Derby of Duo Allergic to Effort| The World of Sports

All season long, I’ve struggled to decide who’s more disappointing between Manchester United and Tottenham. Both have dropped points in games where you’d expect some fight, some grit, just anything. And now, seeing them sit 16th and 17th on the table, it’s wild to think they’ve managed to avoid a proper relegation battle. In a different season, they might not have been so lucky. They owe a big thank you to the three promoted teams who were just that much worse. Blackpool and Birmingham City both got relegated during the 2010/2011 with 39 points each, same number of points Manchester United currently have and one more than Tottenham.

Now here’s the kicker - these two are set to face off in a European Cup final - the UEFA Europa League. It’s the most ironic twist possible. Two teams who've looked clueless in the league now battling for continental silverware. As an Arsenal fan, it stings. But if I had to choose, I’d rather Spurs win. Let it be a painful reminder that your so-called “noisy neighbours” and fiercest rivals achieved something you’re still chasing. Maybe that pain is what’ll finally spark some fire in Arsenal.

Also, let’s be real - if United somehow win this final, finish 16th in the league, and still qualify for the Champions League, I’ll never hear the end of it. The United fans around me will milk it dry. Meanwhile, Arsenal might end up with just a “respectable points total” and nothing more. For the peace of my football sanity, I need Spurs to win this. It’s the lesser of two evils.