You’ll forgive me this self-indulgent post, I hope.
Regular readers will know that I’m a long standing, long suffering fan of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. You can read about how this love affair started here, if you like.
We got knocked out of the FA Cup last week (by Chelsea) , and currently sit 2nd in the Premiership (with only Chelsea above us).
It would be easy to focus on Chelsea as the enemy right now, and they are, but there’s another team which deserves that attention, for the moment, at least.
For the last 22 years, our bitterest rivals, North London invaders Arsenal, have celebrated “St Totteringham’s Day” – the day when it becomes impossible for us to overtake them in the Premiership.
Yesterday, we played Arsenal, and beat them 2-0. That leaves us 17 points ahead of them, with 5 games to play. 3 points for a win means it is now impossible for Arsenal to catch us.
You have no idea how happy it makes me to be able to type those words.
For whilst we might not manage to catch Chelsea, and Arsenal may still win the FA Cup, yesterday’s result leaves it impossible for Arsenal to overtake us in the one that really matters: the Premiership.
That’s the first time that’s happened since the 1994-95 season. 22 years of hurt and, finally, after many a close call, we have bragging rights over our (not really) North London rivals.
Ten years or so ago, I entered into a bet two seasons running with an Arsenal friend of mine: £50.00 says we’ll finish above you.
Whilst I know the official club message is that we’re still in the hunt for the Premiership title (which we are, just), you’ll forgive me if, £100.00 poorer, I’m in the mood for some gloating; I’ve waited a long time for this moment.
I wish I could think of better, more relevant songs than this to mark the moment, but what the heck:
Kings of Tomorrow (feat. Julie McKnight) – Finally
More soon. Next season, for example.
A History of Dubious Taste 