Despite defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the North London derby, Tottenham manager, Jose Mourinho still believes Arsenal was a tough team.
The win courtesy of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son’s strikes returned Spurs to the top of the log. The coach said it was anything but an easy win, describing Arsenal as a difficult team to beat.
Mourinho also congratulated Mikel Arteta after the match for getting a lot of training from Pep Guardiola during his stint with Manchester City.
Spurs only needed 13 minutes to take the lead in the Premier League clash when Son Heung-min smashed home from outside the box. Harry Kane doubled his side’s lead to become North London derby highest goalscorer when he ran onto a pass from Son and put it past Bernd Leno in first-half stoppage time.
“It was a big game in every sense, not just because it was Tottenham-Arsenal. I want to give words, congratulations to Mikel Arteta because he gave us a very difficult game. Tactically they were very good, very organised. They gave us problems, problems we were able to resolve. They have a good tactical courage and incredible spirit. They are a good team and he is a good coach.
“We were reading the game and making the changes to win it because 2-0 was in our hands against a great and difficult opponent but my boys did well today.
“I am very happy with the result and the performance, but of course I want the team in the second half to play in a different way. In reality you don’t always do what you want to do because your opponent forces you in a different direction.
“You are winning 2-0, why would you expose your defensive block if you don’t have to? It was a very difficult game.
“I can imagine tomorrow the headlines will be about them not being in a good position in the table, but I believe with these players and Mikel it will be Arsenal vs Tottenham again,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.
North London derby win shows that Tottenham is making a giant stride under Jose Mourinho
Tottenham has now looked like a different team under Jose Mourinho. They have taken seven points from their last three matches in the league, beating Manchester City and drawing with Chelsea before the win over Arsenal.
“We grew up. I can imagine lots of people can imagine three matches in a row – against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal – would be a moment for us to drop points and go back to ‘normality’ but we didn’t go back to ‘normality’. We are there.
“I believe one more week at the top of the table unless Liverpool win by many [against Wolves],” Mourinho added.
Mourinho also showered praises on Son and Kane for netting the crucial goals, especially the work they have done outside the box too.
This goal will never get old.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 6, 2020
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“Harry Kane clearing balls in the box, Sonny for the first 60 minutes as a winger and then a second striker – it is not just about scoring goals and being world-class players.
“It is about being great guys and doing your best for the team,” he said.
