Tottenham will go into next Sunday’s derby with Arsenal in a ‘good moment’, says coach Cristian Stellini, after they made it back-to-back victories with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Portsmouth.
A week on from being booed off after defeat to Aston Villa spirits appear to be lifted at Tottenham after the midweek thrashing of Crystal Palace was backed up with a comfortable cup success over their League One opponents.
‘Yeah, I think we arrive in a good moment, in a good mood for this type of game,’ Stellini said of the visit of league leaders Arsenal.
‘It is a north London derby, so nothing to say. It is an important game and we have the team to play this type of game.’
Yves Bissouma should be in contention to face the Gunners after he pulled out of the Pompey clash with an ankle issue. Asked if the midfielder would be fit next week, Stellini insisted: ‘Yeah, absolutely.
‘He has an ankle problem. He tried to push himself but he was mature to say the truth and he was not 100 per cent.’
Olivier Skipp and Pape Sarr made up a youthful midfield in Bissouma’s absence with both producing solid displays, and Stellini added: ‘They were so good, they moved a lot.
‘They move the ball and I think Pape, Skippy and [Bryan] Gil they were all so good.’
Oxford v Arsenal: 8pm, ITV1
The last time Arsenal locked horns with Oxford United the Gunners were five points clear at the top of the Premier League and playing for a place in the FA Cup fourth round. Sound familiar?
That day in January 2003 a Dennis Bergkamp strike and an own goal from Scott McNiven gave Arsene Wenger’s men a 2-0 win at Highbury, kicking off a cup run which would end with the Gunners lifting the famous old trophy after a 1-0 victory over Southampton. In the league, late-season defeats to Bolton and Leeds saw Arsenal cede the title to Manchester United.
The Yellows earned their glamour tie with a 4-1 win over League One rivals Exeter but defeat to the same club on New Year’s Day has left Karl Robinson’s men floundering in mid-table.
MORE : How many goals has Harry Kane scored for Tottenham this season?
MORE : Antonio Conte names four Tottenham players that could return against Arsenal
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
