Thomas Frank can make himself an instant hit by derailing Arsenal's title challenge, but make no mistake, whatever Sunday's result, there's a big gap between the North London rivals on the field
There are only four miles and four places between Arsenal and Tottenham going into the North London derby weekend. And yet there remains a big gap between the two bitter rivals.
Arsenal are chasing their first title since 2004 and Tottenham’s latest manager, Thomas Frank, is trying to build a squad to regain ground. That, in recent times at least, has been a familiar story. Tottenham, in fairness, had a run of six years of finishing above Arsenal from 2016/17 to 2021/22.
Mauricio Pochettino built a team which reached the Champions League final, they moved into arguably the best stadium in Europe and gave themselves a fabulous platform for success. They finally won their first trophy since 2008 - the Europa League in May - and yet the fanbase are not quite sure yet on Frank. However, he could make himself very popular if beats Arsenal on Sunday.
The issue for Spurs is keeping up with Arsenal. It’s a plot line that goes back many years. Tottenham were the glory boys of the 1960s, winning the Double in 1960/61. But since Arsenal won the title - before going on to win the Double - with Ray Kennedy’s goal at White Hart Lane in 1971, they have largely ruled the roost.
They finished above Spurs for 22 years running from 1995 to 2017 and, apart from winning a UEFA Cup in 1984 and flirting with success under David Pleat, they have trailed in their Arsenal’s wake.
George Graham was a huge success at Highbury. Arsene Wenger established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest managers. His team of Invincibles clinched the title at White Hart Lane in 2004.
Now Mikel Arteta is threatening to guide Arsenal into a new period of dominance. Does local rivalry matter? Of course it does. Arsenal have made better managerial appointments, signed better players and won more trophies.
Tottenham have tried to redress the balance with a world class stadium which is better, brings in more cash and gives them huge potential. But former chairman Daniel Levy failed to grasp the opportunity or build a team worthy of the ground.
And this, more than anything else, will be Tottenham’s driving force on Sunday. A chance to upset the odds, give the neighbours a bloody nose and silence those cocksure loudmouths on social media.
That is why the derby still matters to the fans as much as it ever did even if Arsenal legend Lee Dixon believes it is a long way from his playing days.
Dixon, speaking via OLBG, said: “I was educated by Paul Davis and Dave Rocastle telling me what it meant. They scared the life out of me! It still meant a lot to me, but even more so to them. So I think over the years that derby in general has kind of lessened, but also, it does make a difference.
“I think Tottenham are still playing catch up as far as the team is concerned, the squad and regardless of the result at the weekend, you know, the bragging rights will be with the team that wins it on the day. But ultimately Tottenham have got an amazing stadium and you'd say arguably that's a better stadium than Arsenal’s because it's more modern, it's an incredible arena.
“They've got a manager now that I believe is a really, really good coach and he was perfect to go in there. So they're showing signs.”
Victory for Spurs on Sunday would be the biggest sign of all. But if Arsenal win then the gap will be bigger than ever.