Spurs have a blueprint — Crouch backs Tottenham to shock Arsenal

Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch has backed his old club to spring a surprise and beat Arsenal in Sunday’s north London derby at the Emirates. Spurs come into the match on a poor run and have replaced Thomas Frank with Igor Tudor as interim head coach, while the team sits perilously close to the relegation zone and is still searching for a first Premier League win in 2026.

Arsenal have also stuttered recently, throwing away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with bottom side Wolves and winning only three of their last seven league matches. Tudor has been confident in the build-up, saying the squad must "become a team" and focus on basic principles so the players’ quality and potential can come through.

He stressed the need for unity and work ethic as the foundation before the technical and creative aspects of the side emerge. Crouch, speaking exclusively to Paddy Power, called it a tough first game for Tudor but suggested a new-manager bounce is possible.

England, North London

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