On a crisp Sunday evening at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a masterclass in attacking football, dismantling longtime rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in the latest chapter of the North London DerbyLondon. Goals from Leandro Trossard and a hat-trick by Eberechi Eze — plus a late strike from Richarlison for Spurs — turned what was expected to be a tense affair into a statement win. The result not only cements Arsenal’s grip atop the Premier League table but also deepens the psychological edge they’ve built over Tottenham in recent years.
The Dominance Wasn’t Accidental
Arsenal didn’t just win — they controlled every inch of the pitch. With 17 total shots compared to Tottenham’s 3, and 8 shots on target versus just 2, the Gunners made their dominance unmistakable. Their 81.3% pass accuracy (449 completed) crushed Tottenham’s 75.9% (336), while 27 touches inside the opponent’s box told a story of relentless pressure. Tottenham, by contrast, managed just four touches in the final third. The numbers don’t lie: this was a tactical demolition. Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t rely on counterattacks; they built from the back, probed with precision, and punished every lapse.
Midfielders Declan Rice and Mikel Merino dictated tempo, while full-backs Jurrien Timber and João Palhinha provided width without sacrificing defensive shape. Even the goalkeeper, David Raya, had only one save to make — a quiet night by his standards, but one that speaks volumes about how little space Tottenham created. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s defense looked disjointed, with Cristian Romero and his center-back partner struggling to cope with the movement of Bukayo Saka and Eze.
A Rivalry Rekindled — and Reset
The North London Derby isn’t just a match. It’s a cultural fault line. Dating back to February 14, 1909, when the two clubs first met in league play, this fixture has defined generations of fans. But since Mikel Arteta took over in December 2019, the balance has shifted. Arsenal have now won five of the last six league meetings. The January 15, 2025 encounter — a 2-1 Arsenal win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — was a microcosm of this trend: Saka’s calm finish, Son Heung-min’s late penalty, and a defensive scramble that ended with Arsenal holding on. This time, there was no drama. Just destruction.
What’s changed? Arteta’s system. Where Tottenham once thrived on individual brilliance — Harry Kane’s clinical finishing, Son’s lightning runs — they now lack a consistent focal point. Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2023 left a void, and despite Son’s leadership, the attack has looked fragmented. Ange Postecoglou, the Australian tactician who arrived in 2023, has struggled to instill the same cohesion he brought from Celtic. His team looks like a collection of talented players, not a unit.
Standings Tell the Bigger Story
With this win, Arsenal sit at the summit of the Premier League with 29 points from 12 games — nine wins, two draws, one loss. Their +18 goal difference is the best in the league. Tottenham, by contrast, remain in fifth place with 20 points, five behind Liverpool and three behind Manchester City. The gap isn’t just numerical — it’s psychological. For Arsenal fans, this isn’t just about points. It’s about reclaiming identity. For Spurs supporters, it’s about frustration that grows louder with every derby defeat.
Even the ancillary stats tell the tale: Arsenal had four corners to Tottenham’s one. They committed 11 fouls — fewer than their rivals’ 15. They earned just one yellow card; Tottenham picked up three. Discipline, composure, and execution — all in Arsenal’s favor. It wasn’t luck. It was preparation.
What Comes Next?
The next North London Derby won’t be until April 2026, when the teams meet again at Tottenham’s stadium. But the momentum is all with Arteta’s side. With Eze now scoring at a rate of one goal every 90 minutes and Trossard providing the perfect foil, Arsenal’s front line looks lethal. Meanwhile, Tottenham must decide whether to rebuild around Son or make a major January transfer push — something their owners have historically been reluctant to do.
For Arsenal, the challenge now is consistency. They’ve won five in a row in the league, but the real test comes against Manchester City and Liverpool. Still, this performance proved they can dominate even their fiercest rivals — not just survive, but annihilate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Arsenal’s title chances?
Arsenal now lead the Premier League by four points over Manchester City and have the best goal difference in the division. Winning five of their last six league games — including three against top-six rivals — shows they’re not just contenders, but serious title threats. Their next five fixtures include two away games against top-half teams, so maintaining this form will be critical.
Why has Tottenham struggled in the North London Derby recently?
Since Harry Kane’s departure in 2023, Tottenham have lacked a proven goalscorer in big games. Son Heung-min is captain and talisman, but he’s often isolated. Their midfield lacks control, and their defense, once solid under Antonio Conte, has regressed. Arteta’s Arsenal, by contrast, have built a cohesive system with clear roles — something Postecoglou hasn’t yet replicated.
Who are the key players in this rivalry today?
For Arsenal, Eberechi Eze has emerged as the most dangerous attacker, scoring three goals in this derby alone. David Raya is the calm in goal, while Declan Rice anchors the midfield. For Tottenham, Son Heung-min remains the heartbeat, but without a reliable second striker, he’s often overworked. Cristian Romero is the only consistent defender, but he’s often left exposed.
How does this match compare to past derbies?
This was the most one-sided derby since 2014, when Arsenal won 5-1 at White Hart Lane. The 2025 version stands out for its statistical dominance: 17 shots to 3, 81% pass accuracy, and zero big chances for Tottenham. Previous derbies were often tense, with late goals or red cards — this one was clinical. It’s less about drama and more about superiority.
What’s the historical significance of this rivalry?
The North London Derby began in 1909, making it one of the oldest and most heated rivalries in English football. Both clubs are among the most successful in the country — Arsenal with 13 league titles, Tottenham with two. But in the last 15 years, Arsenal have dominated the head-to-head record, especially since 2020. This win extends their advantage to 12 wins in the last 17 league meetings.
Will this result impact transfer decisions in January?
Tottenham’s hierarchy may feel pressure to sign a proven striker — possibly a center-forward like Ivan Toney or a creative forward like Rasmus Højlund. Arsenal, meanwhile, are likely to hold firm, believing their current squad can compete for the title. A January signing for Spurs could signal a shift in ambition; for Arsenal, it’s about maintaining momentum.