‘Tottenham mocked at the Emirates as Declan Rice and Arsenal stun Real Madrid’
Tottenham found themselves in the firing line as two Declan Rice free kicks fired Arsenal to a stunning 3-0 win over Real Madrid.
The key talking points prior to the Gunners’ meeting with Los Blancos was the injury crisis afflicting the North London club.
Gabriel suffered a season-ending injury just a week before the crucial match, whilst Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were all missing.
However, two stunning free kicks from Rice, and a striker’s finish from Mikel Merino gave Arsenal a 3-0 lead heading into the second-leg in Spain.
Not content with beating the best team in Europe, the Gunners’ fans felt the need to rub salt in the wounds of their struggling North London rivals Tottenham, mocking their neighbours and the beleaguered Spanish side in the same breath.
Arsenal fans ask ‘Are you Tottenham in disguise?’
With Arsenal 3-0 up and cruising, fans at the Emirates found their voice, with a rendition of North London forever ringing out.
But with their opponents offering little in response, the Gunners’ fans then asked the all important question, “Are you Tottenham in disguise?”
Mikel Merino proves himself capable of leading Arsenal to the promised land
Football Insider Verdict
Spurs have been suffering a miserable season and for the few who may have tuned in, in the hopes of seeing Arsenal lose, were met with a nasty surprise.
If there’s one thing worse than seeing your team lose in football, it’s seeing your rivals win, and hearing them mock you in a match you’re not even competing must sting for Tottenham fans.
Whilst he may not be the long-term answer up-front for Arsenal, there is no doubting that Mikel Merino is more affective than most give him credit for.
The central midfielder now has six goals in 10 games in his makeshift position, and with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back from injury, the Spaniard showed against Real Madrid he is capable of leading the line.
In Europe especially, where the football can be a little less frenetic and where the opponents are not so familiar with Arsenal‘s set-piece tactics, Merino found space and time to showcase his passing talents, linking the midfield and attack superbly.
The Spaniard’s goal will be overshadowed by Rice’s superb set-pieces, but it was a finish that even the best strikers would have been envious of.
Merino shouldn’t be leading the line for Arsenal come next season, or else they will once again fail to truly compete for a Premier League title, but on Tuesday evening’s showing against Real Madrid, there is no reason why he can’t be the man to help the Gunners claim a first ever Champions League title.