PAUL MERSON believes he has more chance of winning Strictly Come Dancing than Tottenham do of winning a trophy this season, which prompted a hilarious reaction from Jamie Redknapp.
His bold assessment comes after Ange Postecoglou proclaimed that he “always wins” things in his second season at a club.
The Spurs boss faced the music after seeing his side lose 1-0 at home to Arsenal, who were without both Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
In pre-season, the 59-year-old had said he “usually” wins things in his second season, with the last time Spurs won a trophy being back in 2008.
However, defeat to their bitter north London rivals has left them with just one win from four Premier League games.
Postecoglou issued a defiant response following the game when interviewed by Sky Sports, saying: “I’ll correct myself: I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year.
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“Nothing has changed. I don’t say things I don’t believe in.”
Sky Sport’s punditry panel for the feisty North London derby included ex-Spurs star Redknapp and Arsenal icon Merson, who started his Strictly Come Dancing journey on Saturday night.
Asked about Postecoglou’s comments, the 56-year-old said: “I like Ange, I like him. But I’ve got more chance of winning Strictly [than Ange winning something in his second season].”
Fans couldn’t help but notice Redknapp’s reaction to the comments as he turned away with an almost disgusted face.
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One fan said: “Redknapp’s face here is priceless.”
A second said: “Redknapp’s face,” alongside a picture of Redknapp looking stunned.
Another said: “Comedy gold. Redknapp’s face.”
A fourth added a picture of Redknapp’s face and shared a series of crying emojis with it.
Tottenham currently sit 13th in the league table, while they kick off their EFL cup campaign on Wednesday against giant-killing experts Coventry.
Meanwhile, their Europa League campaign starts on September 26.
On the other hand, Arsenal’s win means they have remained unbeaten so far and sit second in the table.
They launch their Champions League campaign on Thursday of this week, while their League Cup starts by hosting Bolton on September 25.
Arsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derby
GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…
DAVID RAYA – 8/10
Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.
Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.
You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too.
GABRIEL – 9
A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock).
Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man.
BEN WHITE – 6
Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.
Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.
JORGINHO – 4
Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.
A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.
Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.
Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him.
Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with.
Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45.
Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
