Football
David Bentley talks exclusively to William Hill
It’s the north London derby this weekend and who better to talk too than a player who played for both teams. William Hill spoke exclusively to David Bentley ahead of the match and got his thoughts on both sides along with a preview to the match. David Bentley also shared his all time 5 a side and best moments of his career.
What is a north London derby like? Is there added spice, an added motivation? Or is it treated like any other game?
David: It’s a great. The build up the week before is exciting and you can feel it in training. Everyone feels the buzz of a north London derby week. The media are in town, the fans are excited, and you can feel the passion everywhere. It makes training more intense, and the buzz is brilliant. It is different to other games and that is the way it should be.
You are one of the few players to have played for both Arsenal and Tottenham. How were your experiences of the rivalry different at senior level with Spurs and in the youth setup at Arsenal?
David: It’s massive. Everyone knows the important to both fans and clubs for the North London derby and what it means. You feel it in the youth set up and you feel it at senior level. It’s all good natured and good banter and with the media now it makes the hype even bigger. You feel it in training in the week before, the energy is great, the anticipation is strong and it’s a great buzz around the camp ahead of the game. For me I loved the games, its great to get up for playing against your rivals and it means so much to the fans and also players as well.
What are your fondest memories of playing in a north London derby? The outrageous volley has to be up there, surely…
David: Yes, without a doubt. The build up to that game was good as it was Harry Redknapp’s 2nd game in charge (I think) but definitely his first north London derby. It was under the lights at Emirates so made the atmosphere better. To score a goal like that is one you remember for a long time. The game was electric and to finish 4-4 it was a memorable come back for Spurs, but a very entertaining game for the fans It’s up there for sure. It was Harry’s (Redknapp) first North London derby as Spurs manager, the media was all over the build up, so to score in the game and the way the game ended was good. It felt amazing to score a goal like that. I felt confident coming in the game and I loved it. Other top moments include scoring a hat-trick for Blackburn against Manchester United, being the first Englishman to score at the new Wembley, scoring my first goal for Arsenal was a special moment as well.
Arsenal have already dropped points while Manchester City look typically outstanding. What must the Gunners do to win the league?
David: Just Win! It’s as simple as that. You can’t let City get ahead and must stay close to them. Arsenal saw last season there is no room for slip ups and City are such a force with a top squad, they will keep going throughout the season and winning games. With Haaland, he is such a top striker, he will win games on his own. Arsenal have improved their squad, but this isn’t all that is needed. They must win and be close to City. Then in the 2nd half of the season can learn from last year. But it will be very difficult.
Arsenal will be challenging Man City again this season for the title, do you think they have the squad to beat them this year?
David: It’s going to be difficult. You look at the Brighton game and it’s a game you should be winning. City and Liverpool have both started the season very well. It’s early days, but it’s catch up for Arsenal and with Spurs and City to come next, you have to stay with them. Squad wise, yes, Arsenal have bought well, but they can’t get injuries as City’s squad is deep in quality and you see what they can do without top players, they keep winning.
What have you made of Mikel Arteta’s job to transition Arsenal into such a strong side? How do you rank him amongst other PL managers?
David; He’s up there for sure. You see what he is doing, how his methods are obviously working as Arsenal are improving on their points tally season on season. The relationship he has with Edu, the fans, the club is on the front foot with the Stadium loud every game. It’s down to him so he is up there with the best managers at the minute. Pep is leading the way but Mikel isn’t far behind.
Who do you think had the stronger transfer window: Arsenal or Spurs?
David: It’s too early to tell, but if Sterling starts playing and scoring then Arsenal could take it, but it’s difficult to say right now as Calafiori hasn’t had an impact yet and Solanke is injured, so he hasn’t been able to get on the score sheet.
Did you find it more helpful to hype yourself up before a big game, like the North London Derby, or did you treat it like any other match?
David: The hype is there for sure. You didn’t need to get specifically hyped up for it as training is more intense the week leading up for the game. Everyone is feeling the buzz ahead of the game and the media are on it as well. So all you hear is about the upcoming North London derby. Fans you meet on the street help as well as they get you up for the game as well. Preparation is similar, you need to ensure the basics are done right and everyone has knows their jobs and to play the way the manager wants you to play. But there is a little bit more excitement around training.
After a number of years being ahead of Arsenal, Tottenham have now been lagging behind in the past two seasons. How close, or far away, do you think Spurs are from reaching Arsenal’s current level and potentially even challenging for the league title?
David: You look at what Mikel Arteta has done at Arsenal and you can only applaud this. What Edu and Mikel have done in terms of transfers has been excellent. Arsenal have increased their points tally every season and the quality of player has improved the club as well. The fans and Emirates is buzzing on match day and everyone is pulling in the same direction. Arsenal is a great club to play for right now and there is a lot of positivity that a trophy will come very soon. Spurs are just on that journey with Ange turning things around by getting the fans on side and match days are better. Tactically Ange has to get things right and Spurs must buy well moving forward and progress their points tally. It’s tough with Arsenal continuing to improve as if they do so it will be a while for Spurs, but any drop off and it may be sooner.
Do you feel as though Ange Postecoglou is a manager you would have enjoyed playing for?
David: Absolutely. You see what he has done so far, it’s really positive. Jose and Conte didn’t play attractive football and the relationship with fans wasn’t great. Ange has come in and the football is better, the fans are engaged on match day, so they have the foundations for something good. Ange comes across well in the media, has a good sense of humour and you can see he is a coach who has a good relationship with his players. I like that and I like the way he comes across.
Who your favourite winger is in the Premier League right now?
David: For me it’s Bukayo Saka. I really like the way he plays; his all-round game is excellent. He scores, he assists, he plays with the right attitude and a smile on his face. He has started the season well with goals and assists and I expect him to continue his good form.
Tottenham, what’s the aim this season? Is Ange Postecoglou the man to finally end their trophy drought?
David: It’s to get back in the Champions League and finish in the top 4. Spurs can’t not be in the Champions League if they want to improve and progress as a club. It’s difficult because the competition is so high. Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool have been a cut above the rest, but there is room for Spurs to finish 4th as the other teams are inconsistent. All I can say on the 2nd part is Ange has transformed spurs in a positive way. The fans are on side, the team are playing good football. The two previous coaches didn’t bring the best out of the players and the football wasn’t great. Now, Ange needs to be more tactically aware when playing certain teams and they can push on and compete for trophies.
Many feel Arsenal should have signed a striker. Should they have gone for Harry Kane a year ago? I know it’d be a wild move, but players have moved between rivals after all…
David: Harry wouldn’t have gone to Arsenal. End of. But Arsenal do need a number 9, but it is difficult as there aren’t many top number 9’s which can fit into the way Arsenal play. Osimhen from Napoli was a target, but we don’t know why that didn’t progress. Apart from that, the list isn’t long of top strikers.
You obviously played for both Arsenal and Tottenham. Which club do you prefer now, all these years on?
David: Happily, say both. I enjoy going to watch both teams play now and get treated well by both clubs. Growing up in the youth at Arsenal was great and you see what a top club they are. Tradition is important for them and you look at what a job Mikel is doing for them, which is great to see. For me Gazza was my hero growing up, so watched him a lot. Now I also go to Spurs and Ange has brought a positivity back after Jose and Conte who both didn’t play the way the fans wanted.
How do you see Sunday’s North London derby between Spurs & Arsenal going?
David; Look. Sunday’s game will be good to watch. Both sides have injuries and it’s after an international break. I can see this being a draw (so sitting on the fence). There will be goals, so why not predict a 3-3 entertaining game!
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Looking at your playing career, did you feel like you had a point to prove to Arsenal when you left permanently to join Blackburn Rovers?
David: No, I just need to play more football. Playing week in week out was where I was at my best and this showed as I had a good time at Blackburn. The environment was good for me, the team was good, we had Gamst Pederson on one wing, me on the other, Santa Cruz and Benny McCarthey up top and Tugay and Savage in the middle. We had a good work ethic in the team and this showed as we were challenging at the top. My football was good at Blackburn and with Mark Hughes, the personal fit well and I enjoyed my time at Blackburn.
During your time at Blackburn, you were one of the most creative players in the Premier League. What do you think was the key to your success in those years?
David: The environment at Blackburn was spot on for me. Mark Hughes had created a top side and it was a really good time for me personally off the field and on it. We had a settled side with Morgan Gamst Person on one wing, me on the other, Santa Cruz and Benny McCarthy up top with Tugay and Robbie Savage. It was a good squad, good team ethic and most importantly I was playing every week. There is nothing better than playing every week and then confidence flows well and looking at my stats, you can see it was good for me. I scored a hat-trick against Manchester United so everything was good from my side.
You had an extensive career in the top flight, playing for over eight teams; what were your fondest memories of the game?
David. The hat-trick for Blackburn against Manchester United. Being the first Englishman to score at the new Wembley, the north London derby goal for Spurs. Scoring my first goal for Arsenal as well was a fond memory. So, plenty of excellent times during my career to look back on. Not many people can say they scored a hat-trick against Manchester United, scored at Wembley and from 40 yards against Arsenal in a north London derby.
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