North London Derby Preview: Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur
The North London Derby is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the football calendar. As Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, the stakes are as high as ever for both teams. For Arsenal, this match is a chance to put a difficult week in cup competitions behind them and continue their unbeaten Premier League home run. For Spurs, a victory could provide a much-needed spark to salvage what has been a disappointing league campaign.
With both teams desperate to secure bragging rights and vital points, this derby promises to deliver all the drama and intensity we’ve come to expect from this historic rivalry. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the big game.
Arsenal: A Critical Moment in Their Campaign
Arsenal’s 2024/25 season has been one of remarkable consistency in the Premier League, where they are unbeaten in 10 games and remain the only side yet to lose at home. Defensively, they boast the best record in the league, conceding just 18 goals so far. Yet, their recent struggles in front of goal have been a cause for concern.
The Gunners are coming off back-to-back defeats in cup competitions that have exposed their shortcomings in attack. A 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final was followed by a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup. While Arsenal dominated both matches statistically, creating 6.5 expected goals (xG) across the two games, they scored just once, underlining their inefficiency in the final third.
Making matters worse, Arsenal’s attacking options have been significantly weakened by injuries. Gabriel Jesus, who was stretchered off in Sunday’s FA Cup clash, has been diagnosed with an ACL injury, ruling him out for the long term. The timing of this injury is especially frustrating, as Jesus was beginning to regain form after a stop-start season. His absence, combined with Bukayo Saka’s ongoing hamstring injury, leaves Arsenal without two of their most influential attacking players.
Despite these setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s side still has momentum in the league and will take confidence from their unbeaten home record. Arteta has called on Arsenal fans to create a fortress-like atmosphere at the Emirates, emphasizing the importance of the derby not just for the team but for the supporters:
“It’s probably the nicest game of the season to watch because of the atmosphere, what it means to our people, and what it means to us. Let’s create the best atmosphere we’ve ever had at the Emirates. That’s something we can control, so let’s do it.”
A win on Wednesday would not only extend Arsenal’s dominance over their rivals but also keep their title challenge alive, especially after Liverpool dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
Tottenham: A Season in Freefall
While Arsenal sit near the top of the table, Tottenham find themselves in an all-too-familiar spiral. Ange Postecoglou’s side has slipped to 13th in the Premier League, earning just one win in their last eight league games. This dismal run has seen them plummet from European contention to mid-table obscurity, with the only bright spots coming in their cup performances.
Last week, Spurs shocked league leaders Liverpool with a 1-0 victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, and they followed that up with a 3-0 win over non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup. However, their struggles in the league are glaring. They’ve collected only five points since the start of December, with their only win coming against bottom-of-the-table Southampton. Injuries and a lack of defensive solidity have undermined their campaign, with Tottenham conceding 14 goals in December alone.
Postecoglou’s high-pressing philosophy remains central to Spurs’ identity, but their depleted backline has struggled to implement it effectively. Defensive injuries to key players like Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario have left Tottenham vulnerable, especially against top-tier opposition. However, their attack, led by Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski, remains dangerous, particularly on the counter.
For Tottenham, this match is about more than just bragging rights—it’s an opportunity to stop the rot and build momentum for the rest of the season. As Postecoglou noted in his pre-match comments:
“We have to start winning games in the league, and there’s no better place to start than in the North London Derby.”
Key Tactical Battles
Arsenal’s Midfield Control vs. Spurs’ High Press
Arsenal’s midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard is one of the best in the league, offering a blend of defensive stability, ball progression, and creativity. They will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game.
Tottenham, however, excel at pressing high up the pitch. They lead the Premier League in pressures in the final third and will look to disrupt Arsenal’s build-up play. Dominic Solanke, supported by Maddison and Kulusevski, will lead the charge in forcing mistakes from Arsenal’s defenders.
Arsenal’s Wide Play vs. Spurs’ Makeshift Defense
With Saka unavailable, Arsenal will rely on Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling to provide width and creativity. Trossard’s ability to cut inside and Sterling’s pace to stretch Tottenham’s backline will be crucial. Arsenal’s full-backs, likely Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly, will also play a vital role in creating overloads on the flanks.
Tottenham’s makeshift defense, featuring inexperienced players like Antonin Kinsky in goal and Dragusin at center-back, could struggle against Arsenal’s movement and quick passing.
Tottenham’s Counter-Attacking Threat
While Arsenal will likely dominate possession, Tottenham will aim to exploit spaces on the counter. Son Heung-min, with his pace and clinical finishing, will be a constant threat, while Maddison’s creativity and Kulusevski’s ability to beat defenders one-on-one could unlock Arsenal’s defense. The Gunners’ center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães will need to remain disciplined to neutralize Spurs’ counter-attacks.
Key Players to Watch
Arsenal:
- Martin Odegaard: The captain’s creativity and vision will be vital in breaking down Tottenham’s defense.
- Declan Rice: His ability to shield the defense and drive forward into attack will be key to controlling the midfield.
- Gabriel Martinelli: The Brazilian winger’s electric pace, direct running, and ability to cut inside make him a constant threat to Tottenham’s makeshift defense. Martinelli’s explosiveness on the left could prove pivotal in creating and finishing chances.
Tottenham:
- Son Heung-min: The South Korean has an excellent record in this fixture and will be Spurs’ main goal threat.
- James Maddison: Maddison’s passing and set-piece delivery could create opportunities for Spurs to capitalize.
- Pedro Porro: The attacking full-back will look to provide width and crosses from the right flank.
Key Stats
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games against Tottenham, with Spurs’ last win at the Emirates coming in 2010.
- Tottenham have conceded in 25 consecutive Premier League away games at Arsenal, the longest such run in their league history.
- Arsenal have kept four consecutive home league clean sheets, their longest run since 2014.
- Son Heung-min has contributed to 9 of Spurs’ last 14 goals against Arsenal (7 goals, 2 assists).
- Each of Kai Havertz’s last 11 Premier League goals has been scored in London.
Prediction
While Tottenham have the attacking quality to trouble Arsenal, their defensive frailties and poor form in the league make it difficult to see them leaving the Emirates with all three points. Arsenal’s midfield dominance and home form should be enough to secure a hard-fought victory in what promises to be an intense encounter.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
- Goalscorers: Odegaard, Martinelli (Arsenal); Son (Tottenham).
The Gunners will hope to build on their impressive Premier League form and keep their title ambitions alive with a derby win that sends their fans into raptures. For Spurs, anything less than victory will likely deepen their league woes.
