This video can not be played
The Football News Show: Why Tottenham fans actually want their side to lose to Man City
If Tottenham Hotspur win or draw against Manchester City on Tuesday, it could help their rivals Arsenal win the Premier League title. And some Spurs fans are feeling conflicted.
On the one hand, Ange Postecoglou’s side are chasing Champions League football. A win would put them two points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, with one more game to go.
But on the other, a win would also leave their fierce rivals Arsenal – chasing their first Premier League title in 20 years – one point ahead of City at the top with one match left. Even a draw would leave Arsenal ahead on goal difference.
If Spurs lose, Pep Guardiola’s side will go two points clear at the top of the table, needing a win against West Ham on Sunday to secure a record fourth consecutive title.
Responding to reporters on Monday, Spurs boss Postecoglou said he will “never understand if someone wants their own team to lose.”
Feelings do vary among supporters, however.
Postecoglou says '100% of fans' want to beat Man City
Man City success not down to money – Guardiola
Monday Night Club: North London holds its breath
Davina Pindoria told the BBC's Football News Show says "every Spurs fan I've spoken to" has been "very much" of the opinion the team "should not be beating Manchester City."
She said that "in 20, 30 years time" she won't be telling her children about Spurs qualifying for the Champions League.
Rather, Pindoria said she would be talking about "the pain and the heartbreak and the horrible summer" that she had "after Arsenal won the Premier League".
Patrick Tyrant told BBC Sport it would be the most "Spursy" thing ever if his team beat Manchester City to "hand Arsenal the league" and "still finished fifth."
One well-known Spurs podcast host joked that Postecoglou should be ousted for his comments
Arsenal released an explosive statement after a loss to Newcastle in November
Emmanuel Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate scoring for Manchester City in front of fans of his former club Arsenal in 2009
Some fans think a win would be "meaningless" from a Spurs point of view – and there are reports that there are plenty of seats up for resale.
This video can not be played
Ange Postecoglou – '100% of supporters want us to win' against Manchester City
BBC Sport's live page has been asking for fans views on the game:
Steve, from Guildford said: "I don't take social media seriously. As a Spurs fan, I'm with Ange – win every game you can and what else will be will be."
Hannah, from London, is a Spurs fan who "definitely does not want" to see her side lose. However, she thinks that City are "just too strong".
And finally, Allan, who has "been going to Spurs for more than 70 years", says, "I just can't bring myself to want to lose a match," but believes his team are "probably going to lose anyway".
Guardiola has a poor record at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Since the stadium opened in 2019, City lost on their first five visits in all competitions, without scoring.
The reigning Premier League champions ended that poor run with victory in the FA Cup in January.
Greg, from Rugby, asked people to "spare a thought" for Arsenal "having to support Spurs".
"We don’t do that lightly," he wrote.
Arteta says title still 'possible' – but what chance do Arsenal have?
Havertz pledged his allegiance to Spurs after his side beat Manchester United on Sunday to take the title race down to the final day of the season
The tie has thrown up some unusual bedfellows
Morgan offered Spurs a back-handed compliment
It's all friendly in North London
Sky pundit Paul Merson won the league with Arsenal in 1989 and 1991
Images of Fulham's players flying kites at training before their game against Manchester City last weekend became an easy meme for teams being 'on the beach' – a football reference to having nothing to play for at the end of the season.
A Spurs version has been doing the rounds on social media, but we're certain it is fake – especially given Postecoglou's comments.
Harry Symeou, Chronicles of a Gooner
For an Arsenal supporter, relying on Spurs is never a good thing.
Firstly, I’m expecting a strange atmosphere inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium because while you can get sucked into wanting your own team to succeed, the knock-on effect of that result could hand Spurs’ greatest rivals a first Premier League title in 20 years.
Secondly, under Ange Postecoglou their defence has resembled a chocolate fireguard at times and so the chances of them limiting Manchester City enough so they can obtain a positive result feel very slim.
Given what is at stake for Arsenal and the fact nobody seems to be giving West Ham any chance of causing an upset on Sunday – you can be forgiven for thinking Tuesday night’s clash is absolutely the title decider. And you feel helpless, it’s in their hands rather than our own!
I guess the best way we can cope is to completely convince ourselves of Spurs’ inability to get a result. Only then can we manage the disappointment that will inevitably grip us come 22:00 on Tuesday, turn our attentions to Sunday and head to Emirates Stadium with the hope of the day developing into something special.
Anna Howells, Spurs XY
Tottenham Hotspur versus Manchester City is usually a pretty fun fixture for us as we have had some fantastic wins against them in the past.
But are we hoping for the same this time around? It might be a slightly different atmosphere on Tuesday night. It will be unique. Should we score and go on to win then, of course, we will celebrate our team. However, if we concede a few and lose to City, it will not feel like too big of a loss to the potential champions.
I have seen a lot of jokes on social media saying we will turn into City fans for the evening, just so Arsenal have less of a chance of winning the title. There are definitely a lot of supporters who in this instance care more about stopping our rivals than winning the game.
For me, it’s more of a light-hearted win-win situation. We want the three points for our own sake, but we can make peace with a loss if it hinders our rivals.
At the end of the day, I support Spurs, so I will want what is best for the team. If we lose with style, that is always a lot easier to deal with than losing without performing.
It's all set up for an engrossing encounter, which is win-win, or lose-lose, depending on your point of view.
Postecoglou says '100% of fans' want to beat Man City
Arteta says title still 'possible' – but what chance do Arsenal have?
Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast
Get football news sent straight to your phone
Comments can not be loaded
To load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browser
Premier League: Build up to Tottenham v Man City as visitors bid to return top
Rangers must beat Dundee to prolong title race
Watch: Partick Thistle v Raith Rovers – Premiership play-off
Are you ready to rock through time?
Watch the brand new trailer for the new series of Doctor Who
A terrifying adventure in the far future
Can the Doctor and Ruby save a baby farm run by babies from the terrifying bogeyman?
Go behind the scenes…
Join Steffan Powell as he gets the keys to the TARDIS and exclusive access to the Whoniverse
Unmissable aftershow analysis
Join Nadie Jae and Shabaz Ali in the newly regenerated Official Doctor Who Podcast
Black, white and shades of grey – what's behind sprint's race divide?
Arabian fights – the impact of Saudi boxing takeover
Bright says Hayes' support 'massive' and admits career doubts
'Emery the star of the show as Villa can taste dream finale'
Usyk v Fury – Which fighter has the superior boxing style? Video
'Form and history align for McIlroy to end major drought'
Who could form England's new-look pace attack?
Arsenal have ticked off the checklist of champions – Keown
Best moments of the season from 2Good 2Bad. Video
'What a hit' – Watch Toone's Wembley pearler from all angles. Video
Contract not a distraction before Euro 2024 – Southgate
Heavy rainfall at Old Trafford after Man Utd defeat by Arsenal. Video
'Arsenal win ugly to take title race to the wire'
'Ruthless England make right decision on Anderson'
'So bad' – is this Man Utd team really 'one of the worst ever'?
Toone wonder strike inspires Man Utd to first FA Cup title. Video
Skinner defiant in FA Cup victory as bold choices pay off
Watch: Turtle stops baseball game by invading pitch. Video
Anderson on retirement, the future & his send-off
'O'Riley's Celtic impact shows Rangers what they're missing'
© 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
