David Bentley is one of the few footballers who knows what it is like to play for both Arsenal and Tottenham in the North London Derby.
He was billed as the next Dennis Bergkamp when he started his career at Arsenal. He later moved to Blackburn in 2006 deal and then made a a big-money move to Tottenham.
He is remembered fondly by Spurs fans, especially for his wonder goal in the 2008 North London derby at Arsenal.
He is predicting a 3-3 draw between the two clubs in their latest encounter and is looking forward to the game.
But he says Arsenal have to win to maintain any sort of challenge to Manchester City in the title race.
He explained: “You can’t let City get ahead and must stay close to them. It is going to be difficult again this season.”
Bentley stated that the North London Derby is “different to other games” and added: “the build-up is exciting and you can feel it in training. Everyone feels the buzz of a north London derby week. I loved playing the game and it’s great to get up to play your rivals”
Bentley’s best moment from NLD personal history is his 40-yard volley that secured Tottenham an unlikely 4-4 draw at the Emirates in 2008.
He recalled: “It felt amazing to score a goal like that. I felt confident coming into the game and I loved it”.
His loyalties are slightly split now as he rates Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as his favourite winger in the Premier League today. “His all-round game is excellent,” he said. “He scores, he assists, he plays with the right attitude and a smile on his face.”
Discussing his most recent former club and their aims for the season ahead, he concluded: “Champions League and a finish in the top four has to be a target for Spurs. Ange has transformed Spurs in a positive way. The fans are on their side, the team is playing good football”.
Bentley, who was speaking on behalf of William Hill, was asked to finish off by revealing which team he wants to win the big match.
Not one to offend, he went for the diplomatic option and said: ‘Happily, I can say both. I enjoy going to watch both teams play now and get treated well by both clubs.”
David Bentley was speaking as a representative of William Hill. Full details can be found here:
