NIKO Kranjcar has laughed off suggestions that Spurs may find it easier to score against adventurous Arsenal than they did against solid Stoke. The Croatian international came closest to breaking City s resistance at White Hart Lane...

By Ben Pearce

NIKO Kranjcar has laughed off suggestions that Spurs may find it easier to score against adventurous Arsenal than they did against solid Stoke.

The Croatian international came closest to breaking City's resistance at White Hart Lane, hitting the post in the first half.

But, after somehow failing to register against the visitors' rearguard, he has dismissed any idea that Tottenham may find it easier to score against the more ambitious Gunners.

"I think Stoke defended for their lives - they always do - and we knew what was waiting for us," said Kranjcar.

"It's always like that in our league. I think the first goal always opens it up and unfortunately for us we didn't get the first goal. Then again I think we have to be happy with the opportunities we created, especially in the first half, but the ball just didn't want to go in.

"Do I think it will be easier to score against Arsenal? No I don't! You expect to have loads of possession at the Lane, especially against teams who come to defend, and that means creating chances and hopefully scoring goals.

"Obviously there is going to be more space against Arsenal but on the other hand they're going to be much more dangerous going forward and you have to defend even more, so you will probably be much further away from their goal."

Kranjcar admits that Spurs threw away a "massive three points" by failing to take their chances on Saturday, particularly when Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa and Everton all dropped points over the weekend.

"We're frustrated because it was a massive three points that would be so important for us," he added. "We didn't get what we feel we deserved and unfortunately we'll have to turn it around in our next game against Arsenal.

"It was one of those days when you don't take your chances. It just wouldn't go in and the other team scored their only chance.

"It's an old rule in football that if you don't take your chances then punishment comes most of the time, and unfortunately for us it did.

"It's the reason why this is the best game in the world and why people watch it and enjoy it. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the result this time.