Arsène Wenger is a very special manager and an innovator, says Pochettino

• Tottenham manager heaps lavish praise on Arsenal counterpart
• Coach’s remarks made 48 hours before north London derby

Mauricio Pochettino has lavished praise on Arsène Wenger ahead of the first north London derby of the season, describing his counterpart at Arsenal as a “very special manager”, an “innovator” and someone who deserves to be shown maximum respect.

Pochettino and Wenger go head-to head at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon with Tottenham three places and four points ahead of their local rivals in the Premier League having finished above them for the first time in 22 years in the previous campaign. Pochettino is also undefeated in six league contests against Arsenal since taking over at Spurs in May 2014, but he refuses to believe his team are favourites to win at the weekend or that Wenger is a busted flush having come under more criticism from his own supporters, as well as outside observers, in recent months.

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