Premier League Matchweek 11 Review

In the past, the North London derby was quite a spectacle, and despite the outcome being relatively predictable, they were exciting to watch - whether it was Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood or Mauricio Pochettino stepping up to the mark and challenging Arsene Wenger, an open and fast game was always assured. Spurs tended to rely on the individual brilliance of players like Gareth Bale, in his record breaking 2012/13 campaign, or a baby faced Harry Kane determined to put goals past his former employers. Despite the undeniably world class players that have always seemed to float around the white side of north London, the outcome was almost always an Arsenal win. Wenger used to cultivate and engineer games to his own liking. His tactics and style of play would strangle the 90 minutes and resoundingly control it. Securing a double over Tottenham would lead inevitably to the celebration of St. Totteringham’s Day - this marked the day that Tottenham could not mathematically overtake Arsenal in the league by the end of the season. It was a joyous occasion for Arsenal fans, and as petty and unnecessary it may have seemed to rival fans, there was no doubt they all knew how to properly celebrate it and frustrate Spurs fans. St. Totteringham’s Day has not been celebrated for four years.

Many Arsenal fans didn’t watch the game - ‘the game was over before it began’, one told me on Monday. Kane and Son combined twice to make it 2-0 before halftime. A conservative and contained approach went on to secure the three points for Mourinho in the second half, ensuring Tottenham retained their position at the top of the league for another week. Skeptics will not be sold on their title credentials until Christmas, and Chelsea fans may never be sold - I am simply here to ask, what else will they have to do to convince people? They’re winning, they’re scoring, they’re not conceding: perhaps it will take a solid performance against Liverpool for them to finally get the respect they deserve.

Elsewhere, Liverpool thumped Wolves 4-0, with a Wijnaldum midfield masterclass entertaining the lucky 2,000 that had been allowed to finally return and watch their title-winning heroes dominate despite many first team absences. Chelsea, Man United and Man City also all picked up three points, in typical fashions. The table is starting to take shape, and make sense for every club - well, every club except Arsenal, who at 15th seemed destined for a bottom half finish come May.