Match Overview
In a fiercely contested Premier League clash on February 22, 2026, Arsenal outclassed their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur with a dominant 4-1 victory. The Gunners controlled much of the game, creating numerous chances and capitalizing on Tottenham's defensive lapses. The result marked Arsenal's fifth consecutive win over Spurs across all competitions, their first such streak since 1989.
The match, attended by 61,439 fans at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, saw Arsenal move to 61 points from 28 games, five clear of Manchester City, who hold a game in hand. Tottenham, meanwhile, stayed rooted in 16th place with 29 points from 27 matches, just four points above the relegation zone.
Starting Lineups and Tactics
Arsenal lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Mikel Arteta: David Raya in goal; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Piero Hincapie in defense; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Eberechi Eze in midfield; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, and Leandro Trossard leading the attack.
Tottenham, managed by interim head coach Igor Tudor in his debut, opted for a similar setup: Guglielmo Vicario between the posts; Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven, and Djed Spence at the back; Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher, and Yves Bissouma in midfield; Pape Matar Sarr, Randal Kolo Muani, and Xavi Simons up front.
Arsenal's high-pressing style overwhelmed Spurs early, while Tottenham relied on counter-attacks but struggled with possession.
Key Moments and Goals
The first half burst into life around the half-hour mark. In the 32nd minute, Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal, controlling Saka's cross and angling a shot past Vicario for his fourth goal against Tottenham this season. Just two minutes later, Kolo Muani equalized for Spurs, dispossessing Rice and driving forward to beat Raya with a low finish.
Arsenal regained the lead seconds after the restart in the 47th minute, as Gyokeres thumped home from the edge of the box following a pass from Timber—his 14th goal of the campaign. Spurs thought they had leveled when Kolo Muani scored again, but the goal was disallowed for a push on Gabriel, upheld by VAR.
Eze extended the lead in the 61st minute, sweeping in a rebound after Saka was crowded out in the box, marking his fifth goal against Spurs this term. Gyokeres sealed the rout in stoppage time (90+4'), holding off Gray and tucking past Vicario for his brace.
Substitutions included Arsenal bringing on Gabriel Martinelli, Youssoufa Mosquera, Martin Odegaard, and Noni Madueke, while Tottenham introduced Mathys Tel, Richarlison, and Dominic Solanke. Richarlison nearly pulled one back late, but Raya clawed his effort off the line.
Standout Performances
Gyokeres earned Player of the Match honors with a tireless display, scoring twice and tormenting Spurs' defense. Eze was equally brilliant, haunting his former suitors with clinical finishing. For Tottenham, Kolo Muani provided a brief spark, but defensive frailties from Dragusin and others proved costly.
Why This North London Derby Matters
The North London Derby is one of football's most intense rivalries, pitting Arsenal's storied history against Tottenham's resilient spirit. This fixture replicated the 4-1 scoreline from the reverse meeting in November, where Eze netted a hat-trick. For Arsenal, the win quelled doubts after draws against Brentford and Wolves, reaffirming their title credentials.
Tottenham's defeat highlights their precarious position, with Tudor's arrival failing to inspire an immediate turnaround. The club, once challenging for top-four spots, now faces a genuine relegation battle.
Potential Impact and Next Steps
This result bolsters Arsenal's push for a first Premier League title since 2004, providing momentum ahead of fixtures against Chelsea and Brighton. Gyokeres and Eze's form could prove pivotal in the run-in.
For Tottenham, the loss intensifies pressure on Tudor, with upcoming games against relegation rivals crucial to avoiding a drop. Spurs fans chanted in frustration, signaling urgent need for squad reinforcements.
In a season defined by tight margins, Arsenal's emphatic display could be the catalyst for sustained dominance, while Tottenham must regroup swiftly to salvage their campaign.