Arsenal's van Persie dismisses influence of Spurs' boss in derby
LONDON: What Harry Redknapp effect?
Robin van Persie has cast doubt over how much of an effect Redknapp's appointment as Tottenham Hotspur's new manager will have in today's north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are seeking to prove that a morale-boosting 2-0 win over West Ham last Sunday can spark a coherent title challenge, reported The Guardian.
The victory kept the Gunners four points behind leaders Liverpool.
Spurs may be bottom of the Premier League table but will offer more resistance under Redknapp after finally securing their first league victory this season against Bolton on Sunday.
But van Persie dismissed the notion that the manager installed at White Hart Lane over the weekend will ensure the visitors have real momentum going into today's game.
Asked whether Redknapp can transform Tottenham's fortunes, van Persie replied: 'I don't know and I honestly don't care. The game against Spurs is one on its own and it's a big one, irrespective of where they are in the table.
'They won their first game on Sunday, which is great for them, but we'll see what happens on Wednesday.'
Regardless of what he says, Spurs supporters are hoping that Redknapp, who helped former club Portsmouth stave off relegation, will do the same at White Hart Lane.
The 61-year-old manager has been involved with football too long to become giddy with last Sunday's success.
He will be watching his team closely as they prepare for two arduous games - at Arsenal today and at home to Liverpool this weekend.
Nevertheless, Tottenham's players do seem genuinely uplifted by Redknapp's appointment.
The same squad that looked directionless, undisciplined and utterly bereft of confidence under previous manager Juande Ramos, making the club's worst start to a league season by collecting just two points from eight games, had a renewed pep and purpose against Bolton.
Said Spurs captain Ledley King: 'It looked like a weight had been lifted off the players' shoulders. They played with freedom, and it was more like the old Tottenham.'
The challenge now is to replicate that impressive showing against Arsenal.
For that, King's contribution will be crucial. The former England centre-half is still troubled by a persistent knee injury.
But Redknapp, having asked him to play a second game in four days against Bolton, is likely to consider him indispensable for the short trip across the capital.
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