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LONDON. — Arsene Wenger claims that if Tottenham finish above Arsenal this season, it will be a “one-off” but warns his team still have not given up hope of overhauling their North London soccer rivals.

Spurs, who are three points ahead of their neighbours with two games to play, are strong favourites to break a run of finishing below the Gunners in the English Premier League table, which dates back to the 1994/95 season.

Arsenal face a daunting trip to Manchester City tomorrow, with Manuel Pellegrini’s men needing a win to ensure they remain ahead of Manchester United in the race for fourth place.

But Wenger believes it is still possible for his side to surpass Tottenham and wants a minimum of a point at the Etihad Stadium to ensure Arsenal maintain their hold on third position.

“It is still an important game, even if Leicester are champions and we are second best,” Wenger explained at his weekly press conference yesterday.

“It is still a very important game because part of the responsibility of being a professional is to prepare the future, and the future of Arsenal Football Club depends on this game.

“Our target now is to secure a position in the Champions League next year and, if possible, to get in second place or at least secure third place. On Sunday, we can achieve that.

“Tottenham had a very good season. They didn’t manage to finish very strongly recently but overall, they had a very good season and they have a strong team.

“But our target is still, if possible, to get in front of them.”

If Spurs do manage to finish above Arsenal, Wenger does not see it as a sign of things to come.

“If they do that, you can at least say it is a one-off because in 20 years, it has happened once,” Wenger said.

“But at the moment, it is not done.”

Though he remains bullish on Arsenal’s standing in their rivalry with Spurs, Wenger did concede his team’s league form has been disappointing.

Manchester City have enjoyed similar domestic struggles and Wenger admits both teams will look back at this season ruefully as an opportunity missed to mount a serious challenge for the league title.

“We have regrets because we had a chance to finish top of the league and apart from that, it is difficult for me to compare with City,” Wenger said.

“They are a team who is expected as well to win the league every year with the investment they have, so they must be in a similar position.”

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta could link up with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City , Wenger has confirmed.

The Spaniard’s Arsenal contract is up this summer and it is seeming increasingly unlikely that he will be offered renewed terms at the Emirates.

Recent reports have suggested that Arteta could be line to join Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City, as he seeks alternative career options after injuries ravished another season.

Arteta has been limited to just 13 appearances this season and has not appeared since the FA Cup in over Burnley on January 30.

Guardiola is expected to make new additions to his team at City along with the arrivals of his long-term trustees Carles Planchart, Domenec Torrent and fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura.

Arteta is believed to be keen on a new challenge and Wenger believes joining City is an option for the 34-year-old.

“It’s possible,” the Arsenal boss said. “He is able to inform you much better than I.”

But Wenger has not shut the door on Arteta completely and insists that he will have the opportunity to begin his coaching career at the Emirates should he so want to.

“The door is always open for players to get their coaching licenses.”

However, Arteta is reportedly already looking at houses in the north west of England with a view to moving to Manchester in the summer.

Arteta played with Guardiola at Barcelona in the early 2000s and have remained friends ever since. — Sky Sports.