Harry Redknapp has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur ‘aren’t exciting to watch’ compared to their London rivals Arsenal, as he told talkSPORT on Wednesday morning.
The former Spurs boss added that Arsenal are ‘exciting’ with their two wingers – Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka – as well as showcasing ‘fantastic’ movement.
But he thinks Antonio Conte’s side just simply get the job done and their midfield – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur – lack that flair.
Prior to the midweek fixtures, Arsenal are sitting top of the Premier League table – four points clear of both Manchester City and Tottenham.
Not many would argue, but the trio have been the standouts so far, with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta having their team playing with that extra zip, flair and excitement.
Redknapp has been in the Tottenham dugout before and he has delivered a Champions League finish, but no trophies, as he shared his thoughts on his former side and their neighbours.
“It’s interesting this year, isn’t it?!” said Redknapp. “We have some teams playing. Tottenham are in great form. Arsenal are in great form. You still have Manchester City, who look like the obvious favourites to win the title. There are a few teams this year. London teams are going well. Chelsea are going well now. It’s going to be an interesting title race.
“They aren’t exciting (to watch Spurs). You watch Arsenal, at the moment, you look at the two wingers, the way they play and how exciting they are and the movement of football. It’s fantastic.
“But Tottenham, they just keep getting results. Conte has got a team there where he has set them up to be hard to beat, first and foremost, but he also knows that he has goals in the team in Son and Kane. They can hit teams on the break. Soak up the pressure. You look at the midfield, they aren’t full of flair players. They have people who do the hard yards, get results and that’s the way they are going to do it.
“If, at the end of the year, they end up winning the title, winning a cup or being in the top four again, then who can argue? Conte is doing a fantastic job there.”
END RESULT IS ALL THAT MATTERS
At the end of the day, it’s about securing a top-four finish again and adding trophies to your cabinet.
Both Arsenal and Spurs will be confident that a Champions League finish can be secured given their starts – Conte’s side secured fourth spot on the last day of the 2021/22 season ahead of the Gunners.
But what would be a bonus is adding a trophy, whether it’s that much-wanted Premier League title, or any of the two domestic cups, the League Cup or the FA Cup.
And if that happens by playing so-called boring football, then in truth, the fans of that club will not care one jot.
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