LEDLEY KING puffs out his cheeks and his eyes widen when he is reminded about an unfortunate anniversary.
The former Tottenham captain is doing some community work ahead of the North London derby – 20 years to the day since he and his Spurs team-mates were unable to prevent Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles from winning the Premier League at the old White Hart Lane.
King, now 43, said: “20 years?
“Our main emotion was to play our best game but also to do everything in our powers to stop them winning the league on our home turf.
“We didn’t manage that, but we took a satisfaction in our performance and the pride we showed throughout the game.
“The fact that we didn’t get beat gave us something to take away from it.”
Arsenal came to the Lane on April 25 2004 needing only a draw to confirm themselves as champions.
Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires gave them a 2-0 lead at the break. But Jamie Redknapp pulled one back just after the hour, then Robbie Keane won and converted an injury-time penalty to complete the Spurs comeback.
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Gunners legend Thierry Henry has revealed that Wenger’s team agreed before the match not to go overboard if they clinched the title, for fear of provoking Tottenham fans.
But after the Spurs players celebrated their late equaliser, that vow went out the window.
A smiling King recalled: “The fact that we got a late goal put us in a happy place at the end of the game and probably played a role in them celebrating in the end as well.
“Football is a game of emotions.”
But King, now a club ambassador, is adamant that Tottenham’s players must leave the emotions to the fans today.
He said: “This is different. Arsenal won’t win the league if they win this game.
“It’s more for the fans, the bragging rights, which we all understand and the players want to provide the fans with that feeling.
“While after the job is done there will be a sense of satisfaction to take out of it [if Spurs have dented Arsenal’s title hopes], that can’t be the players’ focus.
“They can only focus on playing their best game, using emotions in the right way without crossing the line, and using the fans as a 12th man.”
Unlike 20 years ago, Tottenham have much more to play for than local pride.
Back then Spurs had a tough season, sacking club legend Glenn Hoddle as boss in the autumn and finishing 14th under director of football David Pleat.
But a victory today would keep alive hopes of snatching fourth place from Aston Villa. And more importantly maintain the feelgood factor that Ange Postecoglou has brought back to Tottenham.
King said: “Now it’s a very different place.
“With a new manager and losing your record goalscorer [Harry Kane], people weren’t sure how Tottenham would do this season
“But we have exceeded expectations in terms of performances and where we are in the league at the moment.
“The atmosphere in the stadium at games this season has been incredible.
“That’s down to the manager, the type of football he’s instructing us to play.
“It’s only been positives this season and it’s exciting that we know the manager wants to do big things.”
Victory – or even another draw – against Arsenal today would be a big thing for Spurs fans in particular.
By Dean Scoggins
KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
But has now well and truly found his feet.
The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
Click here to read all about it.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is the official charity partner of Tottenham Hotspur, and will be celebrating its partnership with the Club at Sunday’s north London derby, live on Sky Sports Main Event from 13:30 Sunday 28 April. Visit https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/ to find out more.
