Tottenham 1 vs Arsenal 4
Randal Kolo Muani 34’
Eberechi Eze 32’, 61’
Viktor Gyokeres 47’, 90+4’
Referee: Peter Bankes
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
This match was only ever going to go one way. Top of the table Arsenal were dominant and impressive from the off, having 60% of the possession, and making 451 passes to Tottenham’s 310. Gunners Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres plucked a stylish brace a piece, and despite a valiant strike from the home side’s Kolo Muani the host’s fate was sealed. This is now 5 North London derby wins on the trot for Arsenal. Their star seems only to be in ascent.
The concept of a ‘Big London Club’ going down a league is quite something. It is like a mirage, an impossibility, a Titanic, but at present Tottenham Hotspur FC seem to be rather keen on digging their own grave.
The pundits have it pegged at a 4% probability of Spurs joining the Championship. Their next half a dozen games though meet with the scrappy part of the table. All teams fighting for a spot, streaming rights, merchandise and cash. Throw into the mix Tottenham’s bench of injured players, general demoralisation, and plus the constant, unpredictable factor of sporting outcomes – pretty much anything could happen. On reflection, the prospect of Tottenham’s relegation is probably closer to evens.
Spurs have not been dropped since the 1970s. Fiscally and psychologically this would be virtual annihilation. Top players sold, desertion of new era fans, a colossal revenue slump, and a White Elephant, state of the art stadium, dumped in North London. All accompanied by a background soundtrack of Arsenal fans in stitches.
However, perhaps there is a saviour in the making. Despite failing to win his last 8 games as former Juventus Manager, Igor Tudor has a worthy record of rescuing embattled teams from the relegation zone. If he can marshall his troops, reboot the mindset, fight hard, and conjure a winning streak, then that 4% chance of the drop may be true.
Our next PLD is Fulham versus Tottenham at 14.00 on Sunday 1st of March. The Cottagers are billed to triumph, but the Lillywhites may just find a way to rally and succeed.
Until next time Enjoy Your Football, whoever you support. Matt at premierlondonderbies.com