Tottenham Hotspur wanted to finish above Arsenal in the table last season.
Harry Redknapp has been discussing the rivalry between his former club Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. The North London rivals go head-to-head in the Premier League this weekend. Spurs go into the game in poor form and sweating over the fitness of star striker Harry Kane, who could make his comeback for the fixture. Arsenal meanwhile are playing well and will have high hopes of picking up victory in the game.
Last season it looked as though Spurs were going to finish above Arsenal in the Premier League. In the end, after pushing Leicester City all the way in the Premier League title race, Spurs came up short. They then suffered poor format the end of the season and the Gunners ended up finishing above them in second position.
TV Pundit Harry Redknapp
Redknapp spoke about that late season capitulation of last term to the Evening Standard and explained how former Spurs manager David Pleat told him the boardroom at White Hart Lane felt the club had to finish above their rivals last season:
“David Pleat told me last season there was a lot of talk in the boardroom about Tottenham feeling as though they had to finish above Arsenal.
“It looked for all the world like that would happen and I’m sure it would have been a massive disappointment to everyone at the club when they fell short.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager David Pleat in the stands
“I know what it feels like — Arsenal did the same to my Spurs side a few years ago. If it had been any other team, it wouldn’t have felt as much of a body blow as it did.”
Spurs will no doubt be looking to get the better of Arsenal this weekend. Mauricio Pochettino’s men are currently without a win in their last six games but if they can defeat their North London rivals Spurs will move level on points in the Premier League.
Once again, it looks like the North London rivals will be close in the Premier League come the end of the season.
This weekend, it is just bragging rights on the line.
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