The North London derby takes center stage this weekend as Tottenham Hotspur hosts Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, February 22, 2026. With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League table, and Tottenham navigating a period of change following the sacking of Thomas Frank, this match carries significant weight for both sides. The Gunners are aiming to maintain their position at the top, while Spurs, under interim manager Igor Tudor, are looking to avoid being drawn further into a relegation battle.
This fixture is particularly intriguing given the recent managerial shift at Tottenham. Tudor faces a challenging debut, inheriting a squad grappling with numerous injuries and a need for immediate improvement. Arsenal, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back from a recent 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a result that has narrowed their lead at the summit to just two points ahead of Manchester City’s match against Newcastle United. The stakes are high, and a captivating contest is anticipated.
For fans in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 4:00 PM GMT. Sky Sports Premier League coverage starts at 4:00 PM GMT, followed by Sky Sports Main Event at 4:25 PM, following the conclusion of the Nottingham Forest vs. Liverpool fixture. Viewers in the United States can catch the action on NBC and Peacock, while JioHotstar will provide coverage in India, and Stan Sport in Australia. Those seeking live updates can follow ESPN’s coverage throughout the match.
Team News and Injury Concerns
Igor Tudor will be without a significant number of players for his first match in charge. Confirmed absences include Cristian Romero, serving the second game of a four-match suspension following his sending-off against Manchester United, as well as James Maddison, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, and Lucas Bergvall due to injury. Pedro Porro and Richarlison are reportedly pushing for selection, offering Tudor some positive news on the injury front.
Arsenal’s injury situation appears more manageable. Mikel Arteta has expressed hope that captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz will be available, providing a significant boost to the Gunners’ midfield. Mikel Merino is sidelined for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery, and youngster Max Dowman is recovering from an ankle injury but is back in training.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Arsenal have dominated this fixture in recent years. They are currently unbeaten against Tottenham since May 2022, winning all but one of their last seven meetings. This includes three consecutive victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a record that will undoubtedly weigh on the minds of the home supporters.
What to Expect
The appointment of Igor Tudor introduces an element of unpredictability to this North London derby. Given Tottenham’s recent struggles at home and the extensive injury list, an Arsenal victory appears the most likely outcome. Although, Arsenal’s recent dip in form – having won only two of their last seven league games – suggests they are not invincible. Tudor’s tactical approach and the motivation of a derby atmosphere could potentially disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm.
The match promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams having plenty to play for. Arsenal will be determined to solidify their position at the top of the table, while Tottenham will be desperate to provide a positive response to their recent setbacks and give their fans something to cheer about under their new manager.
The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both the title race and the battle to avoid relegation. Regardless of the result, the North London derby is always a spectacle, and this edition promises to be no exception.
Following this crucial clash, both teams will have important fixtures to navigate. Arsenal will look to regain momentum in their title pursuit, while Tottenham will focus on climbing the table and securing their Premier League status. The coming weeks will be pivotal for both clubs as the season reaches its climax.
What are your predictions for the North London derby? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
