SPURRED BY PRIDE

Legend Berba: I know Mourinho’s team can do a lot better

DIMITAR BERBATOV fears Tottenham could lose their kings of north London crown to Arsenal this season – after lording it over the Gunners for the past three years.

Jose Mourinho’s Spurs go into today’s eagerly awaited derby a point behind Mikel Arteta’s men.

And while neither side is setting the capital, let alone the world, on fire, Arsenal are enjoying the more consistent run.

Ex-Spurs ace and Betfair ambassdaor Berbatov said: “Spurs have been the dominant side in north London for some time, but that could change now.

“At the end of the day this is about pride, but you can’t forget they want to be even higher in the table.

“As a former player of the team and a fan, I know Spurs can do a lot better than they are at the minute, looking at the position they are in.

“Their goal shouldn’t be about competing with

Arsenal – it should be about competing with Liverpool and Manchester City.

“What is the point of battling it out with Arsenal if you are only fighting for eighth or ninth position?

“OK, they might finish above Arsenal, but you don’t get a trophy for that.

“For both teams the goal should be about qualifying for the Champions League and challenging the teams on top.”

Arsenal have managed four wins and a draw in the

Premier League since losing their first fixture following the restart at Brighton, as well as victory at Sheffield United in the FA Cup.

Spurs have won two, drawn two and lost away to the Blades.

But Thursday’s

0-0 draw with Bournemouth felt very much like a defeat for many fans.

Berbatov added: “Both teams are in a similar position. Both have good squads but Arsenal are suffering a bit more defensively in games.

“If they can correct that then they will be better off. “With Spurs, we have seen longserving players like Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld dropped to the bench.

“And Eric Dier has been playing at centre-back to see what he can do. And, while he’ll be suspended, Dier has actually done a decent job.

“Going into the game and looking at both teams it is 50-50... and you know what derbies can be like.

“Sometimes it’s not even about what form you are in going into the match.

“It’s about passion, the desire to win it and who makes the least mistakes.”

Mourinho gives Dele Alli instructions MIKEL ARTETA has issued a clear hands-off message to the likes of Leicester City after a glittering turnaround for Kieran Tierney in the restart. The 23-year-old (left) admits he felt under pressure to deliver following a succession of injuries after his £25million switch from Celtic – or face being bombed out by Arsenal chief Arteta. But after a string of impressive displays upon the resumption of the season, the Scotland left-back is suddenly an automatic pick under the Spanish coach. Arteta said: “Kieran is not going anywhere! I really like him. ”I’ve been very impressed with him since I joined – how he was acting and working on his rehab. “And then, with his performances, I’m delighted. He’s adapted really well. He’s a player that gives you everything in every game – and he’s adding quality. “Everybody loves him at the club and that’s not a coincidence. “He earns that every single day by the way he treats people, the way he works, the way he brings energy to the place. “He is still so young, but he has been a great addition to our team.”