The Mirror

Ange Postecoglou turned up the pressure on himself ahead of a huge week for Tottenham.

‌Spurs boss Postecoglou insisted after his team’s defeat to Arsenal in the North London derby that he ALWAYS wins a trophy in his second season. Tottenham go to Coventry City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night and cannot afford a repeat of last year when they went out at the first hurdle.

‌Postecoglou saw his team lose at Fulham on penalties and that haunted him for the rest of the campaign as any chance of silverware had gone before the end of January with their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City. Tottenham also face a tricky home game with Brentford in the Premier League next Saturday and cannot afford another slip up.

‌Their underwhelming start has left Spurs in 13th place in the Premier League table and the expectation among fans is that they will get back into the Champions League next year. That should be achievable when you consider that Tottenham have spent big since Postecoglou arrived and their record £65million deal for Dominic Solanke this summer has underlined the club’s ambition.

Tottenham are back in Europe this year with the return of the Europa League and that gives them another crack at silverware. It is 16 years since Spurs won a trophy - their last was the 2008 League Cup - and Tottenham fans quickly took to Big Ange in his first season in charge thanks to his attacking style of play.

But it feels like the honeymoon is over and it is time for Postecoglou to deliver this season and their indifferent start has not exactly inspired confidence. However, Postecoglou’s bold claim about always winning in his second season does stand up if you look at his club jobs with South Melbourne, Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, Yokohama F. Marinos and Celtic.

‌But it will be arguably far tougher to repeat it with Tottenham - after all Celtic dominate Scottish football - this season. Realistically, getting into the Champions League places - and fifth may be enough - is more likely to be a barometer of success or failure for Postecoglou this season.‌

Your turn! Will Tottenham beat Coventry City? Let us know your score prediction in the comments section

But it is Postecoglou himself and his swashbuckling approach - always demanding first place - who is setting the standards higher. His first target must be to improve defending set pieces and, while he may not admit it publicly, they have spent far more time working on it this summer.‌

Tottenham keeper Guglielmo Vicario has insisted they will analyse their defensive mistakes as he also heaped praise on Postecoglou after their North London derby defeat to Arsenal. Vicario said: “It is tough to find a solution. Of course in our meeting we will analyse, try to fix it and try to do better. It is tough because in this case small details can change the result and the outcome of the games.

‌“We have a brilliant coach, brilliant staff that can help us so we just need to stay together and believe in our football because we played such good games until now.

“It was a big defeat, we take the responsibility for that and now we have to prepare our best level for the next two games. We will fix it and take the rewards in the future. If we stick together, play this football with our focus, I think we will have a lot of victories this season.”

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson argued Gabriel Magalhaes' winner for the Gunners against Tottenham should have been chalked off for an earlier foul by the defender.

Gabriel scored the only goal of the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, heading home Bukayo Saka's corner in the 64th minute. It sealed a crucial win for Mikel Arteta's side, who shook off the absence of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard to come away with all three points.

Merson was in the Sky Sports studio for the game, along with former Tottenham striker Les Ferdinand. And, despite their one-time club rivalries, the pair both agreed the goal shouldn't have stood.

The reason for that feeling? Gabriel found space inside the Spurs area before heading home, and there was a sense he only did so thanks to an illegal push on opponent Cristian Romero, though both accepted the Argentine needed to be stronger himself.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't get a foul," Merson said. "He's in the wrong position, everything is wrong about his defending.

"He's a centre half international, even I know and I don't even play at the back you got to be side on. You got to see the ball and your player. To start off you have to be a hand length away and he's standing with him. I'd expect a foul."

"I think if a centre forward does that, the referee gives a foul against him," Ferdinand said. "They don't even look at it . He does need to be stronger. It's poor defending but he does get a shove in his back."

Should Gabriel's goal have been disallowed? Have your say in the comments section

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou had no complaints about the legality of the winner, but was still left frustrated by his own team's lapse in concentration. The defeat leaves his team down in 13th, having picked up just four points from four games so far.

"I thought it was a tight game all the way along. we controlled it for the most part and got off to a good start," Postecoglou told Match of the Day. "We didn't capitalise on the opportunities and we were unable to get on top of them.

"We lost concentration [for the goal]. We've got some big guys in there who really attack the ball and we just switched off for a second.

"I think I've said my piece. For the most part we controlled the game today, had good territory and possession but we didn't make the most of it and we got punished."

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou insisted he "always" wins trophies in his second year in a defiant press conference after his side's 1-0 loss to rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Spurs were under par as they struggled to threaten the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, dominating possession but failing to carve open Mikel Arteta's men, with Gabriel Magalhaes' second half header proving to be the difference.

Postecoglou's side have now lost two of their opening four games, winning just one after spending around £150million on new players this summer.

The team have had an issue with making their dominance count in games after failing to beat both Leicester and Newcastle this season despite being the better side - with the Australian now starting to come under pressure to deliver at the club.

A Sky Sports interviewer asked him after the game whether he still believed he could bring silverware to Spurs - with the club suffering a 16-year trophy drought - and offered a tetchy response as he outlined his record with success.

"Am I going to answer the question or are you going to keep asking it?' he fired back at the journalist. "No absolutely, I'll correct myself - I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year. Nothing's changed."

When asked if he was confident he could do that with this current set of players, he replied: "I've said it now. I don't say things unless I believe them."

Some fans were baffled by Postecoglou's comments on social media, with many taking the opportunity to mock the club - as one wrote: "Does he realise the club he is managing?" Another said: "You manage Tottenham Hotspur now mate," while a third added: "I like Ange but he might live to regret those words managing Spurs."

Tottenham last won a trophy in 2008 after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the Carling Cup final at Wembley and have had some near misses - losing in two Carabao Cup finals and one Champions League final in 2019.

While Spurs have had a mixed start to the season, Postecoglou said he wasn't worried about the team's inconsistency so far and said he was encouraged by their overall game.

He said: "We are a team that is progressing in many areas, with all that progress there are always new challenges and things you need to overcome.

"When I look at the four games in isolation this year, the football is probably more consistent and compelling than our first four games last year but obviously our results don’t reflect that. So I think we have made progress in certain areas but there are other areas we need to improve on and that’s my job to fill those gaps as quickly as possible."

Mikel Arteta went into Sunday's North London derby hoping his players would adjust to his enforced changes and they did just that in the 1-0 win at Tottenham.

Arsenal were without the suspended Declan Rice and injured Martin Odegaard for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The double loss was compounded by the fact that Mikel Merino and Oleksandr ZInchenko - two others who might have been able to deputise in the middle of the field - were also unavailable.

Arteta responded by bringing Jorginho into midfield and adding Gabriel Martinelli to the starting XI, with Leandro Trossard's responsibilities changing a little. The winning goal came from elsewhere, though, with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes heading home his first of the season.

The result took Arsenal to 10 points, just two behind league leaders Manchester City. They will meet City in their next league game, with Rice available again, and Arteta spoke after the derby game about how impressed he was with his depleted squad.

"It's unbelievable, I don't know when it happened in our history," the Spaniard told Match of the Day. "After the international break, we had a few blows. How the team reacted was magnificent. It showed a lot of maturity from the team.

"When they get into the final third, it's very difficult because they have a structure. We were missing vital players and we had to react to that. I'm very pleased.

"We had to adjust and use different players and qualities. I was hoping they would do something with the ball and we did it. Sometimes better than others. They are a really good side.

"When we have to defend in deeper areas, we did it really well. There are things to improve but we have another victory here and it's huge. I know how our supporters will feel about this so enjoy it."

How important a result was Arsenal's win at Tottenham? Have your say in the comments section

Before the match away to City, Arsenal will kick off their Champions League campaign against Atalanta in midweek. Gian Piero Gasperini's side won themselves on Sunday, twice coming from behind to beat Fiorentina at home.

Mateo Retegui, Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman were on target for the reigning Europa League champions. It was a welcome response after they went into the international break with a 4-0 defeat away to Inter Milan.

Arsenal's win at Tottenham, meanwhile, was their third on the spin at their opponents' stadium. They won 2-0 in January 2023 and 3-2 at the tail end of last season, and have lost just one of the last eight meetings home and away.

"You know how bad the fans want to win this game but it's the same for every game," defender Jurrien Timber told Match of the Day. "You prepare for every game the same way but it felt really nice winning this one."

As statement victories go, this was as big as they can get for Arsenal. A patched-up midfield, missing key players, and yet they dug deep to produce a performance full of determination and grit.‌

This will give Mikel Arteta even greater confidence that his team can overhaul Manchester City in the title race this season. At the heart of the victory was Brazil defender Gabriel who scored the winner - obviously from a set piece - and then guarded his own goal with a magnificent defensive display.‌

It was no wonder Gabriel went over to the away end after the final whistle, fists clenched in delight and celebrating with the jubilant Arsenal fans. It puts Arsenal up to second place in the Premier League table, two points behind City ahead of next week’s early title crunch at the Etihad next Sunday.

In truth, there was little to choose between the teams and it felt inevitable that it would come down to a set piece because Tottenham cannot defend them and Arsenal love scoring from them.

Bukayo Saka’s in-swinging corner caused chaos, Ben White and William Saliba created havoc and there was Gabriel left unmarked four yards out to head home the 64th minute winner.

It is actually unforgivable from a Tottenham point of view because they conceded 16 goals from set pieces last season which was the highest in the Premier League.‌

Arsenal have now scored 23 from the start of last season and Arteta’s men are getting better at them… and Ange Postecoglou has still not learnt his lesson.

Tottenham fans booed at the final whistle, which is a reflection not just of this defeat but an underwhelming start to a season when anything other than getting into the Champions League places will be seen as failure.

For Arsenal, this was about showing they can cope in adversity because that is what title successes are built on. No Declan Rice or Martin Odegaard in midfield? No problem. Well, that is a bit of a stretch because Jorginho and Thomas Partey tried hard but it was almost as if Arsenal played without a midfield.

Jorginho was playing his first minutes of the season and looked very rusty while Partey looked lost without Odegaard and Rice. But that is when you need others to step up. Kai Havertz chased every ball, Leandro Trossard was good in support while Jurrien Timber was relentless at left back. Defensively, Arsenal were magnificent.

Tottenham could not find a way through and if they cannot beat an under-strength Arsenal team then it does underline the gap between the two clubs.

Incredibly, Arsenal have now won their last three north London derbies at Tottenham which is the first time that has happened since September 1988 and the Gunners went on to win the title that season.‌

It was a scrappy derby but referee Jarred Gillett showed eight yellow cards which seemed far too many and stopped the game from flowing. Tottenham started well and Arsenal keeper David Raya made two smart saves from Dejan Kulusevski.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is NOT in the team for the North London derby against Tottenham.

The Norway midfielder, 25, hurt his ankle on international duty during the recent domestic break and was a major doubt ahead of Sunday's match, though Mikel Arteta stopped short of ruling him out completely on Friday.

But the Gunners talisman has failed to make the cut and is not in the squad for the trip to The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

While it remains to be seen how Arsenal will line up when the action starts, it appears Arteta has opted for a slight change in shape in Odegaard's absence, lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey partner up in midfield with Declan Rice suspended. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli will line up ahead of them and it's thought that Trossard will start the match playing behind Havertz, who finished last season strongly in the No.9 position.

It's better news on the injury front for Tottenham, who welcome Micky van de Ven and summer signing Dominic Solanke back into the starting XI.

Ange Postecoglou had hinted earlier in the week that both were in contention to play following recent issues, with Solanke returning to bolster Spurs' forward line alongside Son Heung-min.

While Odegaard was expected to miss out on Sunday's match, Arteta stopped short of officially ruling him out in his press conference.

He said of his captain: "We need some more tests. Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see. Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens."

Spurs XI: Vicario, Pedro Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison, Johnson, Solanke, Son

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Partey; Saka, Havertz, Trossard, Martinelli

Arsenal and Tottenham will face off in Sunday's North London derby with both sides looking to enjoy bragging rights over their neighbours.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal took four points from Ange Postecoglou's Spurs last season, drawing at the Emirates Stadium before winning 3-2 at the home of their rivals. They'll be up against it this time, though, with at least a couple of first-teamers unavailable.

Declan Rice is suspended for the Gunners after his red card against Brighton last time out, while Mikel Merino is not yet ready for his debut after picking up an injury in training. They could also find themselves without captain Martin Odegaard, who was seen in crutches after sustaining an injury on international duty.

"We need some more tests," Arsenal boss Arteta said of the Norwegian. "Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see. Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens.”

Tottenham have injury concerns of their own going into the game, most notably in the form of Yves Bissouma. The midfielder limped out of Mali's match against Eswatini during the international break, and might not be risked.

Spurs are already without injured forward Richarlison, but summer signing Dominic Solanke is expected to be available. The £65m man made his debut on the opening weekend of the season but has missed the last two games with an ankle problem.

Micky van de Ven is also available again after sitting out the defeat at Newcastle. "Micky's good, he's trained all the way through the international break and it was good for him to stay with us to build him back up so he's ready to go," Postecoglou confirmed.

Who will win the North London derby? Have your say in the comments section

The return of Solanke and Van de Ven, as well as the anticipated introduction of Rodrigo Bentancur for Bissouma, might not be the only changes for Spurs. There's also a chance Brennan Johnson could return to the starting line-up in place of Wilson Odobert as Postecoglou shakes up his front-line.

As for Arsenal, the potential loss of both Rice and Odegaard could force Arteta's hand. Jorginho is likely to replace the suspended Rice, while the absence of Odegaard could prompt Arteta to push Kai Havertz back into midfield.

With Gabriel Jesus available again up front, there are more options for Arteta. The other big question concerns the left-hand side, where Leandro Trossard started last time out and may well keep his place ahead of Gabriel Martinelli and deadline day signing Raheem Sterling.

The one other area of concern for Arsenal is at the back, where Riccardo Calafiori picked up a problem while away with Italy. Regardless of his fitness, though, there's no reason for Arsenal to move away from the back four which started the last two games.

Likely Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Solanke

Likely Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Jorginho, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard

The first North London derby of the season is upon us - and it could have major implications in the Premier League title race.

We're only three games into the new season but after dropping points against Brighton, Arsenal could have significant ground to make up on Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City team if they can't get the job done against Spurs.

That won't be lost on Ange Postecoglou's side, who will be all to eager to throw their arch-rivals off track while pushing themselves further up the table.

Arsenal will be without Declan Rice and potentially Martin Odegaard too - will that work into Tottenham's hands? Or will Spurs pass on what looks like a golden opportunity to pile misery on their neighbours? We asked the Mirror Football team...

John Cross

This fixture has served up so many classics and upsets down the years.

It is hard to find too many people backing Spurs right now, but I think they have a big chance because Arsenal have big-name absentees and know this is the start of a huge week in their season.

No Declan Rice through suspension. Martin Odegaard with an ankle injury. How will they line-up and cope? Arsenal have had two big wins at Tottenham in the last two seasons - but I fancy it will be third time lucky for the hosts.

Arsenal are under big pressure to get a result ahead of a Champions League trip to Atalanta and also then an early title crunch at Manchester City.

Tottenham will look to seize on the opportunity to put a real spanner in the works. They cannot afford another loss to Arsenal - and will be so up for this game.

Son Heung-Min is deadly in these games and if Spurs can make a strong start then it could be a really tough day for Arsenal.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Andy Dunn

A lot of the talk ahead of this latest contest has been about who will NOT be there for Arsenal, namely Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

But let’s remember who WILL be there, namely David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel.

While Rice and Ødegaard are the beating heart of Mikel Arteta’s attacking systems, the Gunners’ consistency has been based on a supremely competent defence. That defence has conceded only four goals in nine Premier League games, eight of which were won with the one draw coming in the last game after Arsenal were reduced to ten men.

In that nine-match run, only one team has scored twice against Arsenal and that was Spurs.

With Arteta like to adopt a more cautious approach, Tottenham will not get that sort of joy again and Arsenal will still have enough offensive threat to steal the points on the break, in the same they did at Villa Park last month.

It will be tight but the Gunners have found a way not to lose games and will nick this one.

Prediction: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal

Conor Mummery

All the talk leading up to the north London derby has been around Arsenal's absentees in the form of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

The two are a huge miss for Mikel Arteta going into a game of this magnitude, but the result could well be decided by who's missing for Tottenham.

Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven both missed the 2-1 defeat by Newcastle before the international break, and it would be a big ask for Spurs if the pair are still unavailable on Sunday.

Spurs missed Solanke at St James' Park, with no-one able to hold the ball up or get on the end of the chances they were creating. But if Ange Postecoglou does have both available, I'd back Spurs at home to get the better of Arsenal this time around.

Despite the defeat at Newcastle, Spurs created more than enough to win the game, and if they can find that clinical edge in front of goal on Sunday, it'll be a big ask for a depleted Arsenal in N17.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

Ben Husband

In isolation, the result against Brighton wasn't a concern. After all, claiming a point against a good Brighton side while playing with ten men is no mean feat.

But it was more the reckless abandon the Gunners displayed when a player short. They looked like a team who believe they can't drop ANY points if they are to usurp City.

Even at this early stage, Arsenal appear to be playing on the type of edge that teams reserve for the final few games of the season. And without both Rice and Odegaard, their desperation could work against them vs a Spurs team so reliant on counter attacking.

I think Spurs could really dominate the midfield and cause Arsenal plenty of problems. The visitors will still be solid, but I expect an early Spurs goal and then a second when Arsenal go all out for an equaliser.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal

Nathan Ridley

If the North London derby means one thing, it's goals. With Arsenal missing a huge chunk of their spine - Declan Rice and Martin Odgeaard - I expect another open game full of chances and one in which the Gunners' resolute defence will be fiercely tested.

Spurs might be missing some firepower given Dominic Solanke and Richarlison's injuries, but an Ange Postecoglou side will always know how to threaten. Of course, though, Arsenal still have their own quality in attack and Bukayo Saka loves a goal in this fixture.

Back-to-back draws wouldn't do Mikel Arteta any favours in the title race, but given the circumstances, he may just have to take a point.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Daniel Orme

There’s no getting away from it, it’s been a bruising fortnight for Arsenal. They’re already without the suspended Declan Rice, while Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori have picked up injuries on international duty.

The two midfielders in particular will be huge losses for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are now very low on options when it comes to the centre of the park. Having said that, the same could be said for Spurs, who may potentially be without the services of Yves Bissouma.

That could potentially lead to a somewhat wide open affair so it could be a case of whose attack is more on form. Kai Havertz could be one to watch having started the season in fine form. Son Heung-min has already struck twice so far this season and has a decent record against Arsenal throughout his career.

It would not be a surprise to see both get on the scoresheet in an entertaining affair in North London. And with both sides desperate not to lose, a high-scoring draw could be the result.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Mark Jones

Tottenham have pace and Arsenal crave control, but the Gunners will be missing two players who are so often the key to that control, and Spurs still have all their quick lads.

So I fancy the hosts to start fast and run all over an Arsenal side which will have to pick an unfamiliar midfield. Mikel Arteta has always been able to call upon Declan Rice ever since he signed for Arsenal last summer, while Martin Odegaard represents so much of what Arteta is trying to achieve.

Spurs need to find a way to not play the occasion, just the side in front of them. If they can get bodies around Thomas Partey and Jorginho then the Gunners pair won't like it, and Arsenal haven't looked as threatening going forward or from set-pieces this season. Keep cool heads, hurry their opponents, and Spurs win.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

David Anderson

Tottenham may fancy their chances in the North London derby because Declan Rice is suspended and Martin Odegaard is injured, but I think Arsenal will be too strong for them.

Although Arsenal were caught out last time by Brighton when Rice’s stupid red card allowed the Seagulls to fight back and snatch a point, this is a side that’s only lost one Premier League game in 2024.

They’ll also be buoyed by Mikel Arteta signing a new contract to commit his future to the Emirates and they still have plenty of match winners.

Spurs will be smarting from their loss at Newcastle last time out when they managed to pluck defeat from the jaws of victory.

Ange Postecoglou’s side looked great in thumping Everton at home, but the Blues were woefully off colour. He’s still bedding in his summer signings and this game, although at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where they almost fought back to snatch a point in April, may be too soon for them.

Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Chris Waddle has warned misfiring Tottenham must be ruthless in front of goal if they want to finish in the top four.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are already off the pace in the battle for a Champions League spot and could lose more ground if they are beaten by rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. Tottenham thrashed Everton but dropped points against newly-promoted Leicester and Newcastle, despite dominating both matches.

Former Spurs star Waddle says they need to improve in front of goal if they want to secure a spot among Europe’s elite.

He said: “Tottenham’s drive and ambition must be top four. They are in the pack with Newcastle and Man United. I’d put Villa in there too. They're all competing for one spot.

“I can see them giving teams a game, but the problem is putting the ball in the back of the net. Tottenham probably deserved to beat Newcastle last time out but they lost. They created so many chances in that game and were punished for profligacy, which also happened against Leicester for the first game of the season.

“That is becoming an unwanted habit at the club and is something that they will want to set right immediately, and there’s no better time to do it than the North London derby.”

Tottenham will be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s fixture, which saw Arsenal run riot to lead 3-0 at half-time before a late fightback from the hosts fell just short. But Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back from the draw with Brighton to get their title bid back on track.

Waddle added: “Tottenham can upset anyone on their day. They’ll always upset teams, but they will give Arsenal chances on the break, the way they play with such a high line.

“Both teams need a result. Arsenal won’t want to go to Manchester City next week lagging behind them. They know they can’t afford to let Pep’s team build up a head of steam in the league table if they want to be serious contenders this season.

“The atmosphere will be electric. I think even with their midfield woes, Arsenal are slight favourites for this one.”

Chris Waddle was speaking on behalf of casinoapps.com

A north London derby veteran snubbed Arsenal in favour of a move to Tottenham.

Midfielder Didier Zokora joined Spurs from Saint-Etienne for £8.2million in the summer of 2006 after impressing for Ivory Coast at that year's World Cup in Germany. At the time, Zokora was also wanted by the Gunners, who had just pipped their local foes to Champions League football.

Arsenal had also been Premier League champions just two years earlier and were about to move to the Emirates. However, despite holding talks with Arsene Wenger, Zokora was adamant White Hart Lane was the right place for him.

“When I signed for Spurs, Arsenal also wanted me,” he once told the Telegraph. “I spoke with Arsene after the World Cup but I preferred to come to Spurs because it gave me a good option for my life. I am very happy.”

It was arguably a wise decision as Zokora is among the small band of players who can claim to have won a major trophy with Spurs in recent times – the 2008 League Cup following an extra-time victory over Chelsea. Meanwhile, Arsenal were in the early days of a nine-year trophy drought which didn’t end until the 2014 FA Cup final victory over Hull.

Zokora’s impressive Tottenham form saw him linked with Real Madrid, but he was happy to stay put, having signed a new long-term contract in 2008. He said: “Everybody knows Real Madrid wanted me but I signed a new contract for this club and, if they want me, I stay.

HAVE YOUR SAY! What's your prediction for the north London derby? Tell us in the comments section.

“The club needs me, my life is here. Real are one of the best clubs in the world so that is good for me, no? That means I am not a bad player!”

Despite that declaration, he would spend just a few more months at Spurs after losing his place as a regular starter. Zokora joined Sevilla in the summer of 2009, spending two years with the La Liga club. Spells in Turkey, India and Indonesia followed as his playing career wound down. Now 43, Zokora is back in his homeland, where he was most recently assistant manager at AFAD Djekanou.