On Sunday, 23rd November, Arsenal and Tottenham meet again in the North London derby — a fixture that has defined both clubs for generations. What began as a local rivalry over a century ago has grown into one of English football’s most anticipated matches.
This season, though, it carries extra weight. Arsenal are pushing to stay at the top of the league, while Spurs want to prove they belong back among the top four. Both sides have started the campaign with promise, and both see this game as a chance to make a statement.
Both sides are chasing momentum, and defeat here could not only dent confidence, but it could change the direction of the season.
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Both teams have something to prove
Both sides came into the 2025/26 campaign with unfinished business. Arsenal came agonisingly close to silverware last season, finishing runners-up in the Premier League for the third consecutive year. Spurs showed flashes of brilliance to claim the Europa League trophy in May, but lacked consistency in the Premier League, finishing 17th. Now, both teams are desperate to set the record straight — and a derby win could do just that.
Arsenal sit top of the League, four points clear of Manchester City, and there’s a growing sense that this might finally be their year. Mikel Arteta’s side look more mature and composed than in past seasons, but this upcoming fixture will be a real test. One bad result against your biggest rivals can undo weeks of progress and hand the momentum straight back to the teams behind you.
Tottenham, meanwhile, sit fifth with 18 points and will be hoping to build their way back into a Champions League spot. Thomas Frank has brought organisation and a more pragmatic approach, tightening the defence without losing Spurs’ attacking intent. They’re building something solid, but results against the league’s top sides have been mixed — and a positive result at the Emirates would be a statement that Spurs are ready to challenge again.
Key players for both teams
The spine of Arsenal’s team has been outstanding so far. Declan Rice has become the heartbeat of Arteta’s midfield — breaking up play and driving the ball forward. Behind him, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have formed one of the league’s most reliable defensive partnerships. Their understanding and composure under pressure have been key to Arsenal’s position at the top of the table. And at the back, David Raya has quietly been one of the season’s standout performers, boasting the most clean sheets in the Premier League so far.
For Spurs, the story has been about resilience and moments of quality. Micky van de Ven has been a revelation — solid defensively and surprisingly clinical at the other end, with three goals and three clean sheets already this season. In attack, Richarlison leads Spurs’ scoring with four league goals, finally finding some consistency after an up-and-down spell. And in midfield, Mohammed Kudus has quickly become indispensable. With four assists and a goal, his creativity and energy have given Spurs a new dimension going forward.
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Victory for Arsenal would strengthen their title challenge and keep the pressure on Manchester City and Chelsea. For Tottenham, the reward would be just as significant. They haven’t won a North London derby since 2022, and ending that run with three points at the Emirates would make a real statement.
Both teams have plenty to gain — and plenty to lose. This derby isn’t just another meeting between rivals, but it’s a game that could shape the direction of their seasons.
