Morning all.
Earlier in the week I wrote about how I was unexcited for the Champions League, well today it is completely different. I AM BUZZING.
For those that did not understand my Champions League blog, let me quickly explain: I do not see playing in the Champions League as anything special. Yes, I get the financial benefits, but from a match going point of view, it is just another game. About as exciting as a League Cup match.
The North London Derby, meanwhile, is a different kettle of fish. It is the game I look forward to the most.
Growing up in North-East London (Walthamstow), school had a near 40/40 split between Arsenal and Tottenham. The other 20% were glory hunting Liverpool and Manchester United fans, with a few West Ham thrown in. No Chelsea or Man City.
From a young age, growing up in that area made you realise how big the North London Derby was. It was the difference between going into school on a Monday as King of the World or going in sheepishly, ready to have weeks of abuse thrown at you.
I remember a little run in the mid-90s where we did not beat that lot for 3 years – nearly 25% of my life at that time.
Luckily Arsene Wenger arrived in 1996 (I was 11) and we would lose to them just once in the next 12 years…
Today is what football is all about.
From London to Buenos Aires, Milan to Glasgow. No other sport has the rivalries of our great game.
Tottenham will always be our annoying little cousin.
Last season was the first time in 7-years that we had finished above them. For me, it means very little when we won 3 FA Cups in that time whilst they continued to extend their trophyless run (now 15 years I think? Maybe 14. I lost count).
They still pipe up now “oh you finished above us once 7 years” ignore the 21-years previous.
Last season 23 times we have finished above them in the 32 years of the Premier League. In that time we have won 3 league titles, 9 FA Cups, 1 League Cup and 1 ECWC. Spurs have won just 2 League Cups.
It is probably this inferior complex as to why there is a different perception to how both Arsenal and Tottenham have started this season.
“We’ve got our Tottenham back” is heard from those up the poor end of the Seven Sisters Road after 13 points from their opening 5 games. Four wins and a draw from the first five Premier League games represent their best start to a top-flight season for 57 years.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have started slowly. Not the same team as last year. Mikel Arteta tinkering too much. We also have 13 points from our opening 5 games. And a thrashing of PSV in the Champions League.
In recent years, home advantage has been huge in the North London Derby, with almost every game won by the team hosting. Last season we turned that form book around winning home and away, I expect us to do the same today.
With no Harry Kane getting his usual goal from the penalty spot, I just do not see Tottenham hurting us. Their only advantage is they did not play mid-week.
We will be too quick, our movement too mesmerising, our defending too strong and finsihing too clinical.
I am going for 4-nil Arsenal with Spurs being down to 10-men after around 65 minutes.
Buzzing.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 