Dutchman mocks Gunners and Blues

Van der Vaart challenges rivals

By Zain Alvi | 31st October 2011

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart has hailed his side as possibly the best in London at the moment, challenging Chelsea and bitter rivals Arsenal to prove otherwise based on form.

The Blues, who have been the most successful team in the English capital in the last decade, have suffered back-to-back defeats against QPR and the Gunners to fall nine points adrift of the league summit.

The Gunners, on the other hand, have been on a terrific run, enjoying an unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League and winning all their domestic matches since falling to the Spurs last month.

However, it is that one win that separates Van der Vaart and his teammates from their bitter North London rivals as they hold a three-point lead over Arsene’s Wenger men while also having a game in hand.

Van der Vaart, who scored in the derby win at White Hart Lane a few weeks ago, is confident that the Spurs will retain their edge in North London and has targetted Chelsea’s scalp as well.

“We are better than Arsenal. In our last seven games we have won six and drawn once. It’s a long season, but I think we have a bigger and better squad,” Van der Vaart said following the Spurs’ 3-1 win over QPR on Sunday.

The Dutchman added: “Are we the best team in London? Maybe, but it’s still early. We’re in a good way. We are much better than we were last season.”

During the Spurs’ most successful period and perhaps the Gunners’ most difficult period in recent years, the latter outfit has always managed to finish higher in the table.

Yet, the 28-year old Van der Vaart is convinced that Harry Redknapp’s men are ready to go as far as challenging league leaders Manchester City over the course of the season.

“Man City is the best team in the league and below them you have a lot of good teams and we are one of them,” he concluded.

The Spurs are preparing for another London derby this weekend as they visit Fulham while Arsenal host West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea visit the lowly Blackburn Rovers.