Television pundit and sports columnist, Jamie Redknapp, has penned some advice for Tottenham Hotspur boss, Mauricio Pochettino, pointing out what needs to be done in order for Spurs to get the better of North London rival, Arsenal, when both teams clash on Wednesday seeking a place in League Cup semi-finals.
Redknapp was on the books of Tottenham between 2002 and 2005, scoring four goals in 49 appearances.
According to Redknapp, this week’s derby is the biggest yet for Pochettino: “Tottenham have to pick the strongest team and find a way to grind out victory,” Redknapp said. “Mauricio Pochettino has already experienced some huge north London derbies in his four years at Tottenham but they do not come much bigger than Wednesday’s showdown at the Emirates.”
Pochettino has experienced a few of them now in his four years at the club, most recently coming just over two weeks ago when Spurs were handed a 4-2 beating in the Premier League at the Emirates in November.
“It is not just about quickly making amends for last month’s Premier League defeat. Beat Arsenal and Spurs will be in the semi-finals of the League Cup — their best chance to return to White Hart Lane with a trophy,” said Redknapp.
The former Liverpool midfielder went on: “Tottenham were outfought by Arsenal in their last meeting. Wednesday will not be any easier but since then Spurs have shown incredible character and resolve. Their draw in Barcelona is the most courageous I have seen them play under Pochettino. Last season, they drew too many winnable games in the Premier League but now they are finding a way to win them, as they did against Burnley on Saturday. They look capable of handling the big games and that is why this week’s derby is another crucial step in their development.”
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