PAUL MERSON claims Tottenham fans will cheer a Manchester City goal against their own club – as it could ruin Arsenal’s title bid.
Spurs supporters have already prepared an “embarrassing and shameful” chant to roar on visitors City in Tuesday’s Premier League clash.
But Arsenal hero Kai Havertz insists he will become” the biggest fan of Tottenham ever” – because his side need Pep Guardiola’s men to slip up.
Gunners’ legend Merson reckons Spurs supporters would rather fluff a top-four finish than see their bitter North London rivals win a first Prem crown in 20 years.
The ex-England striker even appeared to stun fellow Sky Sports pundits Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney with his blunt verdict.
Merson also believes Arsenal need Liverpool to triumph at Aston Villa on Monday – to keep Spurs’ hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
He said: “Every Arsenal fan needs Villa to get beat…Tottenham have to stay hungry on Tuesday.”
He then delivered his stunning assessment on the priorities of Spurs’ fans – including their possible reaction to City scoring against their own team.
He said: “I’ve played in them games, they aren’t wanting Arsenal to win the league, whatever happens.
“There will get to a stage Tottenham fans will cheer if Man City score. They will – the one thing they don’t want is Arsenal to win the league.”
Meanwhile, a clip has emerged on social media of Tottenham supporters unveiling a special pro-City chant.
A man on a guitar is seen and heard signing: “I am City till July! I am City till July!
Smirking Kai Havertz reveals shock at what he saw Casemiro doing before he set up Arsenal winner vs Man Utd
“I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City till July.”
One fan joked: “This is absolutely embarrassing and shameful. Get it going round the stadium on Tuesday”.
But other supporters appeared shocked.
One blasted: “This is so poor”
And another posted: “Are we not ashamed of ourselves?”
But Spurs will at least have one set of enthusiastic new local backers in midweek.
Fresh from setting up Leandro Trossard’s winner at Manchester United, Arsenal attacker Havertz told Sky: “I’m going to (be the) biggest fan of Tottenham ever on Tuesday. We all are going to be!”
Mikel Arteta’s Prem leaders are a point clear of City and also have a plus-three advantage on goal difference.
But the Gunners only have next Sunday’s finale at home to Everton remaining – whereas Guardiola’s champs have two matches left.
After traveling to Spurs on Tuesday, City host West Ham on the last day.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou might have something to say if his club’s fans switch to supporting Man City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday.
Meanwhile Gunners won at Old Trafford last night courtesy of Leandro Trossard strike.
Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful Man Utd defending to give his side a 1-0 victory on Sunday that saw Mikel Arteta’s men provisionally overtake Manchester City for top spot in the Premier League table.
While Arsenal, who won for just the second time at Old Trafford in their last 17 visits, have 86 points with one game left of the tightest title race in years, holders City remain in the driving seat with 85 points and two matches to play.
Trossard scored in the 20th minute when Kai Havertz strolled barely challenged into space on the right side before sending the ball into the box for Trossard to tuck home.
The game swung from end to end over a final tense few minutes, with United goalkeeper Andre Onana leaping to push away shots from substitute Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice.
United sit eighth with two games left, and trail sixth-placed Newcastle by three points in their quest for a European berth next season.
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