The North London Derby is upon us!
The annual 5pur2 bashing draws nigh!
In a weekend that promises much drama between the events(or lack thereof) in the transfer market and a match of such magnitude so early in the season, emotions run high. Patience has worn thin and frustrations lash out with every further Spurs signing.
Yes they’ve strengthened the squad significantly and should be a different proposition this year, but as we know all too well it can take time for a squad to gel with so many new parts.
Tottenham are forever in our shadow and it irritates me when people spend their time worrying about their actions. We finished ahead of them last season. Just like the season before, and the year before that, and so on.
Heavy hangs the head that wears the crown of North London, a burden of which many Tottenham fans have never known the weight.
There was also the small matter of the Champions League draw that saw Arsenal pitted against some quality European opposition.
D.ortmund
A.rsenal
M.arseille
N.apoli
I must admit when I usually watch the draw I’m hoping for the easiest draw possible because I’m selfish and all I care about is having the best chance of winning. But this is the Champions League. There is something noble about going through the wringer to be crowned Champions of Europe.
Bayern Munich may not have had the toughest group last season but passed through the gauntlent of European powers to claim the trophy, towing the scalps of Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund.
Performances like those of Bayern are what put teams into conversation of best sides in history, and deservedly so. Such performances should be an inspiration and emulated by others on the pitch.
Arsenal’s group is as treacherous as it is exciting, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have to beat the best to be the best. If I were able to travel to these matches I’d be ecstatic to see the Yellow Wall in Dortmund and brave the ultras in Naples. No more boring matches against Olimpiacos, true tests of our mettle will come thick and fast, hopefully we have the squad to cope.
I’ve made it this far without losing my shit, a few more days won’t hurt. This summer has been grossly mismanaged but there is still time for something to be salvaged. Final grades to come next Tuesday.
Take a look at @dorkkly‘s infograph detailing the history of The North London Derby
Joining me this week on the Pintcast are @ihateyourclub and @shakeyrhalodown to talk about the week’s Arsenal matches, specualate on silly season, and preview the North London Derby.
Subscribe to the Pintcast on iTunes, download, or stream below.