Jose Mourinho makes surprise claim about Arsenal squad ahead of north London derby
- Jose Mourinho described Mikel Arteta's current squad as "big" and "incredible"
- The Gunners currently lie 10th on the log with just 38 points from 27 matches
- Mourinho contends the position is not a reflection of the club's potential
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Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has singled out Arsenal squad for praise just hours before the two sides lock horns in the north London derby.
The two rival clubs are scheduled to square off in a Premier League clash on Sunday, March 14, at the Emirates, as they push for a European football slot after a disappointing campaign this season.
Unlike Spurs who enjoyed a somewhat impressive run of form earlier in the season, Arsenal have been a little underwhelming, with their poor form having them sitting 10th on the standings with just 38 points from 27 matches.
Source: Getty Images
Spurs, on the other hand, are occupying seventh place, eight points off the lucrative Champions League.
The Gunners' poor form has seen legends including Martin Keown and George Graham urge club chiefs to spend massively in the summer to compete effectively in the league.
However, Mourinho has claimed Mikel Arteta's squad is already '"incredible," adding their current position on the standings is not a true reflection of their potential.
"They have an incredible squad, they can rotate players, big squad, they play good football. We won the last match against them, but it was a very difficult match to win," the Spurs boss said as cited by Metro UK.
Speaking on the much-anticipated derby, Mourinho admitted it is disappointing they will be playing in an empty stadium, noting presence of fans in such matches has more adrenaline. He said:
"It’s a pity it’s an empty stadium. We would like to play in full stadiums in these big matches, even away I’d prefer to play in a full stadium, much more adrenaline, much more emotion, I’d prefer that."
The former Man United boss will be hoping Harry Kane will shake off an injury concern to feature in the crucial tie.
Kane, who has formed an important part of Spurs' squad hobbled off with a minor knee injury during his side's Europa League win over Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday night, March 11.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Manchester City consolidated their lead at the top of the Premier League table following a 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Fulham.
The league leaders got their goals through John Stones, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero to stretch their lead at the top back to 15 points.
Babajide is a digital publishing expert, an avid sports content thinker, researcher and writer. He is a graduate of Guidance and Counselling, having bagged his B.SC (ED) from the Ekiti State University. He can be reached on Twitter @JideOrevba
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