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For years Tottenham fans have been mocked by their bitter rivals Arsenal. They have had to sit back and watch their fellow North Londoners lift Premier League titles, FA Cups and earn Champions League football year, in year out. Tottenham have failed to finish above the Gunners for the past 20 years, but it seems that will soon be over.
Albeit, Arsenal have been far from impressive this season, but if you were to say it would be Tottenham and Leicester who Arsenal would be competing with for the title, then many Arsenal fans would’ve bet their houses on winning the title. Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, their inevitable drop off when it really matters happened once again. Their North London rivals on the other hand have been quite the opposite. For years the term ‘Spursy’ has been used to describe Tottenham’s failings. Although it seems as though they have managed to shake off that unwanted label, and have passed it on to the red side of North London.
It’s quite remarkable how this Tottenham side have become exactly what Arsenal fans would love their side to be. They have the hunger, desire, fight and the bottle to push Leicester to the end and fight for the title, and that can only be put down to the manager. Since joining the club, Mauricio Pochettino’s hard working philosophy has clearly rubbed off on all of the players. Their high intensity playing style has been the key to their success this season, and has troubled the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Pochettino also seems to be getting the very best out of his players, something Wenger seems to be struggling with at this moment in time. The likes of Kyle Walker, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela looked average at best before the arrival of the Argentine. As well as this, the development of young players such as Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Eric Dier, and most importantly; the faith in English players.
Possibly the biggest positive from Tottenham’s season is the high quality performances from their English players. Walker, Rose, Dier, Alli and Kane are all first team regulars in the Tottenham squad, which should certainly give us confidence heading into the Euro’s in France this summer. This may also be one of the secrets behind Tottenham’s success this season. They have players who their fans can relate to. Players that will show the same passion that the fans do. The perfect example being Harry Kane, who has scored four Premier League goals in three premier League appearances against Arsenal.
So has the power really shifted in North London? Of course it has only been one season, and a lot can change in the summer. However, it is unlikely a great deal of change will occur at Arsenal. Meanwhile Tottenham are on the up and are looking hungry for success with their young players improving as every game passes. Will they be able to continue their dominance next season?
