Tag Archives: Tottenham

Tottenham trio put country over club (whilst Arsenal gave 100% to the end)

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Earlier this week we discussed how Arsenal players “did themselves proud” in the lead up to the World Cup.

Players continued to give 100% right up to the break, with none crying off with injury. The result is Arsenal are top of the league.

The same can not be said about Spurs, however.

Three of their key players have shown country is more important than club.

Firstly we have last nights double scorer against Brazil, Richarlison.

The forward went down with a “calf” injury agains Everton in the middle of October. He then missed 7 games in a row before returning for less than an hour against Nottingham Forest inthe League Cup. He also played in their final league game against Leeds United.

During those games, he was clearly not giving 100%, and it was almost as if he was giving himself a small “pre-season” prior to the World Cup.

Tottenham won just 1 of the 4 league games he missed “injured”.

Cristian Romero is another Spurs player who gave himself a nice rest before the World Cup.

The Argentine centre back missed the last 5 games prior to the break with a “hamstring injury” that no-one really knows when he picked up.

Considered a bit of a hardman, he seemed to go soft for Spurs as he decided to focus on being 100% for country rather than performing for club.

His absence saw Spurs knocked out of the League Cup – their best chance to to win a trophy this season – and concede 9 goals in 5 games.

Romero was fit to start for Argentina.

Finally we have Heung-Min Son.

He who can do no wrong, despite a career blighted with diving and leg breaking tackles, Son seems to escape any sort of criticism for his behaviour.

Granted, the South Korean suffered a fracture around his left eye during the Champions League clash against Marseille.

That ruled him out of Tottenham’s last 3 games of the season – 2 of which they lost.

He returned yesterday for South Korea wearing a mask – so questions need to be asked as to why he could not don the mask for Spurs?

Maybe he decided to hide behind the injury to give himself a nice rest ahead of the World Cup?

Whilst Arsenal players continued to give it 100%, Spurs players hide behind injuries to ensure they were ready for their countries. And that probably shows the difference between Arsenal and Tottenham right now.

Arsenal are together as one, fighting as a team. Performing well and in the title race.

Meanwhile Tottenham are clearly a group of individuals. Players their have other priorities, such as the World Cup.

The likes of Romero and Richarlison clearly see the club as a stepping stone to something else – a move to one of Europe’s elite.

It is the same for the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur. The pair, signed from Juventus, trying to rebuild their careers and reputation at a lower level before a move back to a top team.

I am proud of every Arsenal player at the World Cup. Many were not guaranteed their seat on the plane.

The likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and William Saliba forced their way into their international squads due to their performances for Arsenal this season.

We clearly have a group of young, hungry professionals that want to do their best for club AND country.

I am not sure the same can be said about the Spurs lot.

Keenos

Eriksen to Arsenal? Yes please

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Whilst watching the evening game on Saturday, one stand out player came onto my scouting radar.

Christian Eriksen.

The Danish midfielder was integral to everything good Brentford did Saturday and has been in fantastic form since the West London side signed him in January.

Brentford only gave him a 6 month deal following his cardiac arrest at last summers European Championship.

He has shown in the handful of games he has played that he still has a lot to offer.

At 30-years-old, Eriksen would be a departure from Arsenal’s recent transfer policy of buying youth. But that should not put Edu off.

Eriksen would be available on a free transfer and would unlikely command huge wages. We wouldn’t therefore be tying up lots of money in him.

The Dane would also fit perfectly into Arsenal’s current system.

Mikel Arteta’s system that has seen Arsenal climb into 4th place is about having Ken defensive midfielder in Thomas Partey and then Granit Xhaka and Martin Odergaard playing in tandem further forward.

Eriksen would give Arteta a more attacking option over Xhaka and would also provide cover for both the Swiss man and Norwegian.

Considering Eriksen health problems, his playing time would need to be managed. Being the cover and competition for Xhaka and Odergaard could be ideal for him.

Likewise with Arsenal 99% certain of getting European football, we need more squad depth.

There is also Eriksen’s character.

He is a humble lad, settled in London with his family and a leader. He would fit in nicely with the current squad make-up and provide a senior role mode to our young, hungry stars.

Eriksen to Arsenal? Yes please.

Keenos

My Eyes Have Seen The Glory

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The seat coverings at Wembley summed it up.

Arsenal covered their 13 sections with a nod to each of the 13 FA Cup wins we have had.

Manchester City had something about a Blue Moon – is this the newest book in the Twilight Saga?

With 13 league titles, 13 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and 2 European trophies, The Arsenal are the 3rd most successful side in English football history. We are serial winners.

Winning mentality runs through the club, and that is highlighted over the last decade.

In the last 10 seasons,there has been little between Arsenal and Tottenham when it comes to the league.

Arsenal have finished higher 5 times out of the 9 completed seasons. Spurs 4 times (with the chance to make it 5-all this season).

During that period, Arsenal’s average league position has been 4th. Tottenham also 4th (or 4.1 to be exact).

Arsenal have finished top 4 six out of nine seasons. Tottenham 5 times

Both sides have finished 2nd.

There really is not much to split the two sides when it comes to a decade of league performances.

This is a period when Spurs have been excellent. A generational team. Their been side since the 60s. Whilst Arsenal have been in decline. A club in crisis.

What splits the teams, and highlights the difference between Arsenal’s winning and Tottenham’s losing mentality is trophies.

In the last decade, Arsenal have won 3 FA Cups. Tottenham trophyless.

You have to go back to 1991 to capture the period for Tottenham’s last 3 trophies (1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups); and back to 1981 for their last 3 FA Cup wins.

The 2020 FA Cup will be Arsenal’s 7th final in the past decade. Tottenham have played in just 2.

Scrolling through history, it is once again back to 1991 to capture Tottenham’s last 7 finals.

Mikel Arteta has been at the club for 7 months and already taken Arsenal to an FA Cup Final.

Tottenham’s last final was 1991. Since that victory under Terry Venables, Tottenham have got through 21 different managers.

Arsenal have lost few finals in recent years – last seasons Europa League defeat to Chelsea and a thrashing by Manchester City in the League Cup. Also that disappointing defeat to Birmingham in the League Cup which now feels a life time away.

Even with these defeats, at least we were there, in the final, competing for trophies.

This will be Arsenal fans 5th trip to Wembley for a final in 7 years, and 7th final in 10 years. Each one of those finals, win or lose, creates everlasting memories.

At times over the last decade, it has been tough to follow The Arsenal up and down the country. But that is because of the success that went before during the 90s and 00s.

But even in our worst periods, we make finals, we win trophies.

And on August 1st we have a chance of a 14th FA Cup. A 5th trophy in 10 years. Another glory day.

My eyes have seen the glory.

Keenos