Spurs v Arsenal
Premier League 2025/26
Fixture Date – Saturday 21 February 2026
Kick-off – 3pm
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

The rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) and Arsenal is one of the most famous and fiercely contested in football — known as the North London Derby. Here are key facts, history, and notable moments about this iconic rivalry:

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⚔️ Quick Facts

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🏠 Why It’s Called the North London Derby

• Arsenal originally played in South London (Woolwich) but moved to Highbury (North London) in 1913, only 4 miles from Spurs’ White Hart Lane.

• This geographical shift triggered animosity, especially when Arsenal controversially gained First Division promotion in 1919, while Spurs were relegated.

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🧨 Key Flashpoints in History

🔺 1919 – Arsenal Leapfrogs Spurs

• After WWI, Arsenal was controversially voted into the First Division at Spurs’ expense — widely seen as corrupt and unjust by Spurs fans.

🔥 1971 – Arsenal Wins League at White Hart Lane

• Arsenal won the First Division title at Spurs’ stadium in 1971 with a 1–0 win — adding fuel to the rivalry.

🏆 1991 FA Cup Semi-Final

• Spurs beat Arsenal 3–1 in a famous victory with Paul Gascoigne scoring a stunning 35-yard free-kick.

🧤 2004 – The Invincibles Season

• Arsenal clinched the Premier League title at White Hart Lane after a 2–2 draw — again celebrating on Spurs’ turf.

🗓️ 2008 Carling Cup Final

• Spurs beat Arsenal 5–1 over two legs in the semi-final and went on to win the final, ending a 9-year trophy drought.

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⚽ Head-to-Head Stats (as of 2025)

Note: Stats slightly vary by source depending on how wartime games/friendlies are counted.

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🎯 Notable Players in the Rivalry

🐓 Spurs Icons:

• Harry Kane – Record scorer in NLD (14 goals)

• Ledley King – Defensive stalwart

• Gareth Bale – Scored key goals vs Arsenal

🔴 Arsenal Icons:

• Thierry Henry – Legendary forward, key figure in 2000s domination

• Patrick Vieira – Midfield enforcer in fiery battles

• Robert Pirès – Scored several goals in NLDs

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🏟️ Modern Venues

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🔥 Recent Form (Last 5 Matches – Premier League Only)

Arsenal has edged recent encounters but games are often high-scoring and intense.

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Frank v Arteta

📋 Career Overview

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🧩 Tactical Style & Philosophy

• Thomas Frank: Built reputation at Brentford via data-driven tactics, assembling mid-table finishes with smart recruitment, high press and adaptability in formations

• Mikel Arteta: Influenced by Guardiola’s positional play, emphasizing youth development, pressing, and structured attacking football

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🏆 Achievements & Impact

Thomas Frank

• Promoted Brentford to the Premier League for the first time in 74 years in 2021.

• Secured two top-10 Premier League finishes (e.g. 10th in 2024-25) with limited budget

• Spurs paid a club-record ~£10m compensation to activate his release clause in June 2025

Mikel Arteta

• FA Cup winner (2020), plus Community Shields 2020 & 2023

• Guided Arsenal to second-place finishes in the Premier League for three straight seasons (2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25)

• Re-established Arsenal in Champions League, reaching semi-finals in 2025 — first time since 2009

• Won multiple Premier League Manager of the Month awards; recorded 152 victories in 257 games by December 2024.

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🎯 Leadership & Club Direction

• Thomas Frank joins Spurs with a mandate to stabilise and rebuild after a poor 17th-place finish in 2024‑25, even though the club had Europa League success under Postecoglou. He brings with him trusted Brentford staff and a reputation for developing players and fostering strong club culture,

• Arteta, now entering his sixth year, is under pressure to deliver on Arsenal’s long-awaited title ambitions following consistent near-misses. He has overseen major squad investments and multiple summer signings ahead of the 2025‑26 season The Guardian.

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🌟 Summary Snapshot

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Thomas Frank arrives at Tottenham as an exciting strategic appointment, expected to bring structure and culture to a club needing stability. At Arsenal, Arteta continues to evolve a youthful yet competitive squad — pushing for silverware after laying strong foundations over five years.

🏟️ NORTH LONDON DERBY PREVIEW

⚔️ Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

• 📅 Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026

• 🕒 Kick-off: 3:00 PM (GMT)

• 🏟️ Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

• 🏆 Competition: Premier League 2025/26 – Matchweek 26

• 🎙️ Live Commentary & Highlights: Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and club channels

• 🎟️ Hospitality Packages – official resellers: Eventmasters

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📊 Current Premier League Form (Last 5 Matches)

• Arsenal are pushing Manchester City for the title.

• Spurs are in the Champions League race, just ahead of Chelsea.

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⚽ Recent Head-to-Head (Premier League Only)

• Arsenal unbeaten in last 5 derbies (3W, 2D)

• Spurs haven’t beaten Arsenal since May 2022

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🧠 Tactical Preview

🐓 Spurs – Thomas Frank

• Likely Formation: 3-4-3 or 4-3-3 depending on Arsenal’s midfield

• Strengths: Compact defensive block, fast transitions, set pieces

• Key Players:

  • James Maddison – Creative spark and dead-ball threat

  • Radu Dragusin – Commanding at the back

  • Alejo Véliz – Breakout striker form

🔴 Arsenal – Mikel Arteta

• Likely Formation: 4-3-3 with inverted fullbacks

• Strengths: Structured possession, high pressing, fluid attacking play

• Key Players:

  • Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s most consistent attacker

  • Declan Rice – Midfield control and physicality

  • Martin Ødegaard – Captain and creative engine

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🔥 Key Match-Ups

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📈 What’s at Stake?

• Arsenal: Title race – must win to keep pressure on City

• Spurs: Top four ambitions – big momentum if they can end derby drought

• Thomas Frank: First North London Derby as Spurs boss

• Mikel Arteta: Unbeaten in last 6 derbies – looking to maintain dominance

 

 

 

 

 

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