Tim Sherwood has been out of the managerial arena for three years now, and with his latest antics you can perhaps see why, although Tottenham fans will be absolutely loving it.
The eagerly anticipated first North London derby of the season takes place on Sunday at the Emirates when Arsenal (4th) look to draw level with rivals Tottenham (3rd) on 30 points.
It promises to be an absolute cracker to kick the festive season off in style, with the Gunners unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions (W14 D4), whereas Spurs are enjoying a six-game winning streak.
Sherwood, who managed Spurs for five months between 2013 and 2014, was asked by Sky Sports News to name his combined Arsenal/Spurs XI, and the results will not please Arsenal fans.
The 49-year-old opted to select a first XI of just Tottenham players. That’s right, not a single Arsenal man was included, despite the club's impressive undefeated streak which dates all the way back to mid-August.
There's no denying that Spurs have been in cracking form of late, and while it’s likely to be Sherwood up to his old tricks ahead of Sunday’s showpiece spectacle, his latest shenanigans have not gone down well among the Gunners faithful.
Sherwood chose Lloris in between the sticks, then a back four of Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, and Davies. Dier is just in front of the defence, with Eriksen and Winks given the nod in midfield.
In attack, Kane is flanked by Alli on the right, and Son on the left.
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson was also asked to pluck out his best XI players, and perhaps surprisingly, he only named two Arsenal players in his line-up: Aubameyang and Ozil.
It’s highly unlikely that any of the players will take any notice of the two pundits, in contrast to Twitter which has reacted in style.
This is the reason why these guys have been put of coaching/managerial jobs for years.. Clueless.. Don’t know why I’m surprised tbh (@kordellsmiles)
They should be embarrassed of themselves. Arsenal are 18 unbeaten and not one player for Tim Sherwood. And Merson is deluded. Lacazette, Aubameyang And Torriera should be there. Not good enough. (@MesutAFC8)
Complete tripe from two shocking pundits. Torreira.....Bellerin.....potentially even Leno based on current form (@richard_dukes)
How can it be so lopsided when there is only 3 points between them? (@Bund_le)
I’m so angry I had to come back, is Winks even better than Guendouzi, it’s parents like Tim & Paul who will see a small player in an academy, and not pick them because they believe they’re not ready for the conditions.. Jokers (@kordellsmiles)
