Arsenal vs Tottenham: North London Derby Preview

Sunday, November 23. Gameweek 12. Two teams. One rivalry reignited. When Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur lock horns in the North London derby, the stakes aren’t just points—they’re pride.

The roots of the rivalry

Arsenal’s move from South London’s Woolwich to Highbury in 1913—just four miles from Tottenham’s old ground—changed more than geography. It sparked decades of tension and set the stage for one of English football’s fiercest rivalries. Since then, this match has been about more than performance—it’s about bragging rights, local pride, and historic grudges.

Managers and their records

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heads into his sixth year in charge and has faced Spurs in 11 official fixtures across the Premier League and FA Cup. He’s won seven of those, giving him a winning rate around 64%.
On the opposite bench, Thomas Frank is making his debut in this rivalry as Tottenham coach. During his seven years at Brentford, he met Arsenal eight times and mustered just one win (a 2‑0 victory), with four defeats and three draws.

A derby built on chaos and passion

Expect the unexpected. This fixture is known for drama—over 15 red cards have been brandished in Premier League editions. Arsenal players like Patrick Vieira and Granit Xhaka have seen red, as have Tottenham names like Dele Alli and Danny Rose. It’s intense, emotional football—and that’s why fans flock to it.

Key players to watch

Arsenal:

• Gabriel Magalhães anchors a defence that has conceded the fewest goals in the top flight across the past two seasons. He’s also contributing offensively—five goal involvements so far.
  
• Bukayo Saka is regaining top form. His pace, flair and attacking instincts make him vital for Arsenal’s title push.
  
• Declan Rice offers midfield control, breaking opposition play and setting the tempo with composure and patience.
  

Tottenham:

• Mohammed Kudus is the creative spark. Joint top assist provider in the league, he’s declared fit for this clash and could pose real problems for Arsenal’s defence.
  
• Micky van de Ven mixes lethal pace with defensive nous. With six goals already this season, he is just as dangerous going forward as he is at the back.
  

Head‑to‑head at the Emirates

Over the past eight Premier League meetings at the Emirates Stadium: Arsenal have won six, drawn one, and lost one. They’ve scored 20 goals across those fixtures and turned their home ground into a stronghold in this fixture.

Betting pointers

Arsenal are rock‑steady at home this season—with 13 clean sheets already and zero domestic defeats at the Emirates. Their defence is built on consistency. Tottenham will look to break that, but Arsenal’s momentum gives them the upper hand.
Try this: Arsenal win or draw | Both teams to score | Over 2.5 goals
Prediction: Arsenal 3‑1 Tottenham

Final words

For the Gunners, beating Spurs means “North London is red”; for Spurs fans, a win means “white reigns”. In this fixture, form takes a back‑seat. It’s about identity. Emotion. History.
Neutral or not, everyone watches. Because this derby rarely disappoints.