Grosvenor Goals ambassador Sir Geoff Hurst gives his thoughts on this weekend’s eagerly anticipated north London derby and compares Spurs and England captain Harry Kane to the Arsenal great Thierry Henry.
Sir Geoff expecting closest north London derby in years
“This north London derby is almost too close to call – in fact, I can’t remember the last time the teams were this close in terms of form and quality of players available heading into an Arsenal v Spurs match.
“Arsenal have also been playing very well and their unbeaten run shows they have made a good start too. They have terrific players such as Aubameyang and Lacazette who are goal threats, and they will put teams away when they get a chance.
“But if I had to pick one way or the other, I think I fancy Spurs to edge this one. Tottenham are playing slightly more attractive football, and they will be on a high off the back of their recent wins against Chelsea in the Premier League and Inter Milan in the Champions League.
“In Harry Kane, they also have a matchwinner. He is playing well after what some people might call a slow start. His goal against Chelsea was magnificent and he’s bound to score more as the season goes on.
Harry Kane vital to Spurs – he can reach Henry’s level
“People are always going to be there to criticise Harry when he doesn’t score, but his record in games against Arsenal is fantastic and he is such a big player for Spurs in the big matches.
“I’ve said before that I believe Thierry Henry is the best player to have played in the Premier League, but I think Harry will reach his level and become as much as a legend for Spurs as Thierry was for the Gunners.
“It might take some time but there’s no reason he can’t reach the level that Henry reached. Harry has stayed injury free and his attitude and professionalism is up there with the best of them – two very important things required to become the best of the best.
“I think Kane is probably the best striker to have played in the Premier League since Henry. I must give a mention to Sergio Aguero because his record is different class too, but in terms of English strikers Harry is out there on his own.
“People also suggest he might have to leave Tottenham to reach the level of Henry and other top, top players. But I’m more old school in my thinking and believe that he can achieve everything he wants at Spurs by staying loyal to the club.
“Spurs are reaching the level of a big club – they are moving into a new stadium, they have a world class manager, and Harry is surrounded by very good players too.
“He can have the adulation of the fans and be a legend in their eyes, which some might say is just as good as winning trophies, medals and personal accolades. I think if he stays there, and even if he doesn’t win a trophy, he can look back at his career and think it’s been successful.
Gunners and Spurs fans graced with some of the Premier League’s best ever players
“If I had to pick one between Kane and Henry, I couldn’t – I’d play both of them! There’s been other excellent players to have lit up this fixture – Jimmy Greaves and Dennis Bergkamp spring to mind first and foremost.
“Jimmy’s goal scoring record was unbelievable, and I can’t speak highly enough of him. With Bergkamp, he was the first international superstar I can remember entering the Premier League and he was a breath of fresh air who could do amazing things with the ball at his feet.
“North London – both Arsenal and Spurs fans – were very privileged to have watched these types of players. Let’s hope this weekend’s match is one to remember – I think it’s shaping up to be a cracker.”
Sir Geoff Hurst is the brand ambassador for the free-to-play Grosvenor Goals.
Grosvenor Goals gives users the chance to win £1 million if their 10 chosen players are all first goal scorers in a given game week.
The free-to-play game, which will be running throughout the 2018/19 season, will also offer £10k for anyone who predicts 10 anytime goal scorers from their selections, with a £10 free bet to those who successfully pick three or more first scorers each week.
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