Arsenal vs Tottenham, the North London derby, is one of the biggest games in Gameweek 12, taking centre stage on Sunday, November 23, as one of English football’s fiercest rivalries reignites after the two-week international break. This fixture is one that has gone way back to the early 20th century, with its roots deeply embedded in North London football history.
The rivalry truly intensified in 1913, when Arsenal moved from South London (Woolwich) to Highbury – a distance of four miles from Tottenham’s White Hart Lane – a move Spurs fans viewed as an invasion of their territory. And ever since, the clash has grown beyond just football, symbolising bragging rights, local pride, and decades of passion between both sets of supporters.
For Arsenal and Tottenham fans alike, this is more than just a game – it’s about who truly owns North London, a battle where form, league position, or recent results count for little once the whistle blows.
Mikel Arteta, who is in his sixth year as the Gunners boss has managed Arsenal in 11 competitive matches (EPL and FA Cup) against Tottenham Hotspur, and has won seven of them, giving him a win percentage of approximately 64% against Spurs. And when both sides face off again, he’ll be looking to increase that percentage with another win.
On the other hand, Tottenham’s Thomas Frank will be taking charge of his first North London derby since becoming Spurs coach. During his seven-year tenure in the Premier League as Brentford’s coach, he faced Arsenal eight times. Across those encounters, he managed just a single victory – a 2-0 win – while the other matches resulted in four defeats and three draws.
Arsenal vs Tottenham: A Derby of Passion and Chaos
The North London derby is famous for its drama, goals, and tempers. In the Premier League era, Arsenal vs Tottenham has seen more than 15 red cards – showing the fiery nature of the game – with the most recent shown to Tottenham’s Emerson Royal during the 2022 league clash.
Arsenal players such as Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Eboue, and Granit Xhaka have also been sent off in this heated fixture, while Spurs stars like Danny Rose and Dele Alli have faced dismissals in the fiercely contested North London Derby.
This campaign, the Gunners have set their sights firmly on the Premier League title. They have begun the season well, but injuries to key players – for example, Gabriel Magalhães, who picked up a muscular injury while on national duty during their clash with Senegal – could be a major setback in Arsenal’s Premier League title chase – if not managed carefully. Such absences may test their depth and consistency as the season progresses.
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Key Players
Arsenal
Gabriel
Brazilian Gabriel Magalhães has been at the heart of the Arsenal defence that has seen the Gunners record the fewest goals conceded for the past two seasons in the League. He, together with William Saliba, who ranks highest in the league with 94.3% accurate passes per 90 minutes, is spearheading the club’s charge to break Chelsea’s long-standing two-decade record of 15 goals conceded in the league.
This season, they have been remarkably consistent, conceding just three goals across their last 11 matches in all competitions. Gabriel has been a rock at the back while also posing a threat in attack, as he has contributed five goals/assists so far.
Taking on players like Richarlison or Kolo Muani will be challenging, but he has proven he can neutralise even the most dangerous attacking threats.
Saka
Arsenal’s talisman and joint top scorer this season, Bukayo Saka, has slowly begun to shake off his injuries and find the form that saw him voted the PFA Young Player of the Year in the 2023 season. The dynamic Englishman’s pace, flair, and eye for goal will be crucial for the Gunners, as his presence on the right flank adds creativity and cutting edge in what is set to be another fiercely contested North London derby.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, he will be determined to find his best form and give the kind of performances that would convince head coach Thomas Tuchel to select him, especially with the English national team being blessed with attacking talent in every area of the frontline.
Declan Rice
Arsenal’s midfield general Declan Rice has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, and his presence in front of the defence has given the Gunners both balance and control. His composure on the ball, ability to break up play, and split defences intelligently with a single pass have allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo in midfield, providing the perfect platform for their attackers to flourish. His influence has been key to the team’s strong defensive record and fluid transitions from defence to attack.
His performances have even drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, with many praising him for his passing ability the Ecuadorian lacks.
Tottenham Hotspur
Kudus
Joint top assist provider in the league this season, Mohammed Kudus, with four, was ruled out of the Manchester United game due to a knock sustained. But head coach Thomas Frank has relieved the fears of the Spurs faithful as he confirmed the Ghanaian will be fit for the Arsenal vs Tottenham clash.
The technically gifted winger’s presence will significantly boost Spurs’ creativity and attacking threat, providing the team with a key outlet in what promises to be a highly competitive North London derby.
Micky van de Ven
The Premier League’s fastest defender, Micky van de Ven – clocking a top speed of 37.38km/h against Brentford in January 2024 – has impressed at both ends of the pitch this season. His blistering pace, combined with his defensive awareness and attacking instincts, has made him a key asset for Thomas Frank.
He underlined his attacking prowess with a stunning solo goal against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League, and has already notched six goals in all competitions, proving he can be just as dangerous going forward as he is reliable at the back.
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Head to Head
Last eight games at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League:
- 2 Arsenal vs Tottenham 1
- 2 Arsenal vs Tottenham 2
- 3 Arsenal vs Tottenham 1
- 3 Arsenal vs Tottenham 1
- 2 Arsenal vs Tottenham 1
- 2 Arsenal vs Tottenham 2
- 4 Arsenal vs Tottenham 2
- 2 Arsenal vs Tottenham 0
These results show how Arsenal have transformed the Emirates into a fortress, maintaining dominance in the North London derby for years. With six wins out of eight and 20 goals scored, the Gunners have consistently asserted their superiority on home soil – and with Spurs visiting once again, the boys in red will be looking to extend their unbeaten run, and keep their title charge firmly on track.
Betting Tips
Arsenal’s solid defence and strong home form (the Gunners haven’t lost at home this season) make them tough to beat, especially with 13 clean sheets in all competitions this season. Tottenham’s attacking form on the road could see them find the net, but Arsenal’s momentum gives them the edge.
Final tips: Arsenal to win or draw | Both teams to score | Over 2.5 goals
Arsenal vs Tottenham score prediction: 3-1
Conclusion
To Arsenal fans: beating Spurs means “North London is red,” while to Tottenham fans, a win over Arsenal means “North London is white.” In a game with this magnitude, form doesn’t matter, it’s more than just a football match – it’s about identity, pride, and history.
Even neutral fans tune in due to the history between both clubs and because it rarely disappoints.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 01.11.2025
