Soldado desperate to earn Spurs in derby
Even though they have been without Madrid-bound Gareth Bale, Spurs have fared reasonably well so far this season, claiming 1-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Swansea thanks to two penalties from Roberto Soldado.
They will face a much tougher test on Sunday, however, when they take on Arsenal in the first north London derby of the season.
While Arsenal’s squad is well-accustomed to the intensity of the feisty encounter, it will be a totally new experience for Spurs new boys Paulinho, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue and Soldado.
Soldado has experienced derbies before with Valencia, against Levante and Villarreal, but the rivalry between those three clubs is nowhere near as intense as thatwhich exists between the two biggest clubs in north London.
However, the Spaniard insists he and his new-team mates will understand the significance of the game when they go into battle on Sunday afternoon.
“Yes, my team-mates have told me what the derby means,” the striker said.
“Tottenham against Arsenal is one of the most beautiful games for the club and everyone who has come in from outside will want to play in it.
“It’s the game with the biggest rivalry for Tottenham and I cannot wait to play in this environment and I hope we can get the three points.”
Soldado’s form in front of goal has gone a long way to limiting the damage caused by Bale’s absence.
The Spain international underlined his desire to score 20 goals a season last week, and he is already a fifth of the way there after two Premier League goals and a brace against Dinamo Tbilisi in the Europa League last Thursday.
Spurs will need him to maintain this kind of form if they are to make the top four and he hopes to continue delivering for his new employers.
“It’s always important to score goals and I hope to keep on doing this for the team,” said the €30 million signing. “The welcome I have got since my presentation here in the friendly against Espanyol has been great.
“To hear the fans singing your name is special and I hope it happens a lot more throughout the season.”
Although Soldado and Paulinho looked threatening against Swansea, there was an inescapable feeling that Spurs still lack a bit of magic without Bale in the team.
Soldado admits Andre Villas-Boas’ new-look side is still very much a work in progress.
“The first few games I think are the hardest of the season and we have played well, but we can still improve a lot,” he added.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
