I think we’d all agree that a late win against a good side is better preparation for a big game than being on the wrong end of an absolute battering by a very good one – so from that perspective at least we’re in a good position heading into Sunday’s game at Woolwich.
Dembélé’s winner on Thursday was a beauty but more encouragingly Kane’s opener was an example of the sort of clinical finishing we’ve been missing for most of this season. Games against Stoke, Everton, Liverpool, Monaco and Anderlecht in Belgium would all have would all have been won if the chances that went begging had been taken with the conviction that Harry showed both last night and in the last minute on Monday.
We’ll certainly need to keep this form in front of goal going on Sunday as chances are likely to be few and far between as despite their cup stumbles this season they’re a good shout for the title. The Gooners won’t have enjoyed their visit to Munich but this sort of thing – getting thoroughly humped – has happened so often in the past few years, they must surely be used to having to bounce back after an embarrassing display and result. One of these recent comedy outings was at Hillsborough where as well as the cup tie they lost both Oxlade Chamberlain and Walcott to strains. Neither is available to play this weekend I believe, Ramsey also. Bellerin and Koscielny missed Wednesday’public undressing but will probably be back. Going forward they still have Giroud, Sanchez, Ozil and Cazorla which is a fair bulk of talent to worry about, our midfield and forward chasers and harriers will have to be at their best to deny them space and ball supply.
Only Walker and Rose ended up being given the complete night off on Thursday as Poch, quite rightly as it turned out, felt that we’d need something near our best eleven on the field to get the result we needed. Even though Son and Mason are back, I suspect it’ll be the same side as Monday that starts the game – depending on Rose’s fitness.
A contempt for Arsenal and all the corporate, franchised smugness they stand for should be a given in my opinion but others have expressed it better than I. This article, Dear Broken Children Of Woolwich, is still a must read for anyone doubting that no matter the result on Sunday, at 6pm it should still gladden the heart and make you feel proud to say ‘I am Tottenham, We are Tottenham’.
Martin Atkinson is the referee.
COYS
Get a huge 20/1 on Tottenham to beat Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday
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