The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
London, UK | THE INDEPENDENT | The North London derby pitting Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal is typically one of the best fixtures on the Premier League calendar, with these two arch rivals almost always producing exciting, attacking encounters that live long in the memory.
Match background.
Spurs will host Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the mid-afternoon of Sunday 15 September. It will be each team’s first truly ‘big’ clash of the season, and coming straight off an international break it will be key for both to find their rhythm and sharpness as soon as possible.
Tottenham are looking to elevate their status in the league to become top-four contenders, while the Gunners want to keep up the momentum in their title bid – as they seek to usurp Manchester City at the third time of asking.
Expect a back-and-forth battle between two sides which are at their best when attacking and keep an eye out for the element of discipline, as temperatures run high in this rivalry and keeping all 11 men on the field could be a key facet in securing the three points on offer.
What the teams are saying
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou on the challenge of the North London derby: “It’s just about making sure you embrace the challenge and try to tackle it in the way that got us into this position in the first place. We understand the importance of being at home in these kinds of games to not let our biggest rival win in the biggest derby for us. We understand the consequences of that. I’m not going to dictate how our fans feel and what they feel is important.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on the memories of dominating the derby in recent seasons: “I have many. The recent ones from the last years as well are beautiful. Living those moments with our supporters when you manage to win the game and that satisfaction that you give to everybody, because it’s a special day for everybody, hopefully we can produce that again.”
Players to watch.
Yves Bissouma – Tottenham Hotspur
The Malian has had a mixed start to the season – notably being banned for one game for inhaling laughing gas in a social media post – but his dynamism, aggression and hunger in midfield have truly shone through. He will be a major driving force in this North London derby.
Thomas Partey – Arsenal
From one powerful African midfielder to another, Ghanaian Thomas Partey will provide steel and resilience in the ‘engine room’ for Arsenal. His battle to boss the middle of the park against Bissouma will be a potentially game-deciding duel.
Head-to-head
In head-to-head stats, Tottenham and Arsenal have met in 209 matches across all competitions dating back as far as 1896. The Gunners have claimed 87 wins compared to 67 for Spurs, while 55 games have been drawn.
Arsenal is unbeaten in their last four matches against Tottenham and took four points off their arch- rivals in league matches last term, with a 2-2 draw at home in September 2023 and a 3-2 away win in April 2024.
