Key Highlights
- Arsenal aims to maintain their 14-game unbeaten run against Tottenham.
- Tottenham have lost seven of their last nine games in the Premier League against Arsenal.
- Thomas Frank’s first few months as manager have seen mixed results for Spurs.
- Gabriel is out with a thigh injury, while several key players are available for Arsenal.
Dive into Derby Day: Arsenal v Tottenham Preview
The eagerly awaited north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham will take centre stage this Sunday as both teams prepare to face off at Emirates Stadium. With international football temporarily put on hold, the spotlight is back on domestic club matches, making this fixture all the more significant for fans of both sides.
Arsenal’s Aim: Unbeaten Run Continues
Having maintained an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak in the league and currently leading their north London rivals at the top of the table, Arsenal will be eager to add another victory under their belt. Manager Mikel Arteta highlighted the importance of playing with passion and emotion during his pre-match press conference, stating that every player must bring everything they have to the game.
Tottenham’s Challenges: New Manager in Charge
Under Thomas Frank’s management, Tottenham have managed to secure a top-five spot but have struggled at home, failing to win their last four matches. Despite this, Frank remains optimistic about the team’s performance and is looking forward to facing Arsenal. He noted that the game could be unpredictable due to its competitive nature and the intense atmosphere in the stadium.
Team News: Key Injuries and Returns
Gabriel, who was limping following a Brazil match, faces an uncertain start after suffering a thigh injury. Meanwhile, key players like Riccardo Calafiori and Viktor Gyokeres are returning from injuries, adding strength to Arsenal’s lineup. For Tottenham, Mohammed Kudus is expected to return after missing two matches with a knock.
Tactics and Statistics: Arsenal’s Set Pieces vs. Spurs’ Defensive Errors
Arsenal have been dominant in set-piece situations, scoring more goals from them than any other Premier League team this season (10). In contrast, Tottenham have committed league-high 14 errors that led to shots under Frank’s tenure, indicating potential vulnerabilities.
Historical Context: The Longest Winning Run Against Spurs
The last time Arsenal won six consecutive matches against Tottenham without conceding a goal was between April and September 2008. This streak is the longest winning run against Spurs since January 1987 to January 1989. Additionally, Tottenham have thrown away 48 points from winning positions against Arsenal in the Premier League, making them the worst team at maintaining leads.
Match Officials: Michael Oliver’s Previous Encounters
Michael Oliver will be refereeing this match for the first time since January 2025. Despite sending off Myles Lewis-Skelly in a previous match against Arsenal, Oliver has a good record of favoring the Gunners, having officiated in 31 games where Arsenal won.
Build-Up and Atmosphere
The pre-match atmosphere is set to be electric with Live from N5 offering fans an array of entertainment options. Nicole Holliday and Jeremie Aliadiere will host a live studio show, providing updates on team news and other exciting elements leading up to the match.
How to Watch
Ticket holders can tune into Arsenal.com for detailed information on broadcasting options. Coverage includes live commentary from Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke, as well as insights from Spike Lee at Tottenham’s training ground. All this will culminate in a highly anticipated derby day showdown.
This preview encapsulates the key points surrounding Arsenal’s upcoming match against Tottenham, providing fans with a comprehensive look at what to expect on derby day.
