23/02/2026 - Spurs 1-4 Arsenal “From Wolves Woe to Derby Delight: Arsenal Dispatch Tottenham”
So, I had to take some time after the Wolves disaster last Wednesday, I spent the last three days building myself up for failure at Spurs and the Premier League dream being over. However, after the performance yesterday I feel that the Wolves game was the best possible kick in the backside for this team. What a bounce back performance, don’t get me wrong Tottenham were absolutely terrible, but we did exactly what we needed to do, we came out with intensity. Every player seemed aligned in what was expected of them and determined to set the Wolves result right. I was worried when I saw Eze’s name on the team sheet considering his recent struggles but with his hattrick against Spurs earlier this season it really was more magic waiting to happen. Even if Eze only manages to perform for North London Derbies every season I’ll be happy with the purchase!
With Igor Tudor taking over as Spurs interim boss the new manager bounce could’ve kicked Arsenal while we were down, but I think the aggression and the intent we showed from the first whistle was key to our success in the derby. It was another mistake leading to a goal and in that moment, I thought here we go again, its going to be a struggle to regain our advantage and kill the game, but the early second half cracker from Gyokores really gave us a base to build on. Gyokores was superb, his best performance in an Arsenal shirt, his tenacity was on a different level, he had the intelligence to focus on Dragusin and stay clear of Van De Ven, their best defender by a long stretch and coming off the left channel definitely suited his game coming onto his right side, Thierry esc. The way that Eze linked up with Gyokores as a second striker really suited both players, the quick support from Eze on multiple occasions was the difference between a wrestling match between Dragusin and Gyokores and an attack starting. Eze has been really poor since the last NLD, Wigan aside, I was very glad to see him step up again and rub that summer transfer fiasco in Tottenham faces once again, not long now until he will rival Sol Campbell for most hated player.
Weirdly I never really felt like we weren’t in control of the game, even when we gave away chances, the quick start to the second half calmed the nerves and I’m sure it did the same for the lads on the pitch. We got very lucky when Gabriel threw himself to the floor, if that was reversed, I would be furious that the goal didn’t stand, he did very similar against Newcastle earlier in the season and we got punished for it. Raya after his mix up at Wolves kept the game in our control with a worldie of a reaction save, getting back down onto his line and scooping it out of danger. He needed that and we needed that; the game could have completely turned if that goes in. The thing is I was so dejected heading into the game that it really was win or bust it almost took the emotion out of it for me. The Wolves game did feel like we had ruined any chances we had of lifting the title, crazy I know as we are 5 points clear, but it felt to me like sink or swim after that game and I’m pleased to say we swam right through Tottenham. Arteta becomes the first Arsenal manager to win five league NLD’s on the bounce since George Graham, quite the achievement. The dominance over the Spuds in recent years has been nothing short of spectacular and long may it continue!
Despite that win we have a really tough test next week in Chelsea, who’s poor form will only get them more up for the game. We have 10 cup finals to play in the league, and I do believe we will have to win eight of them to lift the title ahead of City. We obviously have to go to the Etihad on the 18th of April which could be the title decider, but we must keep up the pressure on until then. City have favourable fixtures it must be said but we are in the driver’s seat still, win our games and we will be Champions, but this can’t be the peak before another dip, all focus now needs to be on the Chelsea game, we must get three points. It seemed to me that the lads really wanted this win and didn’t seem at all phased by the growing media pressure, lets hope that continues as it will only ramp up the closer we get to crunch time. I still am of the feeling that if we don’t win the league this year it is our own doing, we have dropped too many points at important junctures, with the Nottingham Forrest draw standing out to me. Winning the Premier League is one of the hardest things to do in world football, it’s the best league in the world and it will take everything we’ve got to get over the line. We’ve had a rough patch but here’s hoping this derby win can be the boost we need to power on. Keep the faith. Onto the Chelsea game we go, its still ours to lose! COYG!
The Northbank Blogger.
Player Ratings:
Raya 8/10
Timber 7/10
Saliba 6/10
Gabriel 8/10
Hincapie 8/10
Zubimendi 7/10
Rice 7/10
Eze 9/10
Saka 8/10
Gyokores 8.5/10
Trossard 6/10
Subs:
Odegaard 8/10 Martinelli 6.5/10
Mosquera 8/10 Madueke N/A
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