4
The hatred of anything that will make the other successful is mutual between Arsenal fans and their neighbour’s, Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal have been the more successful of the two teams, but on several occasions, Tottenham have been an obstacle to their North London neighbour’s quest for success. And today presents another opportunity for Spurs to put a clog in the Gunners’ wheel of success.
Tottenham will host Manchester City today in London and they need victory to remain in contention for a top four finish and a chance to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. But a win for Ange Postecoglou’s side will enhance Arsenal’s chances of winning the English Premier League for the first time in 20 years. And that is exactly what Tottenham fans don’t want.
Left between picking a Champions League ticket and allowing Arsenal to win the title, Tottenham has a big decision to make. Arsenal is a team that none of Spur’s supporters would ever want to help in any way whatsoever.
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz joked on Sunday, after the Gunners reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Manchester United, that he would be the “biggest Tottenham fan ever” when they host Manchester City today.
If Havertz was bold enough to turn up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he might find himself to be the only person inside the ground wanting to see a home win.
Actually, Tottenham only need to draw against City for the pendulum to swing firmly in Arsenal’s favour going into the final day of the season on Sunday, and that’s why there’s now so much focus on how Spurs approach the game.
If City get a draw, Arsenal will be top and at home to Everton with, to a large extent, their destiny in their own hands. Arsenal would be the leaders by +3 goals, so Man City (who are at home to West Ham) could outscore them in their final game to take the title. If City lose today, it’s completely in the Gunners’ control.
Although the fans do not care what happens to their club provided they beat Arsenal, the players know that their careers depend on how highly the club finishes on the table.
Qualification for Europe means more money and perhaps better contract, while some contracts may end if Tottenham fail to play in Europe next season. Whatever happens today will affect Arsenal’s fortunes one way or another. But Gunners fans are for once praying for Tottenham’s victory.
