Tottenham Hotspur have no place to back down. Tottenham must beat rival Arsenal to win the league title.
Tottenham will face Arsenal in the 35th round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, at 10 p.m. on April 28 (Korea time).
Tottenham has 18 wins, six draws and eight losses (60 points) in 32 matches in the EPL this season. It ranks fifth among the 20 teams in the EPL.
Tottenham has made every effort to qualify for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) next season.
For Tottenham to achieve its goal, it must rank at least fourth in the league this season. Tottenham is chasing Aston Villa, which is in fourth place with two more games, by six points.
The schedule is tight. Starting with the match against Arsenal, which ranks first in the league, Tottenham will face Chelsea (May 3), Liverpool (May 6), and Manchester City (May 15). Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are competing to win the title in this season’s league.
According to the preliminary press conference against Arsenal, carried by British media Football London, Tottenham manager Enze Postecoglou expressed the following determination.
“We are well aware of the importance of the match against Arsenal. Especially the match at home. It is important not to let the opponent overwhelm us. All members have to pour out 100%. That way, we can achieve results that are not lacking. Tottenham needs to display appropriate performance for big matches for big clubs. We are not satisfied with the ranking of fifth place. We will prepare well to win all the remaining matches including the match against Arsenal.”
Tottenham is counting on Son Heung-min, the captain and ace, to play well.
Son has 15 goals and nine assists in 29 EPL matches this season. Son is the most prolific scorer and striker who has had more assists this season.
Son is strong against Arsenal. Son has seven goals and two assists in 19 matches against Arsenal. Son’s record against Arsenal is tight with six wins, six draws and seven losses.
“The two or three players who will play against Arsenal will be the first North London Derby to be played at home,” Postecoglou said. “Son Heung-min is a very important player with a lot of experience in big games.”
“He has always played an important role at the center of the team. Players can trust and rely on him. We expect him to fulfill his responsibilities at the upcoming match against Arsenal as our captain,” he said.
Tottenham had 15 days of reorganization after losing 0-4 in an away match at Newcastle United on April 13. Son Heung-min also elevated his physical condition by exercising both training and rest.
Postecoglou said, “It is very rare to have no games for two weeks during the season. We tried to make the most of this time. We gave all our energy from the players and the training ground. Everyone is looking forward to the North London derby against Arsenal at home.”
After the match against Aston Villa on Saturday, Arsenal played three more matches including Bayern Munich (18th), Wolverhampton Wanderers (21st), and Chelsea (24th). Tottenham is ahead of Tottenham in terms of physical stamina.
I wonder if Son Heung-min will be able to live up to Postecoglou’s expectations and be at the center of another North London Derby victory. 메이저놀이터