| Fixture | Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 21 February 2026 |
| Kick Off | 3pm |
| Location | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 748 High Road, Tottenham, London, N17 0AP |
| Tournament | Premier League |
North London Derby Preview: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal
Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026
Kick-off: 3:00 PM GMT
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The North London Derby is always a fixture that stirs the passions of fans, and the upcoming clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal promises to be no different. With both teams vying for supremacy in the Premier League, this match is set to be a thrilling encounter.
🔄 A New Era at Spurs
Tottenham enters this derby under the guidance of new head coach Thomas Frank, who took over in June 2025 after a successful tenure at Brentford. Frank, known for his tactical flexibility and emphasis on team cohesion, faces the challenge of leading Spurs to success in a season that includes their debut in the UEFA Super Cup and participation in the UEFA Champions League.
Since taking charge, Frank has overseen a squad undergoing significant changes. The most notable departure is that of captain Son Heung-min, who left the club after a decade to join Los Angeles FC in a record-breaking MLS transfer worth £20 million. Son’s departure marks the end of an era for Spurs, as he was the club’s top international player and seventh in all-time appearances with 454 games.
In response to these changes, Frank has brought in new signings to bolster the squad. Mohammed Kudus, Kato Takai, Mathys Tel (on a permanent deal), and Luka Vuskovic have all joined the club, adding depth and quality to the team.
🧠 Frank’s Tactical Approach
Frank’s preferred formation is the 4-3-3, a system he successfully implemented at Brentford. This formation emphasises possession-based football, quick transitions, and a solid defensive structure. Under his guidance, Brentford ranked in the league’s top five for possession in each of Frank’s two full seasons in the Championship and scored more goals than any other team in the regular season during those campaigns.
At Spurs, Frank aims to build a team that is both defensively solid and capable of playing attractive, attacking football. His emphasis on set-piece training and fitness benchmarks reflects his attention to detail and commitment to creating a well-rounded team.
🔴 Arsenal’s Challenge
Arsenal, under the management of Mikel Arteta, have been in impressive form this season. The Gunners are currently in contention for the Premier League title and will be eager to assert their dominance in this derby. With a squad brimming with talent, including Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, Arsenal will pose a significant challenge for Frank’s Spurs.
🏟️ Match Outlook
This North London Derby is more than just a game; it’s a test of Tottenham’s resilience and adaptability under new leadership. Frank’s ability to implement his tactical vision and integrate new signings will be crucial as Spurs look to make their mark in this high-stakes encounter.
For fans attending the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it’s set to be an unforgettable experience. For those watching from home, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric as both teams battle for bragging rights and crucial points in the league.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2–2 Arsenal
A closely contested match is expected, with both teams eager to claim victory. Spurs’ new tactical approach under Frank could provide the edge, but Arsenal’s current form makes them formidable opponents.
