Arsene Wenger has always scanned horizons far beyond the limits of north London and as a critical derby loomed he showed more appetite for debate on the social perils of gambling than the rise of Tottenham.
'It is immoral, I would forbid it,' said Wenger, on the subject of all gambling — even the Lottery — rather than Spurs, who are hot favourites to extend their winning run at White Hart Lane when Arsenal visit on Sunday.
Victory for Mauricio Pochettino will mean he becomes the first Tottenham manager to finish above Arsenal in the table since Gerry Francis in 1995.