Gus: Spurs need silver lining
GUS POYET says Tottenham must start winning trophies to prove there has been a north London power shift.
Poyet’s former club find themselves in the unusual position of favourites when they head to rivals Arsenal on Saturday. And that is because Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who finished above Arsenal last season for the first time since 1995, hold a four-point advantage in the table. Spurs have also already marched into the last 16 of the Champions League on the back of beating European champions Real Madrid, while Arsenal have been licking their wounds in the Europa League. But Tottenham’s two League Cup triumphs – in 1999 and 2008 – remain their only silverware since Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal 21 years ago. “Spurs might have the balance of power but they have to start winning trophies,” said Poyet. “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. “Spurs are a very good team but they have not 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 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 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.”
Spurs being the dominant force locally was, for Poyet, an unthinkable prospect during his three years at White Hart Lane from 2001.
Spurs were used to seeing their prize assets poached and the Uruguayan admits he feared the worst again when Kyle Walker was lured away by Manchester City in the summer.
Leaving
He said: “When I was playing it was impossible for us to catch Arsenal. 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.
“For Arsenal it’s now the complete opposite. They just can’t seem to keep their main players happy.”
Arsenal boss Wenger has not enjoyed a league win against Spurs since Pochettino’s appointment in 2014 and Poyet expects that poor run to continue.
He said: “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. I’ve got a feeling it will be a draw.” GUS Poyet has made the Big Call with online betting site BetStars. He is backing a 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Tottenham. #Callit at betstars.uk