Pochettino takes pride in way Arsenal celebrated against Tottenham

Posted Wednesday, December 05, 2018 by PA

Mauricio Pochettino has taken pride at the way Arsenal exuberantly celebrated their north London derby win over Tottenham.

The Gunners outplayed Spurs at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, winning 4-2, and they were quick to rub their rivals’ noses in it on social media.

The club’s accounts declared that ‘north London is red’ and also posted a picture of Harry Kane sat crestfallen on the floor, while several players also enjoyed the win online.

Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng, who scored twice, used his Instagram story to capture raucous celebrations in the dressing room while Aaron Ramsay mocked Eric Dier and Sead Kolasinic crowned his team the “kings of north London”.

Pochettino thinks that shows his side have become a big scalp and takes pleasure from witnessing it.

“What that shows first of all is the respect that they have for us,” the Spurs boss said. “When the people celebrate like this, it’s because people respect you and see you as a big club.

“Of course, when we arrived here five years ago, the derby was a little bit … well, it’s normally Arsenal always above Tottenham. But now it’s like, the last two seasons we were above them, and how they celebrate, it’s a derby yes, but you start to see it was a massive win for them.

“Of course for us it was a massive disappointment … but it showed the respect that we got in the last few years with our performances, with our results.

“Maybe we still not win a trophy, as the people say, but the respect in the way that we are doing the things – to get the respect is the most important thing or the first step.

“It was the same for (chief scout) Steve Hitchen. Steve Hitchen was in the Liverpool game against Everton and was watching our game before in the stadium.

“And when Arsenal scored the third goal all the Liverpool fans celebrated, like Arsenal celebrated after, like Liverpool fans celebrated the goal of Arsenal.

“It’s clear we are doing something good. That respect, I love this respect. I love it when the people celebrate when they beat you.

“I don’t like it when the people don’t celebrate because it’s normal to beat Tottenham. That makes me feel so proud.”

Spurs welcome back Kieran Trippier from injury for the clash with Southampton.

The right-back has missed the last three games with a groin injury but should make a comeback.

Jan Vertonghen is suspended while Mousa Dembele (ankle), Erik Lamela (thigh), Victor Wanyama (knee) and Davinson Sanchez (hamstring) are all injured.

Michael Obafemi will be handed a late fitness test for Southampton, who confirmed the appointment of Ralph Hasenhuttl prior to the game.

The 18-year-old Republic of Ireland striker made his full Premier League debut in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United but was withdrawn in the second half with a muscle complaint.

Former Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was asked to take interim charge for Wednesday’s Wembley trip after Mark Hughes was sacked on Monday.

Former RB Leipzig boss Hasenhuttl, 51, will officially take charge on Thursday.

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger said: “The urgency to find a path back to our potential and to the results that we expect cannot be underestimated.

“For that reason, we are extremely pleased that Ralph Hasenhuttl has agreed to become our new manager and do all he can to help guide us back on that path.

“This manager change offers us a fresh start and, very quickly, Ralph emerged as our ideal candidate. As a coach, he embodies the passion, structure, communication skill set, work ethic and appetite for growth that we strive for in our Southampton Way.

“The quick, smooth and seamless negotiation process underlines the character of the person that he is.”