Arsenal invincible is in no doubt that Spurs are the pride of North London

Arsenal defender Lauren was part of the invincibles team that won the Premier League title at White Hart Lane in 2003/2004 after a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

It certainly was a low point in the life of a Spurs fan to see the Woolwich celebrate being Champions on our own turf.

However, fortunes have changed. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino five years ago has helped to transform Tottenham as a club which has seen them overtake the Gunners.

Spurs have now finished above Arsenal in the Premier League table in three successive seasons and will play yet again in the Champions League while fifth-placed Arsenal will have to make do with more Thursday night Europa League football.

Lauren was refreshingly open with his glowing praise of Pochettino and how the white half of North London can now consider themselves better than the lot at the Emirates.

The former full-back is hopeful that Unai Emery can restore Arsenal’s former glory but insists that it will take time.

He told bwin: “There’s no doubt that Tottenham are a better team than Arsenal at the moment – Unai Emery can change that, but it will take years.

“Tottenham finished above Arsenal this season and they have consistently been better for the past few years, they can thank Pochettinho for that.

“Tottenham did not get to the Champions League final by chance, they got there with a talented squad and excellent managerial skills from Pochettinho.

“We have to recognise that Tottenham are, for now, a better side than Arsenal. After seeing the football that Emery has got the Arsenal players playing, I have faith that Unai Emery can make Arsenal a better club than Tottenham again.

“Emery will need a few years to make the difference and really put his mark on Arsenal but I believe that he is the man to make the difference and the improvement will come step by step, with patience from the players, club and fans.”