The North London Derby: Local die-hard Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fans face-off

Chairman of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Club in South Africa Sazenca Moodley and die-hard Gooner Revash Singh from the Arsenal Supporters’ Club chat to Showmax about the highly anticipated North London Derby ahead.

Arsenal takes on Spurs on Sunday, 28 April 2024, in a North London Derby – and there’s everything to play for. Should Arsenal win, they will maintain their push for the title, while a win for Spurs would not only help with their chase for a top-four place, but also could very well derail their bitter rivals’ title challenge.

The game will be shown live on Showmax Premier League on Sunday at 15:00.

Sazenca Moodley, Chairman of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Club in South Africa

What have you made of Arsenal’s performance this season and how would you feel if Arsenal won the title this year?

It’s tough to admit, but Arsenal has had a solid season. They’ve shown determination and resilience on the pitch. If they were to win the title this year, it would be a bitter pill to swallow, but you have to give credit where it’s due. However, I’ll still be hoping for Spurs to come out on top next season!

Would you miss out on top four and purposely lose to City and Liverpool instead of seeing Arsenal win the title?

As a die-hard Spurs fan, the mere thought of Arsenal winning the title sends shivers down my spine. However, intentionally losing to City and Liverpool just to prevent Arsenal from winning would go against the spirit of the game. I’d rather see Spurs fight until the end and earn our place in the top four on merit, regardless of our rivals’ success. Let’s keep it classy and focus on our own journey.

Where does Arsenal rank of your list of things you hate in life? At the top?

As a Spurs fan, Arsenal definitely ranks high on the list of things I dislike, especially when it comes to football. But in the grand scheme of life, there are probably a few things that I’d put above them on the hate list. Still, seeing Arsenal struggle on the pitch does bring a certain satisfaction.

Do you rate Bukayo Saka? Or do you think Arsenal fans overhype him?

It pains me to admit it, but Bukayo Saka is a talented player. Arsenal fans may hype him up a bit, but he’s proven himself on the pitch with his skill and versatility. It’s hard not to rate him, even if he wears the wrong colour jersey.

If you could take any Arsenal players for Spurs, who would they be and why?

If I could pick any Arsenal players for Spurs, I’d have to go with Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney. Saka’s versatility and creativity would add a new dimension to our attack, while Tierney’s energy and defensive solidity would bolster our left flank. Plus, having them wear Lilywhite would be a sweet bonus, especially during NLDs.

Who wins this weekend’s North London Derby and what’s the score line?

I have to back my team to win the North London Derby. I’ll predict a hard-fought victory for Spurs with a scoreline of 2-1. Let’s hope we can come out on top and keep our rivals in check!

How much pleasure would you take from seeing Spurs derail Arsenal’s title challenge?

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of derailing Arsenal’s title hopes. It’s the ultimate rivalry showdown, and every moment counts. We live for the chance to crush their dreams and reign supreme in North London. Watching Arsenal stumble against us would be the sweetest victory of the season, fuelling our passion and pride as Spurs supporters. Let’s paint the town Lilywhite and show them who truly rules this city!

Reevash Singh, Member of the Arsenal Supporters’ Club of South Africa

Has Spurs been better or worse without Harry Kane?

They have not gained or lost much and are still at the level of s#*t they have always been, especially this season. Always been a top five or six team. Losing Harry scoring 20 goals a season is hard for them, but it doesn’t really seem they have dropped or gained so far, so it’s hard to say.

What have you made of Spurs’ new manager Ange Postecoglou this season?

The manager is doing well to maintain a high level of football intensity within the league. I doubt they will win anything and they have a lot to learn tactically.

If you could take any Spurs players for Arsenal, which players would you take and why?

None. We have great players and they are all better.

If Arsenal don’t win the PL title, who would you want to win the Premier League and why?

No one must win it as we deserve it, but probably City as they are unstoppable in this period especially with Liverpool flaking.

Do Spurs get a top-four finish, and do they deserve a top-four finish?

They should get it. Hard to say if they deserve it but it will be a great fight down for fourth. I hope Villa gets it as they have been the better team.

Would you miss North London Derbies if Spurs ever got relegated?

I wouldn’t miss it if Spurs got relegated. It would be the ultimate win. However, it would be a different vibe in England without that fixture. It’s a game that doesn’t disappoint and it would be hard to accept not playing them.

Who wins this weekend and what is the scoreline?

Arsenal – 4-0 or 4-1

If you lose this weekend, will you agree to wear a Spurs shirt for a day when you’re out somewhere?

Never ever will I wear one. I would rather run into traffic.

Do you see Spurs ever winning a PL title in your lifetime?

Never. Their cabinet will be dusty for a very long time.

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