Mikel Arteta has dismissed the notion that Arsenal are “bottlers” ahead of Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League has been trimmed following consecutive draws against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Arsenal have claimed just two victories in their last seven league matches, with second-placed Manchester City now five points behind, holding a game in hand. Under Arteta, Arsenal have finished as runners-up in each of the last three campaigns.

“It’s not part of my vocabulary and I don’t see it like this because I don’t think anybody wants to do that as an intention,” Arteta said on Friday when asked about the term.

“That’s individual opinion, perspective. You have to respect that. That’s what I said after in the press conference. You lose two points against Wolves in the manner that the game played out, you have to take it on the chin. It’s part of our role.

“What I’m very interested in is the next one, what we are made of, what we love about this and how we write our own destiny from here.”

Arsenal are also competing on multiple fronts, having reached the League Cup final and advanced to the round of 16 in both the Champions League and FA Cup.

Tottenham, currently 16th in the Premier League, will approach the derby under new management, with Igor Tudor replacing Thomas Frank last week.