Tottenham Hotspurs FC closed in on another win on Sunday against rivals Arsenal FC 2-1. Arsenal has ruled over northern London for over two decades. However, over the last three seasons, Tottenham has been able to finish the Premier League above them. But Tottenham’s manager, Jose Mourinho, isn’t prioritizing finishing above Arsenal this season.
Toby Alderweireld’s last-minute header aided in Arsenal’s defeat today. Tottenham was able to move above Arsenal in standings after the win. They sit in eighth, while Arsenal is in ninth.
“That is a fan’s view. I have to be more ambitious than that,” Mourinho said about finishing above Arsenal.
“I know I could look at in a selfish point of view and say since I arrived, if the championship started in that moment, even with all the problems we had I think we would now be fourth or fifth in the table.
“I don’t want to be selfish, I don’t want to look at it just as a fan that is happy to finish above Arsenal.
“I would love to play Europa League. It is not a competition I am in love with, it is not a competition I would like very much to play, but when you cannot play Champions League you play Europa League.
“In my career I only played Europa League twice, and I won it twice. It would not be bad to play it a third time and to win it a third time.”
Mourinho also acknowledged the lack of fans in the stadium. Since fans can’t attend games, it took the normal rivalry pressure away from the teams. But he made sure to address the fact that they didn’t forget about their fans.
“What I asked for them tactically they gave me, what I asked from them from the emotional point of view, they gave me even more.
“They were fantastic. They felt the game as fans, they wore their skin. We spoke about it not being a great season for fans to enjoy and this is really important for that.”
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, was disappointed in his team. However, he wanted to stay positive.
“A little margin here, a little margin there. But I’m sure we will get there. I’m proud because I’ve never seen them play like they did today. I’m sorry for the fans, I’m know how much it means to them.
“If we minimize the mistakes we do and play like that we will win many, many, many football games.”
Mourinho’s mission isn’t to finish above Arsenal this season, but it would be a bonus.
