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'I feel pity for Spurs fan' - Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit says 'broken' Ange Postecoglou should be SACKED after derby defeat

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Ange Postecoglou should be sacked as Tottenham boss after their north London derby defeat.

That's the view of Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit, who told talkSPORT that 'broken' Spurs need to put their players out of their misery.

Fresh from a tricky FA Cup victory over non-league Tamworth on Sunday, Postecoglou's side went into the clash at the Emirates Stadium in need of a reaction and got one when Heung-min Son put them ahead early on.

However, it didn't take long for Arsenal to seize control of the game and secure a 2-1 victory in a game that could have gone even further in the Gunners' favour.

As well as keeping them stuck in 13th spot in the table, Spurs have lost four of their last five games in the Premier League and picked up just 11 points in their last 12 games, conceding 22 goals in the process.

With Tottenham 14 points from the top four and just eight points from the drop zone, Petit believes that the time is now for Spurs to make a change.

Speaking to talkSPORT from the Emirates Stadium, Petit said: "I was watching Ange Postecoglou and he must be feeling really alone on the pitch tonight.

“I think things are probably coming to the end for him. I think that something has to change.

“We can see the league, we can see the faces of the players tonight on the pitch and they look so miserable, nobody looks like themselves.

“As I said, I think something has to change at Spurs so I think he will get the sack."

He added: “I feel pity for the Spurs fan. Honestly, I feel pity.

“Game after game, I’ve watched this team and I'm thinking, is it Postecoglou’s fault?

“When I look at this team, I have no idea what they want to do on the pitch, what kind of system, what kind of movements, even the commitment and the behaviour of the players.

“I know that they give everything on the pitch, but that's not enough. When you look at the quality individually and collectively in this team, something has been broken.

“They've been losing so many games, they're dropping down the table, they're not far the relegation zone. We're talking about a team that should be playing for the top position in the Premier League.

“So this is something for me that worries me the most.

“If I was a Spurs fans - and I'm not in the board, I'm not Mr Levy - but to be honest with you, something has to change.”

Tottenham haven't been helped by key injuries to Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur, while Richarlison has just returned to fitness.

But reflecting on their fitness woes, Petit responded: "Injuries are something very important to deal with but they have enough quality in the squad.

“Look at the players on the pitch, look at Son – he was amazing on the pitch for five years. Maddison this season – Maddison last year was such a great player, what has happened to him?

“Something is broken in this team and you can’t sack all of the players and so you have to make the easiest decision and that’s to sack the manager.

“I don’t like saying that and I feel for Postecoglou, but he deserves to be sacked because they’re going down game after game so change something.”

Tottenham are next in action on Sunday when they travel to face Everton, before taking on German side Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday.

Speaking to talkSPORT after the game, Postecoglou said: “I just thought the first half in particular was just way too passive. We allowed Arsenal to control the game and we're just nowhere near aggressive enough with and without the ball.

"And, you know, allowed them to sort of feel comfortable in the game and that's not what we're about.

"It's unacceptable. It's a big game, we should be ready for that. And I said we were nowhere near the team that we can be in that first half.

"I think all you do is you get up tomorrow morning and start preparing for a tough game on the weekend.

"Our league form's unacceptable, the results are unacceptable and it needs to change… as I said, our form and our results are nowhere near good enough so we need to change that.”

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Unique record instantly broken at the start of north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham

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Arsenal vs Tottenham was a record-breaking fixture from the moment the game kicked off thanks to three fresh-faced stars.

That's because this is the first time in Premier League history that three players aged 18 or younger have started in a north London derby.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was named in the starting line-up for the Gunners, while Ange Postecoglou named both Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in his team for the clash.

In a game that often cries out for experienced heads, it means that this one will be influenced at both ends of the pitch, and the age spectrum.

Lewis-Skelly only turned 18 in September and made his 15th senior appearance for Arsenal after being named at left-back.

Meanwhile Bergvall and Gray, who turned 18 in February and March last year respectively, have been regular features for Ange Postecoglou's side.

Gray has been a key player since arriving from Leeds United and despite being a central midfielder, has regularly been used at centre-back of late due to the team's injury problems.

As for Bergvall, it was just his fourth start in the Premier League for Tottenham - a big challenge for a player who is still adapting to life in England.

With both sides missing key players, the clash at the Emirates Stadium was a big opportunity for both sides to get their seasons back on track.

While Spurs squeezed through with an extra-time win over Tamworth in the FA Cup, Arsenal were hoping for a reaction after being knocked out by Man United.

It was Tottenham who took the lead through Heung-min Son midway through the first half.

A Dominic Solanke own goal then leveled the game after 40 minutes, before Leandro Trossard put Arsenal 2-1 up.

A win for Arsenal would put them within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Meanwhile a win for Tottenham would see them leapfrog West Ham into 12th spot in the table.

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'More about TikTok' - Arsenal vs Tottenham not as intense but one football rivalry outshines them all

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Whenever these teams face each other you can guarantee fireworks.

Arsenal host Tottenham in the latest episode of the north London derby and the Emirates is sure to be fiery.

The world is littered with bitter feuds among fans, so talkSPORT host and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney focused on the liveliest in the UK, starting with one that rarely gets played but the hatred is still very much there.

“You don’t get it as often and I’ve played against both teams. When their mob decide to go against you, it’s a bit ropey.

“You have to stand strong. I’ve done West Ham away with Blues (Birmingham) fans before and I've gone to a West Ham vs Millwall match with my Dad when I was a kid.

“That was probably the most scared I’ve ever been. It’s a massive rivalry but you don’t see it enough.”

Known historically as the 'Dockers Derby' owing to the fans who worked at the shipyards for rival firms on the River Thames, Millwall and West Ham have faced each other 99 times competitively, with Millwall clinching 38 victories, West Ham 37, and 27 matches ending in a draw.

Their last game was in 2012 with West Ham an established Premier League side and Millwall competing in the Championship.

It comes as no shock that Arsenal vs Tottenham has made the list.

This rivalry traces back to 1913 when Arsenal relocated their ground to north London from south of the River Thames. Their new neighbours weren’t at all pleased.

Arsenal fans have even created their own ‘holiday’ surrounding the rivalry, celebrating St. Totteringham’s Day — the day in the season when Spurs can no longer mathematically finish above Arsenal in the table.

“We see this one a lot,” Deeney said.

“I don’t think it’s one that has trouble behind it where [fans are fighting].

“I think it’s now more like who’s got the most followers. It’s like a TikTok thing.”

“We saw what it does to the players a couple of weeks back when Man United got the result at Liverpool,” Deeney said.

And he isn’t wrong, with just 35 miles between them they are two clubs that have always dished up tasty affairs when they meet.

The game Deeney is referring to is Man United’s display at Anfield.

After a tumultuous spell and Liverpool topping the table, the Red Devils defied the odds and emerged with a 2-2 draw.

They made it clear they wouldn’t allow their rivals to bask in a victory.

Their rivalry is entirely understandable, as both clubs boast the most illustrious records in English football history.

Together, they’ve amassed 39 league titles, 21 FA Cups, 16 League Cups, 37 Community Shields, and nine European Cups/Champions Leagues.

Known as the Second City derby, this is one Deeney knows all too well being a Birmingham fan.

“We haven’t seen that for a while but obviously I’ve been at those and I know what that does in and around the city.

“We saw Jack Grealish got chinned [by a pitch invader in 2019] as well when that happened.

Grealish got up after being punched from behind in one derby at St. Andrew’s, however in the second half, he got the ultimate revenge and scored to give Villa a 1-0 victory.

“In the build-up to one of those derbies it’s all anyone cares about,” Deeney continued.

“There’s a divide in the City, everyone comes out for it. You know what it’s going to be like and it’s a lively weekend.”

“I think it’s the biggest and the best in the UK. There’s maybe a few I’ve missed out but at the top, those five are the ones that come into my head.

"Going to a Rangers vs Celtic game is on my bucket list and I'd like to get it done this year."

“At the moment there’s like no away fans allowed but I’d like them to let them in again because that’s the spectacle of why we watch it.

“At the minute it’s a little bit unfair, just one whole coliseum of one side of fans.

“The other team are basically just getting abused the whole time.”

As the two most celebrated teams in Scotland, backed by enormous fan bases, the derbies are always fiercely contested.

It can be complex to those outside of Scotland and Ireland given the focus from some fans on politics and religion but when it doesn't cause violence and appropriate songs are sung the Old Firm derby is often cited as the most passionate in the world.

When away fans were allowed in, it was loud and nothing else mattered to anyone inside either Celtic Park or Ibrox for those 90 minutes.

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Arsenal vs Tottenham kick-off time and how to watch with injury-hit North London rivals to make bold selections for derby

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Arsenal and Tottenham are both balancing injury-hit squads for the second north London derby of the season tonight.

The goal-shy Gunners host a Spurs side ravaged by defensive injuries in one of the Premier League's most intriguing encounters.

Mikel Arteta's men are hoping to bounce back from their FA Cup exit to keep pace with leaders Liverpool on their return to the Emirates.

Despite their penalty shootout heartache, Arsenal remain the only team with their unbeaten Premier League home record intact.

Tottenham will bid to restore their lost bragging rights having fallen to defeat in the reverse derby fixture in September.

Spurs did secure their spot in the FA Cup fourth round but have only taken one point from the last 12 on offer in the Premier League.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Predicted line-ups

Arsenal

The hosts are continuing to miss talisman Bukayo Saka in attack, with Gabriel Jesus now facing the prospect of alengthy lay-off as well.

The latter's former Manchester City teammate Raheem Sterling had arguably his brightest showing in their FA Cup defeat on Sunday.

The Chelsea loanee has also just come back from injury himself but has been waiting for an opportunity to earn a run in the team.

Sterling has started just two Premier League games since his summer loan from Stamford Bridge.

One of those starts ended after just 37 minutes following William Saliba's red card in the 2-0 loss against Bournemouth in October.

Alternatively, Gabriel Martinelli could present an option on the right, with Arteta recently talking up his capability to deputise for Saka.

The Brazilian's pace in behind will be a vital asset against Tottenham's defensive high-line on either flank.

Should Martinelli be given the nod over Sterling on the right then Leandro Trossard is the other option to feature from the left.

Kai Havertz endured a nightmare against Manchester United, missing a plethora of chances before his penalty was saved in the shootout.

His form has led to increased calls for Arsenal to sign a new striker, but in their current state, the German will continue to lead the line.

Arteta has a more straightforward selection pick in midfield, with Thomas Partey and Declan Rice replacing Jorginho and Mikel Merino.

Tottenham have conceded at least once in each of their last 25 Premier League away games against Arsenal, since a 0-0 draw in 1998-99. In their league history, only at Bolton have they had a longer run without an away clean sheet (35 between 1923 and 2012).

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League home games (W9 D3), and are the only side without a home loss so far this season (W6 D3). They’ve kept a clean sheet in each of their last four home league games, last recording five consecutive shutouts at the Emirates between December 2013 and February 2014.

Tottenham have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches (D2 L5), with that victory coming at bottom side Southampton. Indeed, since the start of this run only Leicester (4) and Southampton (1) have earned fewer points in the Premier League than Spurs (5).

Captain Martin Odegaard, goalkeeper David Raya, and the back four are all expected to retain their spots from the FA Cup defeat.

In addition to Saka and Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all confirmed absentees.

Riccardo Calafiori will hope to be back involved, but Kieran Tierney has a bigger case to challenge Myles Lewis-Skelly's place at left-back.

The Scot was notably the defender called upon from the bench by Arteta over Oleksandr Zinchenko against Man United.

Tottenham

The visitors are again without the majority of their first-choice backline, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario still sidelined.

January signing Antonin Kinsky has impressed with successive clean sheets in his first two outings and will be between the sticks.

Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero,Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are all in the treatment room - leaving Radu Dragusin as the only fit senior centre-back.

The Romanian will be partnered by orthodox defensive midfielder Archie Gray, with Djed Spence returning on the left.

Pedro Porro is an ever-present option at right-back, while Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr are likely to start in midfield alongside Dejan Kulusevski.

Rodrigo Bentancur will miss out due to concussion protocols, with highly-rated youngster Lucas Bergvall also pushing to be involved.

Ange Postecoglou's favoured front three looks poised to include Heung-min Son and Dominic Solanke, while Brennan Johnson will hope to start over James Maddison after scoring against Tamworth.

Brazilian forward Richarlison has been out with a hamstring injury since November, while summer signing Wilson Odobert is also sidelined.

As a team, Tottenham have applied more pressures in the final third than any other side in the Premier League this season (1,321). Striker Dominic Solanke leads the way for this among players, with his 386 over 100 more than the next highest (Erling Haaland, 275).

Arsenal have conceded a league-high 28% of their Premier League goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season (5/18). Meanwhile, Tottenham have scored more goals in this time period than any other side (11).

Each of Kai Havertz’s last 11 Premier League goals have been scored in London. The last Arsenal player to have a longer such run was Lukas Podolski (12 between December 2012 and April 2014).

Arsenal vs Tottenham: How to follow

This Premier League clash is set to take place on Wednesday, January 15.

Kick-off at the Emirates is scheduled for 8pm.

The match will be shown on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage begins at 6:30pm.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

talkSPORT will also have updates from north London, with Adrian Durham, Deeney and Scott Minto taking you around the grounds.

talkSPORT.com will also have the action in our dedicated live Premier League blog.

To tune in to talkSPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

Arsenal have won six of their last eight Premier League games against Spurs (D1 L1) and are looking to win three consecutive league games against them for the first time since January 1989 (a run of five).

Tottenham have won just one of their last 31 Premier League away games against Arsenal (D12 L18) and are winless in 13 since a 3-2 victory in November 2010.

Following their 1-0 win in September, Arsenal are looking to complete the Premier League double over Tottenham for the fifth time. Only in 2013-14 have they done so without conceding in the competition.

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Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions, odds and betting tips

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These north London rivals will renew hostilities at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur best bets

Tottenham Hotspur or draw - 2/1 with Casumo

Under 3.5 goals - 4/6 with Casumo

Dominic Solanke to score any time - 3/1 with Betfred

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur odds

Find the latest match odds for Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur. All odds are provided by our best football betting sites. Odds are subject to change.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both had to play for longer than they would have liked at the weekend.

Somewhat embarrassingly given they were facing National League opposition, Spurs failed to make a breakthrough in the first 90 minutes of their FA Cup third-round tie against Tamworth.

They did score three times in extra time, but it was hardly the convincing demolition that Ange Postecoglou must have wanted to see.

Arsenal’s match lasted even longer. A 1-1 draw with Manchester United after extra time gave way to a penalty shoot-out, which was won 5-3 by the Red Devils.

That was a huge blow to Mikel Arteta’s men, who missed an abundance of chances against opponents that were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark.

Arsenal have had a poor start to 2025. They beat Brentford on New Year’s Day, but a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion the weekend before last was a disappointing result in the Premier League.

They then lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, before another setback at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

If they are not careful, Arsenal will have nothing left to play for domestically this time next month. Newcastle are strong favourites to advance to the EFL Cup final at the Gunners’ expense, while Arteta’s team are also outsiders in the Premier League title race.

The gap between Arsenal and leaders Liverpool is six points going into the midweek round of fixtures, although the Reds have a game in hand. Arsenal have very little margin for error.

There was more bad news at the weekend, as Gabriel Jesus joined a list of attacking absentees that already included Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal will not be at full strength on Wednesday.

Neither will Tottenham, who will be without the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

With both teams in mediocre form and missing key players, there is more dread than excitement from the two sets of supporters. A win on derby day would be the perfect tonic.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur betting tips

Arsenal entertain Tottenham Hotspur in the second north London derby of the 2024/25 season.

Tottenham Hotspur or draw

Arsenal scored just one goal in their recent cup ties against Newcastle and Manchester United, but the conversion of chances was a much bigger problem than the creation of them.

However, there is little point in fashioning opportunities if you continually spurn them. Without Bukayo Saka, Arsenal lack a killer instinct up top.

Kai Havertz has not played well for some time now. The jury is out on Gabriel Martinelli. Leandro Trossard often flatters to deceive when he starts games.

To be clear, Tottenham have issues of their own. But for all their faults, they are always a threat going forward.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have not been as imperious as usual of late. Tottenham can get something from their latest trip to the Emirates Stadium.

⚽ Back Tottenham Hotspur or a draw at 2/1 with Casumo ⚽

Under 3.5 goals

North London derbies are almost invariably entertaining affairs, but this could be a cagier encounter. Remember, Arsenal only narrowly won 1-0 in the first game between these sides this season.

The Gunners have struggled to break down low blocks in recent outings, but they will not face that sort of defence on Wednesday.

Postecoglou's Tottenham continue to adopt a proactive, attack-minded approach with relatively little regard for the defensive side of the game.

Yet there will be a sense of anxiety at the Emirates given results in the last few days. The crowd will get nervous unless Arsenal make a blistering start and that could play into Spurs’ hands.

This might not be as high-scoring a fixture as many seem to expect. Three goals or fewer is a distinct possibility.

⚽ Tip under 3.5 goals at 4/6 with Casumo ⚽

Dominic Solanke to score any time

Dominic Solanke caused the aforementioned Saliba and Gabriel problems when Arsenal beat Tottenham in September.

He has the physicality to disrupt the centre-back duo, while his ability to hold up the ball and bring his team-mates into the game will be integral to Tottenham’s game plan on Wednesday.

For all that Solanke is having a good season, the former Bournemouth striker will be keen to increase his goals-per-game ratio.

Solanke has made the net bulge seven times in 17 top-flight appearances since moving to north London. That is a decent return, albeit one which the England international can improve.

Nothing would further endear him to the Spurs fan base more than a decisive goal against Arsenal at the Emirates.

⚽ Select Dominic Solanke to score any time at 3/1 with Betfred ⚽

📺 How to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

Location: Emirates Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Wednesday 15th January, 8pm.

How to watch: TNT Sports 1.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

Premier League winner predictions

Premier League top scorer odds

Premier League relegation odds

Champions League winner odds

Championship promotion odds

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I was shocked by Arsenal vs Tottenham rivalry, but then one moment made me see real hatred

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Arsenal vs Tottenham is a historic and bitter rivalry but for Martin Keown, the frenzy surrounding their clashes was initially surprising.

The north London derby has been contested 196 times since their first meeting in 1909, with the Gunners leading on wins with 83.

Keown appeared in 26 of the clubs' battles across two stints at Arsenal during which he became a club legend.

He first joined on a schoolboy contract in 1980, by which time plenty of blows were exchanged between the ferocious rivals on the pitch.

However, despite the well-documented animosity between the clubs over the past century, Keown was seemingly taken aback by it.

Tottenham had been stuck in a period of decline during Keown's rise into the Arsenal team.

While they remained each other's fiercest geographical rivals, Manchester United suddenly became the most important competitive match for Arsenal.

Still, Keown was quickly struck by the passion in north London - and one moment still lives with him to this day.

Centre-back partner Sol Campbell received vitriolic abuse after going back on his word and joining Arsenal from Tottenham in a deeply controversial free transfer in 2001.

Ahead of Wednesday night's Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium, Keown reflects on his early experiences of the north London derby - and the day Campbell played for Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

"When I first arrived, I was shocked with the hysteria around playing Spurs," he exclusively told talkSPORT.

"I was in a very good youth team, we won 9-0 in our very first youth team game, Glenn Hoddle’s brother [Carl] was playing and there were a few notable players.

"Everybody in-house was like, ‘Wow’… They took notice of us because it was a good group of young players that were coming through with players like [David] Rocastle and [Michael] Thomas.

"Then we beat their reserve side, we scored six goals, again… And I never really got carried away with the Tottenham game.

"I’m not trying to be arrogant, I just realised that it’s dangerous for it to be in your head too much.

"My landlord was a Spurs fan, Charlie, he talked all the time about Spurs, the quality of the football, the way they were, the class.

"So, it was just under the surface for me and I think I managed that well, I only got sent off once against Spurs, I think the game was pretty well over.

"But I loved going to White Hart Lane, I loved the atmosphere, there was real hatred from their fans, particularly when Sol Campbell went, the situation went too far, way too far, but really great memories.

"I wouldn’t walk down the Tottenham High Road now, I don’t think it would be wise.

"As much as the game has cleaned up and they’ve got a lovely new stadium, it’s a long walk on my own. So, White Hart Lane visits are few and far between."

Keown won eight north London derbies against Spurs and drew 12, tasting defeat on six occasions.

His last ever derby experience came in 2004 when Arsenal drew 2-2 at White Hart Lane to win their 'Invincible' Premier League title.

The centre-back didn't play but was part of the iconic celebrations on their rivals' home turf in front of the travelling fans.

It was Keown's third Premier League crown before leaving during the following summer, with Arsenal failing to become title winners since.

Arsenal have retained an edge over their local rivals since Keown hung up his boots - albeit the gap is significantly smaller these days.

The Gunners finished above Spurs for 21 successive seasons between the 1995/96 season to the 2015/16 campaign - before Tottenham went on a run of their own, finishing above their arch-rivals six times in a row.

Mikel Arteta's side have finished second behind Manchester City in the past two years and fallen away in this season's race too.

Victory against Spurs this week will see them close the gap on leaders Liverpool, who currently sit six points ahead with a game in hand.

Tottenham are 11 places below Arsenal, having already lost ten Premier League fixtures during an injury-ridden season.

However, Arsenal will certainly not be short of pressure on their shoulders following back-to-back cup defeats.

Newcastle beat them 2-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final last Tuesday to dent their hopes of reaching the final.

Arsenal were then knocked out of the FA Cup on Sunday following a penalty-shootout defeat to ten-man Manchester United.

They have won four of the last five meetings against Spurs, which includes a 1-0 away win earlier in the season.

But their out-of-sorts local rivals could still further derail their chances of silverware and hand Liverpool a massive title boost.

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Ange Postecoglou calls out 'vile and detestable' Tamworth abuse that marred special FA Cup tie

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Ange Postecoglou has labelled some of the Tamworth fans' chants as 'vile and detestable' during their FA Cup clash against Tottenham.

Premier League giants Spurs were 3-0 winners after extra-time in their third round tie at the National League side on Sunday.

Head coach Postecoglou was given a hostile reception by Tamworth fans though he seemed to be in good spirits in response to chants.

However, the Australian was left disappointed with a minority of the home crowd, whose behaviour he has called 'pretty unacceptable'.

"As I said after the game, credit to Andy [Peaks, Tamworth manager] and his players and the people of Tamworth at the football club," he said on Tuesday.

"I thought they did themselves proud on the day with the way they presented everything.

"[I'd say] 90 per cent of the crowd were very good and enjoyed the banter. There was 10 per cent who were pretty unacceptable.

"The stuff I heard was pretty vile and detestable, and getting things thrown at me, not a great experience, but we're kind of expected to be the bigger person.

"I would have loved to have turned around and not be the bigger person in that moment, but you deal with it and go on."

Some Tamworth fans at the Lamb Ground were chanting 'w*****' at Postecoglou, who responded with a wry smile.

However, the Spurs boss was also met with shouts of 'f** Aussie b******' before watching his side narrowly escape and FA Cup upset.

Tamworth were arguably the better side in 90 minutes and took their top flight opposition to extra-time with a spirited performance.

However, an own-goal from Nathan Tshikuna put Spurs ahead, with Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson also finding the net.

They have been rewarded with a fourth round tie away to Aston Villa next month.

Spurs face an even bigger test before then though as they will make the short trip across north London to face their arch-rivals Arsenal.

The Premier League clash will be the 197th meeting between the two sides, who are both in desperate need of three points.

Arsenal will arrive after respective Carabao Cup and FA Cup defeats at home to Newcastle and Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta's side are second but will be nine points behind Liverpool at kick-off should the league leaders beat Nottingham Forest.

Spurs on the other hand are 12th and have won only seven of their 20 matches so far this season, losing ten of those.

Postecoglou has faced various injury issues and may have been dealt another blow as he confirmed a hamstring problem for Timo Werner.

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'Big moves pay off' - Sol Campbell mocks Tottenham over Arsenal transfer in hilarious video

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Timing is everything in comedy, and with the north London derby up next, Sol Campbell has produced a performance for the ages.

The Premier League great famously swapped between Tottenham and Arsenal in 2001 in one of England’s most controversial transfers.

Having graduated from the club’s academy and joined their fiercest rivals, Campbell is still detested by Spurs fans, but 24 years on certainly isn’t too soon to joke about it.

In a newly released advert for Google, the 50-year-old former England regular pokes fun at the controversial transfer in hilarious scenes.

Starting off in a white jumper, he says: “It’s that time of the year again, the time of year when people start to wonder if the grass might be greener.”

He then pulls it off, revealing a red sweater, and continues: “Whether they should switch sides and change allegiances.”

Then, walking into his trophy room, he says: “Take it from me, big moves pay off. Sure, people will have opinions, but who cares what people think?”

The references continue as Cambpell turns a vase of white lilies away from the camera, alluding to Spurs’ nickname.

He finishes: “Of course you can stay with them for another year, but is anything really going to change? It doesn’t look like it to me.

“So if you’re thinking about a transfer this January, I say go for it. It’s not like you’re doing anything outrageous, you’re just switching to something much, much better.”

So good is Cambpell’s acting that he probably won over most fans, but plenty from the other side of north London still haven’t forgiven him for his 2001 treachery.

The centre-back’s 12-year 315-appearance Spurs career came to an end that summer and if joining Arsenal wasn’t bad enough, he left on a free transfer, leaving Spurs without a fee for one of Europe’s best defenders.

Judas shirts were directed at Campbell and Spurs fans got in trouble for disgraceful chants and death threats.

Yet, as Campbell alludes to in the new advert, he came out the winner from the whole affair.

Having won just a single League Cup in nine seasons at White Hart Lane, he went on to fill up his trophy cabinet at Highbury.

Campbell won the FA Cup and Premier League twice, and even made it to the 2006 Champions League final.

In fact, his winning ability continued even after he left Arsenal in 2006, as he helped Portsmouth to an unlikely FA Cup win in 2009.

Since retiring Campbell has tried his hand at politics, running for London mayor in 2016 before switching to management with Macclesfield and Southend.

But none of those ventures were as impressive as his new foray into acting…

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Arsenal step up striker chase in transfer domino which could lead to huge Tottenham blow

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Arsenal are looking to reignite their long-term interest in Dusan Vlahovic, talkSPORT understands.

The Juventus star has 18 months remaining on his contract with the Italian side and has so far shown no indication that he's willing to pen fresh terms.

As a result, Juve are open to offload him - but only if they bring in a replacement for the Serbia international.

It's understood that a loan is the most likely option for the player, with Arsenal now considering their options.

In a classic transfer domino effect, the Gunners' pursuit could be aided if their fierce rivals miss out on a target.

That's because Juventus are confident of beating Tottenham to the signing of Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain.

A deal for the PSG forward would pave the way for Vlahovic to move on from the Old Lady, freeing Arsenal up to make a move.

Vlahovic has scored 53 goals in 124 games since joining Juventus from Fiorentina, including 12 in 23 so far this term.

The Serbian striker was a top target for Arsenal in January 2022, but opted to join Juve instead in a deal worth £66million.

talkSPORT understands Vlahovic was offered to Manchester United in a swap deal for Joshua Zirkzee earlier this month.

Though it appears the Dutchman is willing to fight for his future under Ruben Amorim - just six months after arriving from Bologna.

For Arsenal, the need for a new striker has stepped up in recent days.

That is due to the significant injury blow suffered by Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian forward picked up the injury in an awkward collision with Bruno Fernandes in the FA Cup third round defeat to United on Sunday.

Jesus left the pitch on a stretcher and looked in serious discomfort, with Mikel Arteta admitting post-match that the prognosis wasn't good.

Speaking immediately after the match, Arteta said: "No update, but it's not looking good.

"He was in quite a lot of pain, he had to come off on a stretcher and it's not looking good."

As it stands, Kai Havertz, who was guilty of a shocker in the FA Cup exit to United, is the club's only recognised striker.

Mikel Arteta's only other options would be to deploy wingers Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in a false No.9 role.

The club's situation led to Arsenal fan Piers Morgan urging his club to 'break the bank' to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle during his appearance on the talkSPORT Breakfast show on Monday.

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Tottenham goalkeeper reveals secret behind scoring £75,000 goal to set up potential FA Cup clash with Man City

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Josh Keeley is one win away from facing the best goalscorer in England, Erling Haaland, having proven a dab hand at finding the net himself.

Tottenham fans have been enamoured with their new man between the sticks in recent weeks but a shot-stopper already on their books has generated even bigger headlines.

Keeley signed on loan for League One Leyton Orient from Spurs in the summer in a bid to gain more senior first-team minutes.

The 21-year-old was nominated for the division’s Player of the Month award in December but has made a bigger mark in the FA Cup.

Orient have enjoyed a club-record run of seven straight clean sheets - with Keely the No.1 for all but one of those games.

However, the Irishman is not just content with keeping goals out - he also got on the scoresheet himself in the FA Cup second-round.

With the O's on the brink of being knocked out at home by National League side Oldham Athletic Keely equalised in the ninth minute of stoppage-time with a bullet header from a corner.

During an exclusive interview with talkSPORT's Hawsbee & Jacobs, the Tottenham loanee has lifted the lid on his FA Cup heroics.

“I wouldn't say I go up often,” Keely joked. “It wasn't bad [his header]. It wasn't bad at all - It was the last minute so I just said I'd get myself up there and be an extra number in the box.”

Keely continued: “It's so rare. That's why everyone gets so hyped about it, you know what I mean?

“I used to be an outfielder when I was younger, I wasn't always a goalkeeper so, I kind of always had a bit of an instinct of being in the box.”

Keely's first-ever professional goal was enough to send the match to extra-time, where Dan Agyei's strike secured a 2-1 victory for Orient which bagged the £75,000 jackpot for second-round victors.

Even greater riches now potentially await the O's, with a potential blockbuster visit of Premier League champions Manchester City.

Orient's scheduled third-round meeting with Derby County was postponed over the weekend due to inclement weather.

The two teams will instead face-off on Tuesday - now armed with the knowledge that a home clash with Pep Guardiola's side is the prize.

However, Keeley might not have been involved at all following speculation his parent club Spurs would recall him.

Tottenham's first-choice keeper Guglielmo Vicario remains out with a long-term ankle injury, with back-up Fraser Forster then being wiped out by asickness bug.

Asked whether he was wondering whether he was going to get the call back at one point, Keeley told talkSPORT: “Yeah, it was a bit of a mad situation, to be fair.

“But I didn't really know what to expect. I think more stuff was in the media than being told to me.”

Brandon Austin, who joined Spurs as a 16-year-old in 2015, ultimately made his first competitive appearance for the club in nine years during their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

He added: “I haven't had a chance to speak to him, to be fair. But he's been at the club for a long, long time.

“For him to get the chance to play, and play the way he did, is brilliant for him. Brilliant.

Keeley will now get the opportunity to serve up a timely reminder of his qualities as Orient look to continue their recent fine form.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, who originally played as a centre-half, trained with St Patrick’s Athletic first team at age 17.

It was there that he formed a close bond with the goalkeeping coach Pat Jennings Jr - the son of the legendary Spurs goalkeeper.

Keeley officially joined Tottenham in July 2022, and signed a new contract with the Lilywhites before moving to east London.

He added: “I'm absolutely loving it. Since I came in the door [at Orient], the whole club's just a proper close family.

“Obviously, my loan ends up in the summer. So, come summertime, we'll see what happens then.”

First up is the visit of Derby but Orient manager Richie Wellens will be in no doubt of who to call upon if he needs a goal late on.

Can he do it again? - “Why not? I don't see why not!”

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