For years, Tottenham have been in the shadow of their glorious cross-town rivals. The Gunners have achieved new heights in the last couple of decades and have been dubbed as at least the best team in London, if not England over that time. However, things are looking as though they may change as some believe that the balance of power is probably shifting from Arsenal to Tottenham, and that Spurs are finally looking poised to no longer be in Arsenal’s shadow.
The current season’s league standings back this up, as Tottenham have managed to stay above Arsenal for the majority of this season. The two sides met recently in the North London derby at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham triumphed 2-1 and with it, extended their lead over their fierce rivals to a comfortable 7 points. However, recent results have not gone Tottenham’s way, and the lead has been cut down to a slender 1 point. Also to help Arsenal’s cause, the end of season run-in is much kinder to Arsenal than to Tottenham, who are expected to drop points from now until the end of the season. Therefore, there are serious chances of Arsenal edging out Tottenham.
Arsenal’s January signing, Monreal, believes that Arsenal being below Tottenham is simply ‘not right’, and is determined to upstage Tottenham and secure UEFA Champions League football next season. According to Metro.co.uk, the Spanish international spoke recently to the local media, and said, “It’s logical that people are talking because the situation [with Tottenham ahead in the table] is not as it should be,”
“We have to use our energy for the matches. If you are thinking of what people are saying, you are wasting that energy. You have to concentrate on the next match.”
“Every fixture is now a final we have to win. That has to be our mentality. I’m sure we will put it right.”
Monreal is determined to help the Gunners get ahead of Tottenham and take what he feels is their rightful place in the top 4 and it certainly looks like things may fall into place for him if recent results are anything to go by.