TOTTENHAM vs FULHAM: Marco Silva wants his former Gunners to thrive when the Cottagers lock horns with Spurs on Sunday in the Premier League
Marco Silva
Marco Silva's Fulham can leapfrog Spurs in the table with victory
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Image: 2024 Getty Images)
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Marco Silva has urged his ex-Arsenal stars to inspire Fulham to victory at Tottenham.
Three points would see the Cottagers leapfrog their London counterparts in the table as Silva's side bid to bounce back from last weekend's shock home thrashing at the hands of Wolves. And the Fulham boss wants Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Alex Iwobi, all Gunners academy graduates, to make themselves heroes, stating: "I haven't spoken with Emile, Reiss or with Alex about this situation.
"However, probably their feeling is going to be different about the game. The reaction towards them from the Tottenham fans is also probably going to be different than with me or Kenny Tete or Issa Diop.
"If it can give them a different level of motivation, then it would be good for us. They are in Fulham now and they fight really hard for us. I know they are proud to be part of the club in this part of their careers."
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"If it can give them a different level of motivation, then it would be good for us. They are in Fulham now and they fight really hard for us. I know they are proud to be part of the club in this part of their careers."
Ahead of the matchup, stubborn Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou boldly declared he is "not interested" in pragmatism after Tottenham threw away a late lead in their Europa League draw with Roma in midweek.
Silva, however, revealed that while he has huge admiration for his opposite number, he had no choice but to evolve in order to make Fulham competitive again in the Premier League.
The Portuguese said: "You adjust things, you are always trying to add things and in life, you can never stand still.
Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi
Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi have Arsenal ties ahead of Sunday's game vs Tottenham
"Yes, in some moments I know I like to play football and be on the front foot but sometimes it does depend on the opponent and whether the other team allows you to do it.
"What I see from Ange is that you can always talk about the identity of the team. You can choose an idea but you have to convince the players.
"I really respect him, I have my idea and identity and what I see from Tottenham is one clear idea from a very good manager and he goes with it until the end."
Fulham will be without imperious centre-back Joachim Andersen this weekend after the Dane suffered a calf injury against Wolves. Harrison Reed, Jorge Cuenca and Ryan Sessegnon are also sidelined.
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