Arsenal legend Ian Wright this week revealed that former Gunners skipper Patrick Vieira’s first words in English upon arriving in 1996 were: ‘Spurs are s***’, the former England striker told Copa90.
Vieira arrived during a time where the English influence in the dressing room was at an all time high, with the likes of Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Paul Merson present to remind many of the importance surrounding a North London Derby.
Wright claimed that Vieira’s first words were revealed to him by former vice-chairman David Dein who narrated the story, and given the passion our legendary skipper showed in the derby, it isn’t hard to believe.
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“As soon as any new players come, the first thing you teach them is, this is a big game,” Wright was quoted as saying.
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“This is Tottenham, this is our main rival.
“I remember Patrick Vieira – David Dein tells a story about Patrick Vieira – he was learning English. First thing we taught him was: Tottenham are s***.”
Arsenal went through a period of complete dominance in north London, when we didn’t lose a single league game to the arch enemy for 20 consecutive matches; from November 1999 – April 2010.
The gap is rather closer this time around, but as the table suggests, we will once again be celebrating St Totteringham’s Day soon.
Vieira went on to win three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during the most successful period of the club’s history.
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