The end of St Totteringham's Day?

There is a London-derby being played in my neighbourhood today with Spurs visiting local rivals Arsenal. At this time of the year, Arsenal fans have been used to celebrate St Totteringham's Day. That is the point where it becomes mathematically impossible for Spurs to finish above them in the league. But with Spurs 10 points ahead of Arsenal before today’s game St Totteringham celebration will most likely be cancelled for the first time since the 94/95 season. Some years ago this is something that couldn’t be predicted, but mainly two factors have made this possible: The respective managers and owners.

Arséne Wenger has over a long time been hailed for his work not only for Arsenal, but also for English football overall. However, his stubbornness lately doing everything his way hasn’t been defendable. His willingness for getting new talent on is positive, but the ignorance of experience is obvious with this season likely to be the 7^th consecutive season to end without any title. 

In opposite, Harry Redknapp has only recently been giving the praise he deserves. Previously known as a “wheeler and dealer” without any tactical knowledge he’s now the favourite to become the next England manager. An England team likely to be captained by Scott Parker who’s a player Harry picked to Spurs before this season when others were more worried of his age and resale value than the actual skills he could provide the team. Redknapp’s regime in Spurs can be stated as nothing but a success. 

Meanwhile, in the stands Arsenals American owner Stan Kroenke is today paying his long-distance franchise a visit for the first time in about 4 months. Many suggest that this absence of leadership off the pitch is something Arsenal suffers from. On the other side of the directors' box today sits the Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Levy, a local business man tightly involved in the club’s affairs who’s been chairman for over 10 years now with overall great results. 

This change in strength between the London neighbours was highlighted in last summer’s transfer-window. Despite Chelsea’s continuous efforts to secure Luka Modric they managed to keep him in the squad. In addition to that, also strengthening with Scott Parker. Meanwhile, Arsenal sold both Samir Nasri to Manchester City and Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona without any replacements coming in. The result from that transfer window is what we now see with Spurs 10 points ahead of Gunners. And if Arsenal wants to enjoy St Totteringham's Day any time soon this must be changed next transfer window...

/ Alexander