Arsenal vs. Tottenham Preview: A Fiery Derby expected in North London
There are few fixtures in world football that spark as much passion, tension, and anticipation as the North London Derby. On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will face off at the Emirates Stadium in a match that is set to be as fiery as ever, but with both teams entering this clash under very different circumstances, the stakes have never been higher.
For Arsenal, the atmosphere will be one of both defiance and concern. While they remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season and still boast one of the most formidable home records in Europe, the Gunners have been far from their best in recent outings. Mikel Arteta’s men have suffered back-to-back knockouts in both the EFL Cup and FA Cup, making it a frustrating few days for the club.
Most recently, Arsenal’s painful 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup was compounded by a penalty shootout loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup, with several glaring issues exposed—particularly in attack. Kai Havertz, once again, had an afternoon to forget, squandering multiple chances in front of goal while Gabriel Jesus limped off the field with an injury that threatens to derail his season. The Brazilian’s absence, which is yet to be fully diagnosed, adds further frustration for a team already struggling for consistency.
This loss of key players is a bitter pill for Arteta, who will be hoping to make the most of his squad depth in a crucial period. Arsenal’s latest form has not inspired confidence, but the Gunners are known for their resilience at the Emirates, where they have gone unbeaten in their last 12 league games. If there’s any place where Arsenal can regain their confidence and set things right, it’s at home, and a win against their bitter rivals would do wonders for both morale and their pursuit of the top positions.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have been nothing short of unpredictable this season. Under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have shown glimpses of quality, especially in their impressive 1-0 win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup. Yet their league form has been underwhelming, with only one win from their last eight Premier League matches, leaving them languishing in the lower half of the table and closer to the relegation zone than the top seven. A side that started the season with promise has faltered, and despite an impressive goal tally, defensive fragility and a lack of cohesion have hindered their progress.
Injuries have played a significant role in Tottenham’s struggles, with several key players sidelined, including Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, and Richarlison. But it’s not just injuries that have affected Spurs; inconsistency has plagued their performances, and they have often struggled against teams with quality in attack, such as their frustrating 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the last league meeting. Despite being dealt a tough hand, Postecoglou has remained steadfast in his belief that Tottenham can turn things around. However, with a tough away trip to the Emirates ahead, the task is monumental.
With both teams having much to prove and the stakes so high, this North London Derby is set to be an intense, thrilling encounter. Arsenal will look to reclaim their momentum, while Spurs will aim to disrupt their rivals’ plans and salvage something from a challenging season. No matter the circumstances, one thing is for sure—when Arsenal and Tottenham meet, sparks will fly.
Arsenal vs Tottenham: All you need to know
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal’s injury list has been a cause for concern heading into this derby. Gabriel Jesus is the most notable absentee after sustaining a suspected knee injury against Manchester United in the FA Cup, although it remains unclear whether it’s a minor scare or something more severe. Along with Jesus, Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka (hamstring), Ben White (knee), and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee). Riccardo Calafiori is also a doubt following a muscular injury that kept him out of the FA Cup clash.
Despite these setbacks, Mikel Arteta will be hoping his squad can bounce back at home, where they have remained unbeaten this season. With a few changes expected following the midweek FA Cup match, Arteta will likely turn to his remaining key players to get the job done.
Tottenham
Tottenham, on the other hand, come into the derby with their own injury concerns. Several key players will miss the trip to the Emirates, including Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Ben Davies (hamstring), Richarlison (hamstring), and Cristian Romero (thigh), to name a few. Their absence leaves Postecoglou with a depleted squad, but despite the injuries, the Australian manager will rely on his attacking players to provide the necessary spark.
There is some hope for Spurs with Fraser Forster, who has been struggling with illness, potentially returning to the squad, but it is expected that January signing Antonin Kinsky could make his Premier League debut in such a high-stakes match.
Official: Tottenham sign Slavia Prague's goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for €10m! pic.twitter.com/buRjspICKL
— 365Scores (@365Scores) January 5, 2025
Key Players
Arsenal – Declan Rice
When Declan Rice came off the bench against Manchester United on the weekend in the FA Cup, he looked head and shoulders above every other Arsenal player. He has such a composure and an aura that big games don’t even seem to phase him. He is a natural leader and that is the exact type of figure that you need in games such as these.
His ability to control the tempo, win tackles, and link defense with attack makes him a pivotal figure in this derby. With Arsenal missing several attacking options, Rice will need to step up and contribute both defensively and offensively if the Gunners are to come out on top.
Tottenham – Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski has been a standout performer for Spurs in recent weeks. He’s already notched five goals and four assists in the Premier League this season and he’s performed admirably in big games against Manchester City and Manchester United.
The Swedish winger’s creativity and vision have been crucial for Tottenham in breaking down opposition defenses. Kulusevski’s ability to deliver key passes and create scoring opportunities will be vital in their efforts to trouble Arsenal’s defense, especially in the absence of other attacking stars like Richarlison.
Reports claim that Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to bring compatriot Dejan Kulusevski to Milan ‘no matter what’ pic.twitter.com/jdtdQhhld9
— 365Scores (@365Scores) October 30, 2024
Key Statistics:
- Son Heung-Min has scored seven goals in his last 10 outings against Arsenal, including three in his last three at the Emirates.
- Ten of Tottenham’s 11 defeats this season across all competitions have been by a one-goal margin.
- Arsenal have won six of their last eight league fixtures against Tottenham (D1, L1).The Gunners are looking to win a third consecutive league game against Spurs for the first time since 1989.
- Tottenham have won just one of their last 31 away league games against Arsenal (D12, L18).
- Tottenham have conceded at least once in each of their last 25 league trips to Arsenal since a 0-0 draw in 1998-99.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 home league games and are the only unbeaten side on home turf this season in the Premier League.
- Tottenham have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches (D2, L5), with that victory coming at bottom-side Southampton. Only Leicester (4) and Southampton (1) have earned fewer points than Tottenham during that run.
- Arsenal have conceded a league-high 28% of their Premier League goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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