The North London derby has always been more than just a football match; it is a clash of identity, pride, and ambition.
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Arsenal traveled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and delivered a resounding 4–1 victory over their fiercest rivals.
The result was a sobering reminder of Tottenham’s ongoing struggles.
Arsenal dominated the game from the very start and in every phase, while Spurs looked overwhelmed and unable to cope with the intensity of their opponents.
This derby, often unpredictable, this time showed Arsenal’s clear superiority and Tottenham’s fragility.
Line-ups
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou opted for a side that attempted to balance attacking strength with defensive solidity. Guglielmo Vicario started in goal, shielded by a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur were tasked with providing defensive cover and ball progression, while James Maddison was expected to be the creative spark.
Up front, Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke formed a trio designed to stretch Arsenal’s defense and exploit transitions.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, on the other hand, fielded a fluid attacking system that reflected his philosophy of control and dynamism. David Raya was in goal, with Ben White,
Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié, and Oleksandr Zinchenko forming a back line,
In midfield, Declan Rice anchored the team, allowing Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to dictate tempo. The forward line featured Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Gabriel Martinelli, a trio that blended speed with finishing ability.
How the Match Was Played
The first half was a serious affair, with Arsenal gradually asserting control. Their pressing game forced Tottenham into hurried passes and errors.
In the 32nd minute, Bukayo Saka slipped a perfectly weighted ball to Eberechi Eze, who finished with confidence in front of the goal to give Arsenal the lead.
Spurs, however, responded quickly. Just two minutes later, Randal Kolo Muani produced a moment of individual hard work, weaving past defenders before slotting home to level the score.
The equalizer briefly lifted Tottenham’s spirits, but Arsenal remained unfazed, continuing to the assault on the Spurs’ defence.
The second half was a different story altogether. Arsenal came out with renewed vigour, and within two minutes of the restart, Viktor Gyökeres unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that left Vicario helpless.
The goal shifted momentum decisively in Arsenal’s favor.
Spurs struggled to regain composure, and their midfield was repeatedly bypassed by Arsenal’s quick transitions. In the 60th minute, Eze struck again, capitalizing on a defensive error to make it 3–1.
Tottenham’s attempts to rally were ineffective, as Arsenal’s defensive organization stifled any meaningful threat. In stoppage time, Gyökeres added his second, sealing a comprehensive 4–1 victory.
Arsenal finished with 60% possession, 17 shots compared to Spurs’ 8, and a clear superiority in both tactical execution and technical quality.
Tactical and Technical Analysis
Arsenal’s tactical approach was built on relentless pressing and intelligent positioning. Declan Rice was pivotal, breaking up play and recycling possession efficiently.
His presence allowed Ødegaard to orchestrate attacks and Saka to exploit spaces on the right. The fluidity of the frontline was particularly damaging; Eze and Gyökeres constantly interchanged positions, dragging Tottenham’s defenders out of shape and creating openings.
Arsenal’s defensive line was equally impressive, with Gabriel and Hincapié neutralizing Richarlison and Solanke.
Tottenham, by contrast, were overwhelmed in midfield. Bissouma and Bentancur could not cope with Arsenal’s pressing, and Maddison was starved of time and space to influence the games’ outcome.
The defensive line was repeatedly exposed, with Romero and van de Ven struggling to contain Arsenal’s runners. Spurs also lacked width, as Porro and Udogie were pinned back by Arsenal’s wingers, preventing them from contributing offensively.
The result was a team that looked reactive rather than proactive, unable to impose their game plan.
Coaches’ Reactions
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for his side’s performance. He remarked, “I think the whole team, I cannot be prouder and happier for what I’ve seen out there, but especially the way we lived the last 72 hours, because I think this game in particular needed some context. And after what happened against Wolves and the manner in which we lost two points in the last kick of the game, it was tough. But that’s the beauty of this game.”
His words reflected not only satisfaction with the result but also with the manner in which Arsenal composed themselves in a hostile environment.
Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, was candid in his assessment. He admitted, “We were outplayed. Arsenal pressed us hard and we couldn’t find solutions. It’s disappointing, but we have to regroup and fight for survival.”
Man of the Match
Viktor Gyökeres scored twice — including a spectacular long-range strike and a stoppage-time goal in Arsenal’s 4–1 victory, earning him the voted Man of the Match award.
Eberechi Eze also scored a brace and was outstanding, but the consensus recognition for Man of the Match went to Gyökeres.
What Next for Both Teams
For Arsenal, the victory reinforced their position at the top of the table. With 61 points from 28 matches, they now sit five points clear of Manchester City.
Their attacking depth, defensive resilience, and tactical maturity make them strong contenders for the Premier League crown.
The form of Gyökeres and Eze adds another dimension to their attack, ensuring that they remain unpredictable and difficult to contain. Arteta’s side will look to maintain momentum in upcoming fixtures, knowing that consistency is key in the title race.
Tottenham, however, face a far bleaker outlook. Sitting in 16th place, they are dangerously close to the relegation zone.
The defeat exposed systemic weaknesses that cannot be ignored. Postecoglou must urgently address defensive frailties and restore confidence in his squad.
Upcoming fixtures against mid-table opponents will be crucial, as Spurs need points to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation battle. The challenge is not only tactical but psychological, as the team must rediscover belief and resilience.
Conclusion
The 4–1 demolition of Spurs by Arsenal was more than just a derby victory; it was a statement that Arsenal is serious about the Premier League title race.
Arsenal’s tactical superiority, technical soundness, and clinical finishing shows how their have evolved under Arteta.
This North London derby will be remembered not only for the brilliant strikes of Eze and Gyökeres but also as a turning point in the trajectories of both clubs:
Arsenal surging toward glory, Tottenham battling to avoid relegation.
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