TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has hit out at the former Arenal defender Martin Keown for what he has just said about Tottenham Hotspur fans.
This Sunday will see Tottenham host their north London rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as both sides look to take a step closer to their goals.
Ange Postecoglou‘s side could find themselves sitting nine points behind Aston Villa come kick off on Sunday if Aston Villa are to win on Saturday.
However, some fans will also be considering how a result for Tottenham against the Gunners could deal them with a major blow in their title charge.
Spurs will have an opportunity to have a big say on the title race with Manchester City still to play in the penultimate game of the season.
And it seems Keown is now sharing his concerns ahead of the game with Tottenham with some comments not sitting right with Jordan.
A lot is at stake for Tottenham in their remaining games and Keown is clearly of the thinking that Spurs fans are not all aligned in their goals.
What Martin Keown has had to say about Tottenham fans ahead of the North London Derby
Going into this season, there was a lot of ok skepticism surrounding what Tottenham would be capable of achieving.
Daniel Levy oversaw a lot of changes both on and off the field over the summer with Harry Kane‘s departure marking a major reboot at Tottenham.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson predicted Tottenham to stoop down and become a bottom half side following the sale of their club record goalscorer.
Despite this, Tottenham have exceeded those expectations and look set to be playing some form of European football next season.
With three big points on the line for both sides, it seems some feel there may be more to play for than just a home win for the Tottenham fans.
Speaking on TalkSPORT earlier today, Keown suggested that Tottenham have more interest in preventing Arsenal lift the title than in their own goals.
“[Tottenham’s motivation] is probably stop us lot, isn’t it. But what it should be is for them to get in the Champions League themselves. Set out their own agenda it’s about time they did. They seem to be happy with just finishing above Arsenal,” said Keown.
However, these comments did not go down well with his colleague, Jordan, who hit back at the suggestion Spurs do not have their own goals set out.
“That’s an arrogance you just accused Man City fans of having,” Jordan responded.
“I think Tottenham will approach this game, of course, there’s the edge to North London Derby. Of course, they don’t wish Arsenal to win the league, but their main motivation and their manager’s motivation will be to beat whichever opposition is in front of them and then the added spice will be it’s Arsenal. But what you’re saying is the predominant emotion is to stop Arsenal from achieving something.”
Ange Postecoglou had his own verdict on the notion of fans wanting to stop Arsenal win the title
It is not just TalkSPORT who find themselves speaking about this matter with the Tottenham manager also roped into commenting on the subject.
Speaking from Hotspur Way in his press conference on Friday, Postecoglou did not want to step on the toes of the Spurs fans with his comments.
t’s fair enough. I’m not going to dictate how fans feel,” he said.
“That’s important. We understand the importance of the game and not letting our biggest rival get on top of us. It’s more about us testing ourselves consistently against the big sides.”
One thing which will be clear, though, is Postecoglou will be hoping it is his side who are competing for the title come this time next year.