If there was any negative to take from Tottenham’s purposeful display at the Emirates, other than Robbie Keane’s penalty miss that is, it was Dimitar Berbatov’s worsening attitude which I am beginning to get more and more annoyed about.

The contrast between our two 2-1 defeats against the old enemy was noticeable. Although Arsenal were not firing on all cylinders, I think we pretty much contained the table toppers for a great deal of the game and, at a push, I think we deserved at least a point, but the overriding memory I will take from my trip to the game was the way the Bulgarian carried himself on the pitch.

Now don’t get me wrong, Berbatov is a quality player, one of the best in the Premier League, and his goal from an impossible angle was superb, but his constant complaining and shrugging of shoulders was embarrassing to watch. Sometimes he was gesturing to the referee, falling to the ground at any given moment, but most of the time his actions seem to be stating, “I am better than my team-mates and I can’t do it all myself.” There were times in the game when I thought Juande Ramos should have just subbed the striker because I found his behaviour outrageous.

“I am sure when Dimitar went home and watched the tape of the game and saw himself moaning and groaning through the 90 minutes he would have been embarrassed.’


His performance and mentality was the polar opposite of 21-year-old Jamie O’Hara, in his first Tottenham start. The youngster was, in my view, the man of the match – he ran the midfield for most of the game and very rarely lost possession, and he was not at all overawed by the occasion. He is a bright prospect for the future. Overall, the match had very few negatives for me, I think Kevin Prince Boateng gave his all and showed that he has what it takes to make a name for himself.

Ramos is definitely moving in the right direction and, given our injury problems, the second-string team on show did us proud. However, come January, if we get a decent offer for Berbs I think we should take it – recently it has become increasingly clear he feels he is bigger than the team and that his team-mates are just not on his wavelength. I am sure this selfish attitude will disturb morale. therefore any team wishing to give us 20 odd million for his services is welcome to him.

I am sure when Dimitar went home and watched the tape of the game and saw himself moaning and groaning through the 90 minutes he would have been embarrassed. I was embarrassed just watching his petulant display.

Am I the only one who is disappointed by his attitude?