Arsene Wenger symbolically struggled to look Mauricio Pochettino in the eye as the pair shook hands at the end of Tottenham’s north London derby victory.
Arsenal were outwitted, outfought, and well beaten. Wenger may evaluate whether or not to persist with his three at the back, but Pochettino’s own version of the same system was spot on.
One of the biggest calls required from the Spurs boss was who to play at right-back, and ultimately, it was Kieran Tripper who prevailed.
The former Burnley man may have had a slightly shaky start, but overall, he put in a superb display down the right flank and got the better of Alexis Sanchez.
Whenever he has been called upon this season, Trippier has impressed. Of course, when they are both fit, it means he has played at the expense of Kyle Walker, but it appears that Pochettino has good reason behind his decision.
According to the Independent, Walker and Pochettino find themselves at odds over the defender’s fitness. It’s understood the England international has taken exception to being told he is unable to play two games in a week, and reacted particularly badly to being dropped for last weekend’s FA semi-final against Chelsea.
In the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace that followed, Walker struggled, only raising further question marks about his mindset.
Tottenham aren’t overly keen to sell any of their players, but the same source suggests that if any of their first-team stars do go, Walker will be the likeliest.
The newspaper reports that the 26-year-old is now genuinely considering a future away from White Hart Lane, with Barcelona and Manchester City, and Manchester United leading the chase.
Pochettino has also been unimpressed with his performances in training and expects a better attitude from his players. One of Walker’s key concerns is his wages, as he could increase his salary considerably by moving away from north London. Trippier looks an able deputy if he is needed next season, but if he were to move away, all eyes would be on Walker to see how he copes away from Pochettino’s guidance.
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