Paul Merson sends special Arterta secret to Igor Tudor to help him turn Spurs situation around
Igor Tudor has already been handed advice from across North London ahead of his first major test in charge, with pundit Paul Merson urging Tottenham to take a leaf out of Arsenal’s book.
Tottenham Hotspur’s next Premier League outing comes against their fiercest rivals, and the North London derby presents Tudor with an immediate opportunity to reshape the mood around the club. After a turbulent period that saw Thomas Frank criticised for what many supporters perceived as an overly pragmatic and reactive approach, Spurs now find themselves in a battle where results matter far more than aesthetics.
Frank’s style often drew frustration from the stands, with sections of the Tottenham support calling for a more front-foot, attacking brand of football. However, the current reality leaves little room for idealism. Tudor’s primary task is not to entertain — it is to stabilise a side that has drifted dangerously close to the relegation picture and ensure their Premier League survival.
Merson urges Spurs to follow Arsenal’s blueprint
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson laid out his expectations for Tudor’s short-term spell in charge and stressed the urgency of immediate results at a club of Tottenham’s stature.
“You don’t get that much time at so-called big clubs. You have to get results,” Merson said. “Fans get you the sack. Very rarely does a manager leave and all the fans are cheering his name. It’s panic stations now.”
Merson suggested that Spurs had little choice but to think outside the box with their appointment, bringing in someone capable of squeezing maximum output from the remaining fixtures. With only a limited run of games left to salvage their season, the margin for error is slim.
“They’ve brought someone in for the last stretch. If they stay up, people will say they were always going to stay up. But if they don’t, you wonder what happens next — both for the club and for Tudor,” he added.
Despite the tension surrounding the situation, Merson made it clear he would be shocked if Tottenham were relegated, pointing to the quality within the squad. In his view, the solution is less about flair and more about organisation.
“They’ve got too many good players to go down. They’ve got to get organised and start nicking points,” he explained.
Crucially, Merson believes Tottenham must abandon their chaotic, end-to-end approach — particularly in high-stakes matches like the upcoming derby.
“When you’re losing every week, you feel you have to attack because you need a win. But sometimes you’ve got to be clever. Against Arsenal, you can sit deep and be compact. The crowd won’t go mad if you’re structured and disciplined.
“I watch Tottenham and it’s like basketball — end-to-end. They’ve got to start playing like Arsenal. Arsenal build from a base. They’re solid first, then they pick their moments. Tottenham need to come from that foundation and nick a point here and there.”
Survival first, style later
For Tudor, the mission is clear. This is not the time to implement a long-term footballing philosophy or entertain debates about identity. It is about restoring structure, confidence and resilience.
The former Juventus coach is known for favouring a 3-4-2-1 system that prioritises defensive compactness while still allowing for dynamic pressing in advanced areas. His teams are typically hard-working, tactically disciplined and difficult to break down — qualities Spurs have sorely lacked during their slide down the table.
While Tudor does encourage high energy and intensity, the immediate emphasis is likely to be on defensive shape and collective responsibility. Tottenham cannot afford to continue playing expansive football if it leaves them exposed.
In a relegation battle, pragmatism often trumps philosophy. A scrappy draw can be more valuable than an entertaining defeat. Grinding out narrow wins, frustrating opponents and tightening up at the back may not thrill the supporters, but they could prove decisive in preserving Spurs’ top-flight status.
Longer-term questions about the club’s direction and the next permanent managerial appointment will come later. For now, as Merson bluntly put it, it is about getting it right in the present moment.
If Tudor can instil discipline, organisation and a mentality shift — even temporarily — Tottenham should have enough quality to pull clear of danger. And in this phase of the season, survival will matter far more than style.