Andre Villas-Boas understands the advantage Arsenal have going into Saturday's North London derby, but believes Tottenham are gaining ground.
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Villa-Boas's side make the trip to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend for their much-anticipated clash with their fiercest rivals.
The Gunners have held the bragging rights as the more successful of two capital clubs in the Premier League for more almost two decades.
Spurs have not finished above their bitter foes in the top-flight since the 1994/95 season.
They've also watched on as Arsene Wenger's men lifted domestic cups and graced the European stage.
But after Harry Redknapp almost steered the White Hart Lane outfit to a superior finish last term, Villas-Boas is confident he can go one better in 2012/13.
"We have to (finish above Arsenal)," Villas-Boas told a press conference.
"It is possible to bridge the gap.
"We are looking at trying to shorten the gap and not letting it grow.
"To play for fourth spot is difficult bearing in mind the competition you have to overcome. It's possible to bridge it.
"Arsenal have won trophies in recent times and they have qualified for the Champions League more often. That is where we want to be in the future. We're getting nearer."
The Gunners, however, are struggling in the league of late and sit one place behind seventh-placed Spurs heading the crunch clash.
Villas-Boas, though, reckons standings will have no bearing on the outcome of the weekend's historic encounter.
"Their position (in the league) is completely irrelevant," the Portuguese 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."
Villas-Boas added: "I have been getting it for the last two weeks, people have been speaking about it quite often - the staff, the fans and the chairman.
"This is a game where passion is very high, it's a game that represents more than three points because of the history of north London derbies.
"The chairman keeps on mentioning it. I think it's normal.
"You really have to embrace it because it's part of the greater culture of the English game. You can't wear red at this training ground."
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