He said: "The Newcastle game was really disappointing for us on a number of levels. Obviously, the result was poor but the performance didn't anywhere reach the levels we wanted it to. We have learned a hell of a lot out of that.
"But irrespective of that, it doesn't matter what you have done in the previous game, when you are playing in such a big game as the derby, particularly at this time of the year, there is great meaning to the points for both clubs. What's happened previously, whether that is the immediate past or further back, becomes irrelevant.
"We expect a tough game, it is going to have a bit of an edge to it. There will be a great atmosphere and you have just got to get ready to make sure you match those levels with the performance.
"I think every game is important and I take every game seriously. That's the one thing I have been trying to impress upon this group of players - that is the nature of the Premier League, it is relentless. If you are not 100% focussed on each different challenge then you are going to come up short. I always feel as if the next game is the biggest game, but I understand the context around the north London derby and what it means to our supporters, for sure."