Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes things are looking up for Tottenham Hotspur with Richarlison and Oliver Skipp earning praise for their performances during the 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea, speaking to talkSPORT (27 February, 11.30am).
The last time Spurs emerged victorious over their bitter rivals in North London, Antonio Conte was standing in the opposition dugout, Dele Alli enhancing his reputation as one of world football’s most exciting talents with two brilliantly-taken goals on the night.
Six years on, it was another fresh-faced midfielder who set the tone; Oliver Skipp’s first-ever Tottenham goal as important as it was impressive. The 22-year-old academy graduate has stepped up brilliantly since Rodrigo Bentancur’s season-ending injury. And it was his thumping long-range drive which flashed past Kepa Arrizabalaga and opened the scoring just after half-time on Sunday afternoon.
Harry Kane – who else? – doubled the lead with a typical poacher’s finish late on. And, just a fortnight on from that 4-1 thumping by relegation-threatened Leicester City, things are suddenly feeling a damn sight more positive for a Spurs side who’s Champions League ambitions now lie in their own hands.
Keown, meanwhile, believes Richarlison deserves credit for a performance which, while lacking in sheer quality, was brimming with intensity and determination; the £60 million record signing starting his second game in a row with Heung-Min Son dropped to the bench.
Oliver Skipp shines as Tottenham Hotspur beat Chelsea
Richarlison’s wait for a Premier League goal now stands at 16 games. More performances like this, however, and it will surely come. Sooner rather than later, too.
“Richarlison did exceptionally well. He can be an annoying player (to play against),” says the three-time Premier League winner.
“Son has not quite matched up but when he’s come of the bench he’s done really well. I think they’ve got that right at the moment.
“Skipp scores an amazing goal. He is coming out the academy, so that’s good news. (Tottenham) just look a whole lot better.”
A back five of Emerson Royal, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Clement Lenglet and the imperious Cristian Romero stood strong too; Graham Potter’s out-of-sorts Chelsea side barely troubling back-up ‘keeper Fraser Forster in North London. The visitors managed nearly 60 per cent of possession, but produced just two shots on target.
Tottenham are now fourth, 14 points clear of Chelsea in the table.
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