Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has now opened up about what he really thinks of his club’s rivalry with Arsenal.
There is no love lost between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The two North London clubs have been fierce rivals for as long as anyone can remember. Derby clashes between the two neighbours tend to be fierce and feisty affairs, and are the first encounters than fans of either outfit look for each time fixture schedules are announced ahead of a new campaign.
Of course, both Arsenal and Tottenham players are aware of this rivalry, and feel it. However, in some ways, the enmity between the two clubs took on a new dimension this season.
Towards the end of the campaign, Spurs hosted Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Had Pep Guardiola’s side dropped points in North London, then the Gunners would have assumed a commanding position in the Premier League title race with just one game to go.
James Maddison discusses Tottenham Hotspur rivalry with Arsenal
In that context, many Tottenham fans actively wanted their own team to lose against Manchester City in order to hinder Arsenal.
As it played out, those supporters got their wish, as the visitors won 2-0 and ultimately went on to seal their fourth successive title triumph. Meanwhile, Spurs missed out on Champions League qualification.
James Maddison has now spoken out about the relationship between Arsenal and Spurs. Speaking on talkSPORT (28/05/2024, 17:15), the England international said: “All the build-up that you lot (media) do, we probably don’t as much notice as you think or don’t fully understand the fans’ feelings. I am not a Tottenham fan. Deep down in my heart, I don’t have the hatred for Arsenal that Tottenham fans have. But on the same page, I completely understand.
“I completely get it, but I am not sure, it’s not really a thing when you are a professional and a player. You just play the game normally and kind of ignore the outside noise.”
Arsenal have established dominance over Tottenham Hotspur
On a professional level, all of the Tottenham players will have wanted to win against Manchester City. Spurs attacker Son Heung-min has apologised for the chance he missed against the Cityzens. Had the South Korea international buried that opportunity, Mikel Arteta’s side may well now be champions.
As it is, Arteta has promised Arsenal fans that silverware is to come. Meanwhile, the Emirates Stadium faithful will continue to enjoy the supremacy they established over Spurs this season, as the Gunners beat their rivals home and away in the Premier League.