'Preferably they stay up': Arsenal legend makes Tottenham relegation admission | OneFootball

North London rivals are battling at both ends of the Premier League table

Former Arsenal legend Lauren has admitted that he wants Tottenham to stay in the Premier League next term.

Roberto De Zerbi has recently taken over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the principle aim of the campaign to keep the north Londoners afloat.

That could prove a tricky task, with Spurs winless in the league since December last year. Last time out, they surrendered a 2-1 lead late on as Brighton salvaged a 2-2 draw.

While many Arsenal fans would revel in their local rivals’ embarrassment, Lauren would rather Spurs retain their top-flight status.

“As an Arsenal fan there is a game we want to see every single season, and that is the north London derby against Tottenham,” Lauren said.

“It’s good to be playing your biggest rivals every season.

“I don’t think Tottenham going down would be good news for Arsenal fans or the Premier League in general.

Arsenal may have bigger fish to fry than worrying about what their north London rivals are doing, with the Gunners almost reeled in by Manchester City at the other end of the Premier League table.

Mikel Arteta’s men are three points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side, but City have a game in hand on the Gunners and sliced their rivals’ lead on Sunday with a 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

While pressure will build on Arteta should Arsenal not win the title, Lauren believes that it would be ludicrous to get rid of the Spaniard.

“All the talk of Arteta being at risk and Arsenal winning no trophies needs to stop,” the ex-defender said.

“I don’t think that way, because I think Arsenal are going to win the Premier League. I’m positive, I am confident. Losing against Manchester City has not ended the race for the title.

“City weren’t better – they aren’t better – they just took their chances.”