Tottenham news – Paul Merson has delivered a major stance change on Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs after the North London Derby against Arsenal
Paul Merson made a big turnaround at Tottenham after Ange Postecoglou’s side put in an outstanding performance in the North London Derby against Arsenal. Spurs had to come back from behind twice at Emirates Stadium, with captain Son Heung-min scoring both goals thanks to assists from James Maddison.
Before the match, the away team was a huge underdog but their impressive performance left many disappointed, they only won one point instead of three. Merson was one of the experts who predicted the Gunners’ victory, but it was his reasoning that angered many supporters, with the former Arsenal player claiming that Spurs would be blown away by their opponents.
“I’m very optimistic, but I think Arsenal will win this match easily,” Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda prediction last Thursday. “Tottenham have started the season well, there’s no doubt about that. However, if they play enthusiastic football and find a way to hold Arsenal to a draw, the Gunners will destroy them.
“If they stay quiet and look to nick a goal on the counter, they could be in with a chance, but I can’t see that happening as that’s not how they’ve played so far under Ange Postecoglou.” In hindsight, his claims about Spurs and Postecoglou have proven to be rather naive with Spurs enjoying more possession than Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The first 30 minutes were dominated by Mikel Arteta’s side and they deservedly took the lead when Bukayo Saka’s effort deflected off Cristian Romero. However, after a series of shots from Brennan Johnson were saved by David Raya, Spurs responded with Maddison rushing in for Son to equalize.
In the second half, Romero was again at the heart of the crucial moments as he blocked Ben White’s effort with VAR intervention allowing Saka to take a penalty. This lead was short-lived though as Maddison stole possession from first-half substitute Jorginho early in the match before bringing on Son to level the game once again .
