League leaders face best away side in the Premier League as Arteta’s fortress meets Postecoglou’s road warriors
Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday at 16:30 GMT (11:30 AM ET) in the 198th North London Derby with major implications at both ends of the top four. League leaders Arsenal (28 points, 9-1-1) hold a four-point cushion over Manchester City and aim to reassert control after last week’s surprise 2-2 draw at Sunderland ended their 10-match winning streak. Fifth-placed Tottenham (20 points, 6-2-3) can vault into the Champions League spots with victory, depending on Aston Villa’s result, but defeat risks opening a dangerous gap.
Head-to-head edge
Arsenal have won three straight Premier League meetings against Spurs, a feat the Gunners last achieved in 1989. They completed the double over their rivals last season with 1-0 and 2-1 victories. Arsenal have scored at least two goals in each of their last six home derbies, establishing clear psychological dominance under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s fortress credentials
The Gunners enter on a five-match winning run from their last six overall (W-W-W-W-W-D). At home, they have won all three recent matches, beating Crystal Palace 1-0, Burnley 2-0 and Slavia Prague 3-0. Arsenal have not conceded a goal at the Emirates in the league since September, building an impenetrable defensive record. They average 62 percent possession at home and lead the league with eight goals from corners this season. The Sunderland draw exposed some vulnerability when pressed high, but the Emirates has remained a place of complete control.
Tottenham’s away excellence
Spurs have been inconsistent overall in their last six (W-L-L-W-W-D) but their away form tells a different story. They have won their last three on the road, defeating Everton 3-0, Wolves 2-1 and Fulham 1-0. Tottenham boast the best away record in the Premier League with 13 points from a possible 15, conceding just three goals in away matches all season. Under Ange Postecoglou, they maintain a high line but have adapted to be more pragmatic on the road, using the pace of Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke to punish opponents in transition. Spurs have scored 40 percent of their goals in the final 15 minutes this season.
Tactical hinge
Arsenal’s set-piece dominance and possession suffocation will test whether Tottenham’s high-line discipline can withstand waves of attack, or if Spurs’ counter-attacking speed can exploit any rare gaps left by the Gunners pushing forward.
Team news
Arsenal are without Martin Ødegaard (ankle) and Kai Havertz (knee), both significant absences in attack and midfield. Gabriel Magalhães is a game-time decision after picking up a knock on Brazil duty. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the line. Tottenham miss Richarlison (hamstring) and Micky van de Ven (thigh, recurring), weakening their attacking depth and defensive stability. Son Heung-min returns fully rested after limited minutes for South Korea.
Probable lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Timber, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Nwaneri; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Maddison, Son; Solanke.
Numbers to watch
Arsenal have not conceded at home in the league since September. Tottenham have conceded only three goals in away matches all season. Arsenal average 62 percent possession at home and have scored eight goals from corners. Spurs have netted 40 percent of their goals after the 75th minute. Referee Michael Oliver averages strict dissent calls.
Where to watch
Peacock (exclusive stream) and NBC Sports platforms (USA). Heavy rain is forecast throughout the morning in London, clearing by kickoff but leaving a slick surface.
