wembley on Wednesday. [LNB] Ted beats the Reds: Spurs haven't won at Arsenal in the league since 1993 [LNB]'Not going to the World Cup was certainly a big shock for him,' said Wenger. 'But he is mentally strong and, with his back to the wall, he can respond. This season, he is more efficient in what he's doing. When you are an offensive player, you cannot deny the facts, the assists and the number of goals you score. [LNB]'He has all the individual talent needed. He is quick and strong. His finishing is better, his final ball is better. I'm convinced that overall he makes steps forward. He has developed as a footballer and as a person. He grew up inside Marseille like Jack Wilshere did here. Then he left for England and that matures you.' [LNB]Without saying it, Wenger gave the distinct impression that given a straight choice between Nasri and Van der Vaart there would be no contest, especially as his player is four years younger, more industrious and more versatile than Tottenham's gifted Dutch star. [LNB]'You see he is improving and see where his potential is and you think he is going the right way,' Wenger added. 'It is normal that at 23 you are better than at 22. 'If you ask him, he will want to play in the middle. If you ask me, at the moment, I see him more on the flanks, but it's not like our players on the flanks are prisoners of that zone.' [LNB]Wenger must hope that his faith in Nasri's maturity is not misplaced and that the French midfielder does not allow his feud with 33-year-old William Gallas, and his personal quandary of whether to shake his hand before the game, to distract from his sublime rhythm. [LNB]The Gunners have generated momentum since losing at champions Chelsea last month, taking 15 points from six games. A home win in today's early kick-off will take the Gunners top of the Barclays Premier League, at least for a couple of hours, and ease them 10 points clear of Spurs. [LNB]With Chelsea and Manchester United offering uncharacteristic glimpses of vulnerability, both north London teams have eyes on the top prize.[LNB] An away win, Tottenham's first in the league at Arsenal since 1993, would provide yet another injection of self-belief for Redknapp's team, at a time when Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon are returning to fitness.[LNB] Arsenal v Tottenham: Spurs legend David Ginola gives his verdict on the derby I won't shake hands! Nasri 'will snub' old foe Gallas as defender returns to the EmiratesTottenham still in race for Premier League title, says Harry Redknapp ARSENAL FC
