Ian Darke

Mon 3 March 2025 13:10, UK

Tottenham Hotspur have recently begun to marginally improve their Premier League form, and remain fighting in the Europa League.

Ange Postecoglou has dealt with his fair share of struggles this term – whether that has been through a lengthy injury list, a perceived lack of investment into transfer fees and wages for high-calibre players, or self-inflicted issues through a tactical approach branded naive.

Jamie O’Hara has always been vocal and honest in his views on former club Spurs, while coming at his analysis from a fan’s point of view.

Darke puts down Tottenham while O’Hara laughs at Arsenal

While O’Hara has given his fair share of brutal admissions on Tottenham this season when they have floundered around the bottom half of the Premier League table, he has also had enough time to make a quick joke at Arsenal’s expense.

Sky Sports presenter Jo Wilson (27 February) had mentioned that following the Premier League’s midweek round of results last week, Arsenal were now closer to 10th place in points than to champions-elect Liverpool.

O’Hara quickly responded: “Love that”, in hysterics at a rare moment to enjoy his side’s bitter rivals’ faded title bid.

TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, agrees with the “banter” element but believes Spurs fans are in no position to take digs at Arsenal – who have beaten them in both league meetings this season.

“If I was a Tottenham fan, I’d be keeping pretty quiet,” Darke wryly said.

“I think a lot of it is good-natured banter and that’s part of football – it’s just when it becomes a little bit poisonous, especially on social media. People who live in glass houses shouldn’t be throwing stones, and that’s where Tottenham are.

“Arsenal may not win the title, but this season they’re a heck of a lot better than Tottenham Hotspur.”

Spurs could still outrank Arsenal for trophies

While Arsenal may sit 11 places and 21 points clear of Tottenham with three defeats to Spurs’ 14, they may finish the campaign with fewer trophies.

The Lilywhites have to go all-in for the Europa League this year, with many fans at this point only marking off the European ties in their calendars until the summer.

AZ Alkmaar provide the test for Tottenham in the last 16, who will visit the Netherlands before returning to North London having secured a home second leg.

Arsenal remain in the Champions League, and also face Dutch opposition in PSV Eindhoven next.