Arsenal icon Gilberto Silva delivers a message to Tottenham rivals before their match against Manchester City.
Tottenham have been urged by an ‘Invincibles’ legend to play for their pride against Manchester City and disregard Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions.
The Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday put them one point ahead of City, also holding a three-goal advantage.
Pep Guardiola’s team must capitalize on their game in hand against Spurs; failing to win would leave Arsenal in a favorable position for the season’s final weekend.
A draw would leave Arsenal and City level on points, with Arsenal ahead on goal difference. A Spurs win would keep Arsenal’s one-point lead and bolster Tottenham’s Champions League hopes, as they trail fourth-place Aston Villa by five points.
Gilberto Silva, an Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ member, advised Spurs to focus on their goals and play for pride, regardless of the impact on Arsenal.
“It’s about Tottenham’s performance and expectations,” said Gilberto, also a co-founder of the hate-free social media platform Striver. “It’s not about helping Arsenal. It’s about their pride and getting a good result.”
Gilberto noted that while City’s focus will be on not missing their chance, the end of the season will be thrilling with Arsenal and City vying for the title.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces increasing pressure for trophies, having only won an FA Cup since 2019. Gilberto remarked on the high expectations at a big club like Arsenal and the team’s solid performance this season.
If Spurs heed Gilberto’s advice and avoid defeat to Man City, City will then face West Ham, while Arsenal will play Everton in a potentially dramatic end to the 2023/24 season. “Anything is possible in football,” Gilberto concluded, expressing hope for Arsenal’s title chances either this season or next.