Closest derby for a long time?
The Coach
By Boris Mellor
April 20 2007
Our friends in the North are getting excited as they have heard that Wenger and the team have walked out in protest over Dein’s sacking. That being the case they are hoping to beat our under 16s.
However if Jol loses this one he might have to lead a walkout for it is the Spuds cup final, with the Totts not even competing for the CL this year it is even more important. For Arsenal even a draw will make it St Totteringham day. However, for Gunners the more important fact is that a win would almost certainly guarantee champions league football.
Wenger believes that this is the closest Spurs have got to Arsenal in a long time, but I have to disagree with the great man. Last year was the closest they ever got, they nearly took the CL place off the Gunners, and there is no chance of that this year.
It may well be close, but not due to Spurs improvement, but due to a sudden drop of Arsenal form in March. The Gunners seem to have got the disappointment of exiting Europe out of their system now, but it has left a fragility in the defence, and a bluntness, at time up front.
The goal scoring is beginning to return, but the defence is still struggling to find top form. Spurs have scored quite a few lately, but not all in the Premiership. True they scored three against Wigan, but only one against Reading. They also concede quite a lot (three against Wigan) so they are not the juggernaut they pretend.
Spurs have had the benefit of a rest during the week, but a 55 game season may see them flagging as that is far longer than they are used to. Arsenal will be fighting to wrestle third spot off Liverpool.
Fabregas is apparently recovering from his virus and will be in the squad. Freddy and Diaby have recovered and are definitely available. So apart from RvP, Theo, Henry, and all the players who have walked out over Dein’s departure, Arsene should have a good squad to choose from.
