Arsenal America

Despite his preference in EPL teams, John Thompson is really a decent guy. Here’s his look at this weekend’s match…

Dazed and Confused?

Tottenham vs. Arsenal Preview

For us Spurs Supporters, the game on Saturday vs. the arch-enemy reminds me of a visit to the dentist. You?re excited for a potential good end result-no cavities and a clean sheet-but you?re dreading being found with 5 cavities and getting drilled 4-0. Even though some supporters will say that David Pleat has done a good job, Spurs are only 4 points off the drop zone and one does not need to be reminded of our lousy record vs. the Gunners. Besides giving a rehash of the season to forget so far, I thought I?d give a few comments on the Spurs players who will be walking onto the Highbury pitch on Saturday sprinkled in with some American sport analogies.

Kasey Keller: The reason I became a Spurs fan. Technically, I feel that he is the best of the 3 American keepers in the Prem and if he had a sound defense, he would be much higher rated. Plays well against top opposition and was outstanding against the Gunners 2 years ago at Highbury in a game in which Lauren scored a late penalty to get the win. He did let in a howler against Leicester a few weeks back but has certainly made Spurs fans forget Neil Sullivan and Ian Walker.
3 Kings or Stooges: On some days the troika of Dean Richards, Ledley King, and Anthony Gardner looks like a pillar of strength and then on other days resembles the Yankees middle relief pitching. The scary thing is that due to injury these boys just have not played enough together. Richards reminds me of a poor man?s Tony Adams while Ledley and Anthony certainly have the pace but also have a penchant to be written on the back of a yellow card.
Meet the New captain: Ireland?s new captain is Stephen Carr after prior captain Jaime Redknapp did an amazing job of being healthy for one month straight before heading back to the BBC studios. A lot of British tabloids have speculated about Stevie Carr?s future, including interest from the Gunners but this year his trademark runs down the right have been MIA. Maybe wearing the armband will inspire him on the weekend or perhaps he?ll be daydreaming of where to go on holiday in June since his Irish team choked during Euro ?04 qualifying.
Mauricio Taricco-The Claude Lemieux of Tottenham. This guy is a pest and I imagine that if Freddie lines up on the right wing for the Gunners, they?ll be some good battles being waged. Actually has a decent left and has one more Prem goal this year than 2 highly paid Spurs forward combined who will be brought up later.
Midfield Mess: If they played in the NBA, they?d certainly be in Utah as they could replace the Mailman and John Stockton and they also have no rings just like those 2 NBA greats. Of course I?m referring to Darren Anderton and Gus Poyet. With a combined age of around 200, these two make Homer Simpson look fleet footed. Dazza aka sick-note 1 not to be confused with Mr. Redknapp, who is sick note 2, has not done anything since Euro ?96 while Poyet seems more interested in trying to get Helder Postiga laid in London as well as bugging Spurs for a coaching job. Rohan Ricketts is an Arsenal reject who looks like he should be in Division 3. The only creative force for Tottenham is another reject, on-loan Inter product Stepahne Dalmat who mysteriously went home to France last week to attend to a family matter. Dalmat has two good feet and is a sublime player who is suprisingly quick. He?ll make some dumb mistakes but if he?s given a full 90 minutes, he?ll trouble the Arsenal defense. The other Spurs middie is another loaner, Paul Konchesky. He?s certainly serviceable and it looks like he?s been to the same barber as the injured Christian Ziege but Scott Parker is the Charlton player that Spurs should have grabbed over the summer.
The Milk Carton Boys: Is it me or was the last time that Robbie Keane scored a crucial goal against Germany in the 2002 World Cup? Yeah, Robbie does a nice cart wheel when he scores but right now he?s the Phil Mickelson of the Prem (minus the hot wife and gut). With Freddie Kanoute out, the two kids, Bobby Zamora and Helder Postiga should feature with the former Brighton starlet getting the start. Neither has scored yet in the Premiership and rumors have Spurs selling Postiga back to Porto during the next transfer window. They both have good size but their first touches, especially Postiga?s, have been terrible so far.
Prediction: Keller stands on his head-Dalmat and Postiga each hit the post-Gardner takes down Henry in the box in the 86th minute and Thierry takes the penalty which Keller initially saves but the Frenchman bangs home the rebound. Gunners 1-Spurs 0. Well at least we?re still in the Carling aka Worthless Cup!!!!