Tottenham vs. Arsenal: Key Arsene Wenger Takeaways Ahead of North London Derby

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger addressed the recent controversy surrounding star midfielder Jack Wilshere during Friday's pre-match press conference for the north London derby, defending the England international.

Photos surfaced of the 23-year-old smoking after going out to watch Super Bowl XLIX, and as reported by the Daily Mirror's Liam Corless,  this has now become a recurring problem for the midfielder.

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However, per talkSPORT, his manager claims the young star doesn't have a problem with smoking:

"

I have spoken with him about that. He is not a smoker, He is sorry about what happened, but he has to master his own life.

When he is here, he has to follow the rules. This photo has been taken at half past 12 after the Superbowl. I dont know what happened really. Away from the club, it is his responsibility to master his life.

You have been 20 (years old), sometimes you need to ease the pressure. Today, everywhere you go people make photos, but one second of your life does not define who you are.

"

The Sunday World's Kevin Palmer added more comments, as Wenger told reporters the story really isn't a big deal for him:

Just last month, goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was fined £20,000 for smoking after the match against Southampton. However, his regression took place in the showers and not on his own time, per the Daily Mirror's John Cross.

Turning his attention toward the north London derby, the French manager confirmed Alexis Sanchez has been training with the squad, but the Chile international remains unlikely to feature against Spurs:

However, whether the summer acquisition plays or not shouldn't have too much of an impact on the outcome of the match, as he told the club's official Twitter feed:

Wenger voiced his satisfaction with the business the club concluded during the winter transfer window, focusing on locking up key contributors to long-term deals:

The biggest signing the club made was Gabriel Paulista, who joined the Gunners from La Liga side Villarreal. The defender adds some much-needed quality and depth to the squad, but he won't be playing in his first derby against Tottenham on Saturday:

Finally, the Frenchman took a look at the upcoming opponent, praising Tottenham youngster Harry Kane's progression and the continued impact he's had on the club:

Arsenal and Tottenham are locked in a fierce battle for the European tickets, and Saturday's result will likely go a long way to deciding who will contend for the final Champions League spot, and who will be relegated to battling for a spot in the Europa League.

The Gunners go into the match as slight favourites, courtesy of the 5-0 trashing they gave Aston Villa in Week 23, but Spurs have been just as red hot and will have the advantage of playing in front of their own fans.

Given the high stakes and the intensity that always comes with a derby, Wenger no doubt wants the distractions of Wilshere's latest smoking-related "scandal" to die down as quickly as possible, allowing his side to focus exclusively on the task at hand.

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