Spurs vs Arsenal Preview: New Manager and Title Race
The North London Derby never needs a reason to matter. But this Sunday, February 22, it comes with more storylines than ever. Kick-off is at 4:30 pm at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and both sets of fans will be watching through their fingers.
Can Arsenal Stay Top After the North London Derby?
Arsenal arrive top of the Premier League with 58 points, and the dream of their first title since the Invincibles season of 2003/04 is very much alive. Mikel Arteta’s side have been in fine form for much of the season, but they’re not quite flying heading into this one. Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw by basement side Wolves midweek, having been 2-0 up, and key injuries to Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Mikel Merino mean Arteta is significantly short-handed. The Gunners are still favourites, but they’ve looked vulnerable, and Spurs know it.
With Manchester City sitting second, just five points behind Arsenal, a Spurs win on Sunday doesn’t just hand bragging rights to North London, it hands City a lifeline. With Aston Villa third on 50 points, the title race could look very different by Sunday evening.
Igor Tudor Takes Charge: What to Expect from the New Spurs
Igor Tudor takes charge for the very first time on Sunday, replacing Thomas Frank, who was sacked last week after a difficult run of results. Tudor, most recently at Juventus, is a tactician known for aggressive, high-energy pressing. There’s no settling-in period in the Premier League, but if there’s one game where a new manager can galvanise a dressing room overnight, it’s a North London Derby at home. Spurs sit 16th with 29 points, and they need something to believe in. This could be their moment.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Head-to-Head
Historically, Arsenal have had the upper hand in recent years – winning five of the last six Premier League meetings between the sides, including a 4-1 hammering at the Emirates back in November. But derbies don’t follow recent form. They follow atmosphere, occasion, and that indefinable thing that happens when local pride is on the line. Spurs haven’t forgotten that, and nor have their fans.
Why You Should Watch the North London Derby Live
This is the moment Spurs fans need to show up louder than ever. Tudor is walking into one of the most hostile fixtures in world football on day one, and the atmosphere the home crowd creates on Sunday could be the difference. A packed, roaring Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is worth a goal start.
New manager bounce, key absentees on both sides, and a title race that Arsenal cannot afford to stumble in – the perfect storm for a classic. Don’t miss it. Witness it from the best seat at Hotspur.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about football hospitality in the UK, check out our website or call us on 020 7989 6500, and we’d be happy to help you choose the right event for your needs!
Football Hospitality – 2026
- Display 12 Products per page
Football Enquiry Form
One of our Football Hospitality specialists are ready to help you secure your football hospitality packages - Complete this contact form and we will be in touch shortly.
