Arsenal getting booted out of Europe might have ruined Tottenham’s chances of Champions League football for next season.
But their fans won’t care one jot as they watched two of their former favourites – Eric Dier and Harry Kane – ruin Arsenal’s night in the colours of Bayern Munich.
If Mikel Arteta’s side had won, it would have boosted England’s chances of having an extra spot in Europe’s elite competition next season.
As of this moment, Tottenham occupy that spot and, given the ten-point gap between them and sixth-placed Newcastle United, then they are either finishing fifth or fourth this season.
But with Arsenal and Manchester City bowing out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, it seems Germany will win that UEFA Coefficient race rather than England.
Even if Spurs fans have to see their team enter the Europa League next season, they would rather that scenario than watch their bitter rivals progress in the Champions League.
What makes matters worse for Arsenal is that they had to watch Eric Dier and Harry Kane play a huge part in their night to forget.
Before the game, a certain Thierry Henry was analysing the match and the possible strengths and weaknesses of both sides.
The legendary striker proceeded to point towards Dier, who left Spurs for Bavaria in January, as a weakness and how ‘I don’t think he is the best when he plays as a centre-back’, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (17/04/24 at 7:15 pm).
Well, those comments from the ex-Arsenal man came back to haunt him because, not only did Dier stop Arsenal from scoring during Bayern’s 1-0 win, but he also produced a Man of the Match display.
Eric Dier helps knock Arsenal out of the Champions League
“Can you also ask some questions to Eric Dier,” questioned Henry before the game.
“I don’t think he is the best when he plays as a centre-back, but it’s going to be an interesting game.”
Life after Tottenham for Eric Dier
Let’s be honest, even Spurs fans were surprised when Bayern knocked on Dier’s door during the winter transfer window.
This was a player who was no longer getting selected for England and wasn’t even getting picked by Ange Postecoglou.
For large parts, when Spurs centre-backs got injured/suspended at the start of the campaign, the club’s new manager opted to select fullbacks rather than Dier himself.
But he has picked himself up, dusted himself down and is now growing week by week at Bayern and is three games away from winning the European Cup.