You can feel it in the air weeks before kickoff. It’s that specific kind of tension that only exists in North London. If you grew up around Seven Sisters or the Holloway Road, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur isn't just another game on the calendar. It’s a territorial dispute that’s been simmering for over a century, and honestly, it’s only getting more intense as the years roll by.
People always ask why these two hate each other so much. It's only four miles, right? Yeah, but those four miles are a battlefield. The roots go way back to 1913 when Arsenal moved from Woolwich—south of the river—to Highbury. Spurs fans felt like their turf was being invaded. Then came the 1919 scandal where Arsenal was voted into the First Division over Tottenham in a way that still feels "suspect" to the Lilywhite faithful. That’s where the "Woolwich" taunts come from. It’s a grudge that never truly dies.
The Modern Power Shift
Look at the recent results. It’s been rough for Spurs lately. In November 2025, Arsenal absolutely dismantled them 4-1 at the Emirates. Eberechi Eze—who has been a revelation since joining the Gunners—bagged a hat-trick that afternoon. It was one of those games where one side just looked levels above.
But here’s the thing about this fixture: form usually goes out the window. Remember January 2025? Tottenham was struggling, yet they still managed to make it a nervy 2-1 affair. Son Heung-min, who is basically a North London Derby legend at this point, scored a deflected effort that silenced the Emirates for a good while before Leandro Trossard turned it around.
Recent H2H Scorelines
- Nov 23, 2025: Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
- Jan 15, 2025: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
- Sep 15, 2024: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal
- Apr 28, 2024: Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
Arsenal has won the last four league meetings. That’s their best run since the late 80s. For Mikel Arteta, it’s proof that his project has reached a point of dominance. For Thomas Frank—who took over at Spurs to bring some tactical stability—it’s a massive hurdle he still hasn't quite cleared.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Tactics
Everyone talks about "Angeball" or "Arteta-ball" like they’re fixed systems. They aren't. In the Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur clash, it’s usually about who blinks first. Arteta has turned Arsenal into a set-piece machine. Gabriel Magalhães has basically made a career out of scoring headers against Spurs. He did it in September 2024 and he's a constant threat every time Bukayo Saka stands over a corner.
Spurs, on the other hand, have shifted. Under Thomas Frank, they’re trying to be more pragmatic. They’ve brought in guys like Mohammed Kudus to add that unpredictable spark. When Kudus is on it, he's a nightmare for defenders like William Saliba. But the issue for Tottenham has been the high line. Arsenal’s speed on the break—with Martinelli and Saka—is designed to exploit exactly what Spurs try to do.
The "Sol Campbell" Effect and Crossing the Divide
You don't see players move between these two often. Only a handful have done it. Sol Campbell is still the name that makes Spurs fans see red. Moving on a free transfer to your biggest rival? That’s the ultimate betrayal. Even now, in 2026, you'll hear songs about it.
It creates this atmosphere where every tackle feels a bit harder. Every celebration is a bit more provocative. When James Maddison does his darts celebration or Saka mimics it after scoring, it’s not just for the cameras. It’s to wind up the opposition. It’s theater, basically.
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Why This Derby Still Matters More Than Others
Some people argue that Man City vs. Liverpool or the Manchester Derby has more "quality." Maybe. But they don't have this level of pure, unadulterated pettiness. Arsenal fans celebrate "St Totteringham's Day"—the moment it’s mathematically impossible for Spurs to finish above them. Spurs fans, meanwhile, live for the moments they can ruin Arsenal’s title hopes, like they almost did in April 2024.
The stats tell a story of high-scoring chaos. This is the fifth highest-scoring fixture in Premier League history. We’ve seen 5-2s, 4-4s, and that crazy 5-4 at White Hart Lane years ago. You almost never see a boring 0-0 here. The record for penalties awarded in a single fixture? Yeah, that belongs to the North London Derby too. 24 successful spot-kicks and counting.
Key Players to Watch in 2026
If you're watching the next one, keep an eye on the young guns. Ethan Nwaneri is starting to get real minutes for Arsenal, and there’s nothing like a derby to make or break a teenager’s reputation. For Spurs, Archie Gray has become the Swiss Army knife of their midfield. His battle against Declan Rice is usually where the game is won or lost.
Viktor Gyökeres is another one. Since he's been linked with the Gunners, the pressure on him to perform in big games has been immense. If he starts leading the line, Spurs’ Micky van de Ven is going to have the busiest 90 minutes of his life. Van de Ven is fast, but Gyökeres is a physical monster. It’s a heavyweight clash in every sense.
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Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re looking at this match from a tactical or even a betting perspective, a few things stand out consistently:
- The "Both Teams to Score" (BTTS) trap: It hits more often than not (roughly 44 times in PL history), but Arsenal’s recent defensive solidity under the Saliba-Gabriel partnership has made "Clean Sheet" bets for the Gunners much more viable than in previous decades.
- Early goals change everything: In this fixture, the team that scores first actually fails to win more often than in any other major derby. Spurs have dropped points from winning positions 18 times against Arsenal.
- Set-piece dominance: If you see Gabriel or Riccardo Calafiori starting, expect Arsenal to target the back post. Spurs have struggled with zonal marking in high-pressure moments.
- Card count: Don’t expect a "friendly" game. This fixture averages over four yellow cards per match. Checking the referee assignment is crucial—someone like Simon Hooper or Michael Oliver usually lets the game flow, but things can boil over quickly.
The next chapter of Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur is set for February 2026 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs are desperate to end the losing streak at home, while Arsenal is looking to cement their status as the kings of London. Either way, expect fireworks.
To get the most out of the next derby, track the fitness of Martin Ødegaard. Arsenal’s win rate drops significantly when he’s not there to pull the strings in the final third. On the flip side, watch Tottenham's wing-back rotations; if Udogie is isolated against Saka, it’s going to be a long afternoon for the Lilywhites. Keep an eye on the official team sheets released an hour before kickoff to see if Thomas Frank opts for a back five to nullify Arsenal’s wide threats.