Tottenham assistant coach Cristian Stellini believes it's a good time for the Lilywhites to be facing rivals Arsenal in a huge North London Derby clash later this week. Spurs will be playing host to their near neighbours on Sunday, with hopes they can repeat last season's feat at home.
The side were dismantled by the Gunners in a 3-1 defeat under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo at the Emirates Stadium, but a resurgence under Antonio Conte saw them pushing for an unlikely top four finish. With Arsenal in fourth at the time, the reverse fixture was colossal, adding in extra sting to the tie due to the fact it had to be rearranged due to absences for the away side.
Tottenham still rose to the occasion nonetheless, with Harry Kane's double and Son Heung-Min's strike helping secure a 3-0 thumping and turned the tide on the Champions League race. It was a huge victory, but fast forward a few months and the outlook has changed once again.
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Instead of slumping after missing out on the top four, Mikel Arteta's side reinforced in the transfer window and picked themselves up. They now sit top of the Premier League, while Spurs sit fifth after an ideal start but a slip of form since, coming with it some murmurs of discontent.
Despite that, assistant coach Stellini believes it's the best time to be facing their great rivals, telling reporters: "I think we arrive in a good moment, in a good mood for this type of game. It is really a huge game, a north London derby, so nothing to say. It is an important game and we have the team to play this type of game."
It could be a huge game for players to step up and none will want that more than star striker Harry Kane, who could go level and even break Jimmy Greaves' all-time top goal scoring record for Tottenham. Kane currently sits on 265 goals for the club, just one off the late, great forward.
"Harry is amazing, is amazing," Stellini said in his press conference, giving a glowing review of the England captain. "So when you see Harry play, you feel and enjoy the football."
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