Gustavo Poyet has stated that although Tottenham have been finishing above Arsenal, their lack of trophies still leaves them without argument in the battle over North London dominance.
Spurs have finished above our side only twice since the Premier League began back in 1992, but there has appeared to be a slight shift in power in recent years, and the fact that Gunners are lacking Champions League football this term is painful.
Despite our noisy neighbours impressing in the elite European competition this term in our absence, and having started the league campaign much the better thus far, unless they can actually bring some sort of silverware to the club, their cockiness will continue to be overlooked.
“Spurs might have the balance of power but they have to start winning trophies,” said the former midfielder.
“I said it when I left the club in 2008 as a coach. And the club are still waiting which isn’t right.
“It’s nine years already and teams, whoever you are, are judged on winning things. Fans want something to show for being strong.
“Spurs are a very good team but they haven’t even won the Premier League and it’s been so long since they won the FA Cup. Even the League Cup seems a long time ago.
“Look at Jose Mourinho, he wins trophies and it takes the pressure off you.
“Spurs fans can mock Arsenal and say we finished higher than you in the league and that we are in the Champions League while you are playing in the Europa League.
“But Arsenal did that to Spurs for years and years – and they won things on the way.
“Even though they are seen as a club no longer at the peak of their powers, they’ve won the FA Cup in three of the last four seasons.”
The former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder went onto add that in his day there was no chance of challenging the Gunners, with the club’s best players deserting them whenever they would come close.
“When I was playing it was impossible for us to catch Arsenal,” he said. “We couldn’t reach their level.
“Spurs are now keeping the main players although when I saw Walker leaving I was a bit worried. I thought ‘Here we go again.’
“But Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen are not going anywhere in a hurry and they are moving into a new stadium in order to compete.
“And for Arsenal it’s now the compete opposite. They just can’t seem to keep their main players happy.”
Poyet was then asked his prediction for the upcoming encounter, and he was unable to predict a win for either side.
“It’s a more important game for Arsenal than it is for Spurs.
“A win for them could be the difference between having a good season and a bad season.
“It will be an even and cagey game and I’ve got a feeling it will be a draw.”
Are Spurs more likely to win a trophy this season then we are? Do they have a better team or squad then we do?
Pat J