Palhinha's Defiant Message to Critics
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Joao Palhinha has issued a defiant response to critic Jamie Carragher while sending a clear warning to Arsenal ahead of Saturday's crucial North London Derby. The Portuguese international, speaking exclusively to reporters, made it abundantly clear that Spurs are travelling to the Emirates Stadium with only one objective: securing all three points.
Pressure is on Arsenal, Says Spurs Star
Palhinha drew parallels between facing the current Arsenal side and Tottenham's recent Super Cup encounter with PSG, suggesting the weight of expectation rests heavily on their rivals. "I think the pressure is probably more on their side than us," the midfielder stated, while acknowledging Arsenal's strong form. He emphasised that despite respecting their opponents' quality, Tottenham remain unbeaten away from home in the Premier League this season and have collected 13 points on their travels - matching the league's best record.
The fixture represents a significant challenge for Tottenham, who haven't secured a Premier League victory at Arsenal's ground since November 2010. Palhinha, however, appears undaunted by this historical statistic. "We know what we can do, we are really capable to give our best in that game and hopefully we can reach what we really want now, which is the victory," he declared. "We don't want to draw, we just want to focus on the victory."
Carragher Criticism Dismissed as 'Embarrassing'
In a spirited defence of his playing style, Palhinha also addressed recent comments from Liverpool legend turned pundit Jamie Carragher, who had described the midfielder as "too negative" in possession. Palhinha revealed he had seen the criticism after being sent clips by associates, but dismissed its significance.
"To be honest, about this, what can I say? I don't care what the people say," Palhinha stated. "It makes it a bit embarrassing seeing sometimes the ex-players speaking that the way that they speak and they look sometimes like superstars on their past."
The Tottenham star suggested that Carragher should watch more of his performances before passing judgement, asserting that "I think I am doing a top season." He pointed to his goal against Copenhagen as the perfect response to critics and vowed to continue proving his worth on the pitch. "I will keep showing how I can do it. I don't need to give these answers, but that's what I feel," Palhinha added. "I just want to keep doing my job and show what I am capable of doing."
With Tottenham's unbeaten away record on the line and a chance to make history at the Emirates, Palhinha's comments set the stage for a fiercely contested derby where he'll be looking to let his football do the talking.
