PAUL MERSON claims Tottenham fans will cheer a Manchester City goal against their own club – as it could ruin Arsenal’s title bid.
Spurs supporters have already prepared an “embarrassing and shameful” chant to roar on visitors City in Tuesday’s Premier League clash.
But Arsenal hero Kai Havertz insists he will become” the biggest fan of Tottenham ever” – because his side need Pep Guardiola’s men to slip up.
Gunners’ legend Merson reckons Spurs supporters would rather fluff a top-four finish than see their bitter North London rivals win a first Prem crown in 20 years.
The ex-England striker even appeared to stun fellow Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney with his blunt verdict.
Merson also believes Arsenal need Liverpool to triumph at Aston Villa on Monday – to keep Spurs’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
He said: “Every Arsenal fan needs Villa to get beat…Tottenham have to stay hungry on Tuesday.”
He then delivered his stunning assessment on the priorities of Spurs’ fans – including their possible reaction to City scoring against their own team.
He said: “I’ve played in them games, they aren’t wanting Arsenal to win the league, whatever happens.
“There will get to a stage Tottenham fans will cheer if Man City score. They will – the one thing they don’t want is Arsenal to win the league.”
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Meanwhile, a clip has emerged on social media of Tottenham supporters unveiling a special pro-City chant.
A man on a guitar is seen and heard signing: “I am City till July! I am City till July!
“I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City till July.”
One fan joked: “This is absolutely embarrassing and shameful. Get it going round the stadium on Tuesday”.
But other supporters appeared shocked.
One blasted: “This is so poor”
And another posted: “Are we not ashamed of ourselves?”
But Spurs will at least have one set of enthusiastic new local backers in midweek.
Fresh from setting up Leandro Trossard’s winner at Manchester United, Arsenal attacker Havertz told Sky: “I’m going to (be the) biggest fan of Tottenham ever on Tuesday. We all are going to be!”
Mikel Arteta’s Prem leaders are a point clear of City and also have a plus-three advantage on goal difference.
But the Gunners only have next Sunday’s finale at home to Everton remaining – whereas Guardiola’s champs have two matches left.
After traveling to Spurs on Tuesday, City host West Ham on the last day.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
