Gallas has perfect chance to win over any doubters
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William Gallas has perfect chance to win over any Tottenham doubters with return to Emirates
Hot Spur: William Gallas' recent performances have begun to convince Tottenham fans he is worthy of the shirt
In the rush for the exits following Tottenham’s return to winning ways against Blackburn, a satisfied Spurs supporter shouted to his mate: ‘See you next weekend, Gallas lover!’
Next weekend is certainly a significant one in the life of Gallas, marking his return to Arsenal, having crossed the great divide in the summer. And if he is to ensure that the whole of Tottenham’s support become ‘Gallas lovers’, then there is certainly no better place to win hearts and minds than the Emirates.
Gareth Bale once again stole the show in the 4-2 win on Saturday, his man-of-the match performance bringing two goals to take his tally to eight for the season. But a solid display from Gallas confirmed just how important a signing he has been, especially in light of the injuries to Ledley King, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Dawson.
‘The crowd are beginning to take to him and so they should,’ said Joe Jordan, standing in for virus-afflicted Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. ‘He’s a quality football player and you don’t need to be a genius to see that, as the games have come and he’s got them under his belt, he’s got better and better.’
Having moved from Leeds to Manchester United during his playing career, Jordan is well qualified to discuss the subject of rivalries.
Even so, he finds the debate about whether Gallas will ever be fully accepted as a Spurs player by the fans bordering on the ridiculous.
Crossing the divide: Gallas swapped title-chasing Arsenal for Tottenham during the summer
‘I know about rivalries, but I can’t understand it,’ said Jordan. ‘There’s a guy who has come here and sweated to win games in a Spurs jersey. The commitment is total. Even if a player plays badly - and he certainly has not - if you’re making that commitment, then the supporters should get right behind you.
‘If the quality of play shows that we have a real player here, the fans should be delighted.’