Tottenham’s Frank Dismisses Arsenal Derby Questions About Eze
In the lead-up to Tottenham Hotspur’s crucial match against Arsenal, manager Thomas Frank downplayed the significance of former transfer target Eberechi Eze. Eze, once a target for Spurs this summer, ended up signing with Arsenal, creating buzz ahead of the upcoming North London Derby.
Tottenham’s Perspective on Eze Ahead of the Derby
Frank humorously dismissed inquiries about Eze, who has made an underwhelming impact this season with two goals and three assists in 17 appearances. He stated, “Who’s Eze? Very good player. He plays for Arsenal, a team we want to beat on Sunday.” This reflects Frank’s focus on his current squad rather than past transfer pursuits.
The Atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium
As Tottenham prepares for the match at the Emirates Stadium, Frank urged his players to brace for a high-intensity derby. The rivalry’s history and passionate atmosphere contribute to what he described as a “madhouse” environment.
Tottenham has struggled in recent years at the Emirates, seeking just their second Premier League victory there in 19 years. Despite this, Frank emphasized the entertaining nature of the derby, saying it often features unpredictability and excitement.
Reflecting on Past Matches
Frank recalled his time managing Brentford, where he secured a point against Arsenal last season. He humorously referred to former players who joined Arsenal, stating, “Two of them are now traitors and moved to the wrong club!” His remarks highlighted the close-knit dynamics of coaching and player transfers between clubs.
Prepare for Controlled Chaos
Frank anticipates a competitive match, acknowledging that anything could happen in such fixtures. He expressed the need to embrace chaos on the pitch, stating, “Chaos can also be good. It can create opportunities.”
Set-Piece Strategies
With set-pieces expected to play a crucial role in the match, Frank noted that Arsenal has been particularly effective this season, scoring 12 goals from set-pieces. Conversely, Tottenham, under the guidance of new set-piece coach Andreas Georgson, has also found success, netting five goals from similar situations.
- Arsenal: 12 goals from set-pieces
- Tottenham: 5 goals from set-pieces
Frank’s insights into set-piece strategies bring attention to the evolving tactics in both clubs, as both managers vie for an advantage on the field.
With the stage set for a dramatic clash, Tottenham’s focus will be on disrupting Arsenal’s rhythm while trying to secure a vital win in the North London Derby.
