As the much-anticipated North London derby approaches, Arsenal legend Martin Keown has issued unexpected praise for Tottenham Hotspur’s progress under manager Ange Postecoglou.
With the fierce rivals set to face off on 15 September at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Keown has acknowledged Spurs’ recent improvements, sending a warning to his former club.
Despite his deep ties to Arsenal, Keown has openly admired what Tottenham are building under Postecoglou.
He highlighted the growing unity and togetherness within both the Spurs squad and their fanbase, pointing out that the club has shifted its focus towards its own ambitions, aiming to break their long-standing trophy drought.
Although Arsenal has won their last two away trips to Spurs, Keown pointed out that this time, the Gunners face a tougher challenge, particularly with several key players missing.
Midfield dynamo Declan Rice will be unavailable after his suspension due to a red card in Arsenal’s recent draw with Brighton, and injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Moreno have left Arsenal’s midfield notably weakened. Keown suggested that this could create an opening for Tottenham to capitalise on the Gunners’ vulnerabilities.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Keown said:
“I like what Spurs are doing, I like the way they play, I like the unity in the stadium, the togetherness.
“Last time Arsenal went there it was more about Arsenal winning a game of football to become champions, now the manager [Ange Postecoglou] is setting a culture and they’ve got their own trophies they want to win as it’s been a long time.
“We have to respect Spurs and it’s difficult. You want to go there with your best players but they’re not there. [Riccardo] Calafiori has picked up an injury, [Mikel] Moreno the boy who would have come in for Rice is injured.”
Postecoglou, who has made an instant impact since joining Spurs in the summer, will likely aim to exploit Arsenal’s depleted midfield. His team has shown signs of renewed energy and unity, buoyed by summer signings like Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odobert, who have brought fresh attacking options to the side.
