Why Spurs fans face Arsenal dilemma

Breaking news from the world of sport: Why Spurs fans face Arsenal dilemmaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Following wins over Wolves and Aston Villa, Spurs are looking to win three consecutive Premier League games for the first time since February 2025ByNeil JohnstonBBC Sport journalistPublished16 minutes agoThey are the fiercest of rivals but will Tottenham fans really be praying for an Arsenal win this weekend that propels the Gunners towards the Premier League title? Before relegation-threatened Spurs host Leeds United on Monday (20:00 BST kick-off), leaders Arsenal are at struggling West Ham in a high-stakes London derby on Sunday (16:30 kick-off). Do Spurs fans want an Arsenal win, which will increase Tottenham's survival chances - and edge their north London neighbours closer to a first league crown since 2004?

Or do they want a West Ham victory - which will damage Arsenal's title chances, but leave Spurs back in the relegation zone before facing Leeds? It's a nightmare scenario for Tottenham's followers. "One of my Spurs mates said they would be cheering on Arsenal," Tottenham fan Ali Speechly tells Sport.

Match Details

"I was like: 'What are you even saying! '"Spurs fans are split over it. "Personally, I wouldn't go as far to cheer on Arsenal.

I couldn't bring myself to do that. "Spurs start the weekend with their Premier League future back in their own hands following back-to-back away wins at Wolves and Aston Villa. With three matches remaining, last season's Europa League winners are 17th on 37 points - one more than 18th-placed West Ham.

If Arsenal and Spurs both win, West Ham will be four points from safety with two games left, while Mikel Arteta's Gunners - if nearest rivals Manchester City beat Brentford at Etihad Stadium on Saturday (17:30 BST kick-off) - will require a maximum five points from two games to win the league. So, who do other Tottenham supporters want to win at London Stadium? Unlike fellow fan Speechly, Bardi, from The Extra Inch, external Spurs podcast, says he can live with an Arsenal win.

Reactions and Expectations

"Right now, survival has to come first," he says. "This is our priority. "Safety is more important than banter, but you won't see me crying if they draw 5-5 with Jarrod Bowen scoring twice in added time.

"A huge night for Spurs - but who are favourites to go down? Published4 days ago'A disaster' if Spurs go down - Rooney Published13 April Figure caption, Spurs 'brave' with aggressive press - Micah Richards'Emotional gymnastics'Spurs have made two managerial changes since Tottenham last won a Premier League match in front of their home fans. Since beating Brentford 2-0 on 6 December, Spurs have taken three points - all draws - from a possible 27 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and, now, Roberto de Zerbi.

After Monday's penultimate home game, Spurs go to Chelsea on 17 May before rounding off a dreadful season back home against Everton on 24 May.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.