Tottenham vs Arsenal: North London Derby – February 22, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur faces a monumental challenge this Sunday, February 22nd, as they host league-leading Arsenal in the North London Derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The match, set for a 4:30 PM GMT kickoff, marks a particularly fraught occasion for Spurs, as it represents the first game in charge for new coach Igor Tudor.

The timing couldn’t be more difficult for Tudor. Tottenham currently sits precariously above the relegation zone, with 29 points from 26 Premier League matches. Their recent form has been dismal, failing to secure a league win in 2026, managing only four points from a possible 24. The pressure is immense to turn the tide, and a derby against a formidable opponent is a baptism of fire, to say the least.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrives at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium grappling with their own anxieties. While still leading the Premier League with 58 points from 27 games, Mikel Arteta’s side has stumbled in recent weeks, drawing their last two matches against Brentford and Wolves. The 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves, where they conceded a stoppage-time equalizer after leading 2-0, was particularly damaging, raising questions about their ability to close out games and maintain a commanding position in the title race.

Manchester City looms large in the title conversation. A win for City against Newcastle United on Saturday would see them move within two points of Arsenal, intensifying the pressure on Arteta’s team to secure a victory in North London. The Gunners are acutely aware that dropped points could open the door for City to overtake them in the coming weeks.

The historical record between these two sides offers little comfort to Tottenham fans. In their last five Premier League encounters, Arsenal has dominated, winning three matches and drawing two. The most recent meeting, on November 23, 2025, saw Arsenal emerge victorious with a 4-1 win. Prior to that, a Club Friendly match on July 31, 2025, ended in a 1-0 win for Tottenham, but the league form clearly favors Arsenal.

The odds reflect this disparity. Arsenal is heavily favored, listed at -160 to win, while Tottenham is at +500. A draw is priced at +255. The goal line is set at 2.5, with over/under odds of -125 for both sides.

Key players will be crucial for both teams. For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka has been a consistent performer, with 5 goals in 24 matches. Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice have also been instrumental in midfield, contributing 4 assists each. Tottenham will look to Richarlison, who has 7 goals in 21 appearances, and the defensive pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to provide stability. The arrival of Viktor Gyökeres, with 8 goals in 25 matches, adds another attacking threat for Spurs.

Igor Tudor’s track record suggests he may be able to provide an immediate boost. He has won his first game in charge of each of his last five clubs, a promising sign for Tottenham supporters. However, Tottenham’s home form has been poor this season, with only two wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Overcoming this home record will be a key challenge for the new manager.

The stakes are high for both sides. For Arsenal, it’s about regaining momentum and maintaining their lead in the title race. For Tottenham, it’s about survival and attempting to pull themselves away from the relegation battle. The North London Derby is always a fiercely contested affair, and this year’s encounter promises to be no exception. The match represents a critical juncture in the season for both clubs, with significant implications for their respective futures.

Coverage of the match will be available on USA Net+ and TeleLondon, with highlights to follow. Al Jazeera Sport will begin its build-up coverage at 13:30 GMT, leading into a live text commentary stream.