Micky van de Ven did not hide from the reality of Tottenham’s latest derby defeat, admitting Arsenal were superior on the day as Spurs’ difficult run continued under new boss Igor Tudor.
It was a disappointing outing for Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday as they suffered another painful defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Arsenal.
The latest loss means Mikel Arteta’s men completed the double over Spurs, winning 4–1 at both the Emirates Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.
It also compounded Spurs’ 2026 misery, as their winless domestic run continued, marking a disastrous start to life for Igor Tudor, who will have hoped his side would show greater fighting spirit in his first match in charge.
Tottenham captain Micky van de Ven reacts to Arsenal defeat
It was a game of two halves, with Spurs competitive before the break but falling away badly in the second period.
Two goals from Eberechi Eze and a Viktor Gyokeres brace were enough for the Gunners to take all three points and extend their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven admitted Arsenal were the better side and reflected on where the game slipped away, particularly after the restart.
MORE SPURS STORIES
He said: “Arsenal were the better team. We were still in the game at 1-1 but after the second half, they scored straight away and then it was really difficult.
“We could do the press a bit better. We pressed high but Arsenal came out of it. It’s something we need to work on. They were the better team today.
“It’s a risk when you go man for man and if one man is late then you’re going to be open but when you win the ball high, there are so many options for us. But on the opposite, when they come out, it’s a big risk.”
Tottenham relegation fight looms as Micky van de Ven backs Igor Tudor
A relegation fight is now very much Tottenham’s reality this season, with 11 games to play. Spurs need to start picking up points if they are to secure their Premier League status for next season.
Van de Ven also discussed what Tudor has been like since taking charge eight days ago, outlining the intensity of work on the training ground.
Speaking in the same interview, he explained how the new head coach has approached his first week and what the focus is ahead of Fulham.
He said: “He is on us all week. Every day we worked on it. It’s his first week and he wants to help us in every way. We have all the week to prepare for Fulham.
“We need to win the games. Step by step. We play Fulham now.”