Cesc Fabregas has admitted he didn't ask Mikel Arteta any questions ahead of the North London Derby because the ex-Arsenal midfielder wanted to keep it "simple".
The Gunners headed into the game having not lost at home so far this season, sitting at the top of the Premier League with Arteta's side keen to continue their impressive start against their bitter rivals.
Meanwhile, Spurs sat third and could leapfrog their opponents with a win, having begun the season unbeaten. Antonio Conte's side had won five of their opening seven matches and beat Leicester City 6-2 in their most recent encounter before the international break.
Although Fabregas and Arteta never played together at Arsenal, the duo do have a close bond and the now-Como midfielder claimed he wouldn't ask his compatriot any questions before the game.
Speaking on BT Sport, Fabregas, who is working as a pundit for the day, said: "I won't ask him any questions, I just want to keep it simple and wish him all the best. In Spain, we're very proud to have a young courageous manager managing a top club in the Premier League, so keep it up."
Fabregas endured some memorable moments in the North London Derby during his eight-year spell at the Gunners. He admitted it was a fixture he always looked out for in the footballing calendar.
He continued: "I think when the calendar came out, you always look for this type of game, especially Spurs at the Emirates. Special atmosphere, a special feeling, you always raised your game - I don’t know why I always had good games against them so I felt motivated trying to bring the crowd as high as possible.
"The first time I was here, straight away they tell you this is the game of the season - it really was. Early kick-off, wake up, eat a little bit, ready for action."
Despite refusing to ask him any questions, Arteta still spoke about Fabregas in his pre-match interview and claimed the 35-year-old produced some memorable moments in the derby. Fabregas scored 57 goals in 303 appearances for the Gunners before leaving for Barcelona.
Arteta said: "There is a lot of excitement depending on how the game goes. I did it as a player, we have one of the best memories of a North London derby with the action he (Cesc Fabregas) produced himself. These moments are about full courage and going for it."
