Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas says form goes out the window for their derby against Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger's men conceded five against Reading, lost to Norwich and scraped a draw against Fulham last week, leaving them 11 points off the top of the table.

Villas-Boas does not subscribe to the theory that Arsenal are in free fall under Wenger, however.

"Their position (in the league) is completely irrelevant," he said.

"Last season they had a poor start and managed to clinch third spot by picking up points. You drop three points, you are condemned.

"This is the nature of the Premier League."