Arsenal Insider

Ange Postecoglou has given his version of events of the infamous night that Tottenham fans celebrated Manchester City beating them to end Arsenal’s hopes in the 2023/24 Premier League title race.

The Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry is so strong that some fans in N17 were desperate to see their team lose back in May 2024.

In a game that could’ve put Arsenal in touching distance of the Premier League title, Spurs had to beat Man City, and their fans desperately didn’t want it to happen.

From celebrating City’s goals to cheering Son Heung Min’s one-versus-one miss, it was an embarrassing showing from Arsenal’s rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, something Ange Postecoglou couldn’t support at the time.

Did Arsenal blow their Premier League title chances vs Wolves or is Ange Postecoglou still right?

Ange Postecoglou breaks down when Tottenham wanted to lose against Manchester City to prevent Arsenal from winning the Premier League

In the end, Man City won 2-0 to the pain of Arsenal fans, who would’ve supported Spurs more than ever that day.

Sure, they prevented Arsenal from winning the league, but they also painted an ugly picture of their aspirations, as they later missed out on Champions League football by two points.

When speaking on The Overlap, Postecoglou shared what it was like to be on the touchline for that game.

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“I understand the rivalry, but I also think there’s a point where you’ve got to stand on your own two feet about who you are,” Postecoglou began.

“Going into a game wanting to lose because your greatest rival, I get it from a fan’s point of view. Maybe if I was a supporter, I’d be feeling the same way, but I couldn’t represent the club in that manner.”

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Is it Frank's right now? 😅

The behaviour of Spurs fans leading up to the game wasn’t something Postecoglou could support, as his priority was to win every game he could for the benefit of Tottenham.

“I mean, I want to win every game that I play in, and I think it’s important we do,” he said, before explaining the repercussions of that loss.

“You know what? At the time, we ended up two points from fourth behind Villa. If we had won that game, we might have gone into the Champions League, but it would have meant Arsenal won the league.

“I understand how, but that frustration comes not because I think yes, Arsenal win the league, but because again, Tottenham win nothing is the bigger problem.”

Tottenham will be desperate to cause another upset to Arsenal’s title charge in the North London Derby

Two years ago, Spurs ended Arsenal’s title hopes, and on matchday 27, they can play a similar role again.

Send us your early North London Derby score predictions, how bold are you feeling?

Fresh after having 12 days off before the North London Derby and with a new manager at the helm, Tottenham will be desperate to kick off their new era with a win over Arsenal.

There’s no greater achievement for the Lilywhites than getting the better of the Gunners, particularly if it could play a role in Arsenal not winning the league.

It’s why Mikel Arteta’s side must enter the game with aggression and intent, as losing to Tottenham is never an option, now more than ever.

Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Wolves must convince Mikel Arteta to make some big changes for the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners took an early lead at Molineux on Wednesday night, and it seemed like a comfortable evening at that point. Then, Piero Hincapie’s strike in the second half convinced everyone that the leaders would win.

However, Arsenal were pathetic in the final 30 minutes of the game and deservedly ended up dropping points.

Although every player on the pitch deserves blame, we think three of them were so bad that they need to come out of the starting lineup in the North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

🔮 What is your score prediction for the North London derby: Tottenham _-_ Arsenal

Mikel Arteta must drop three Arsenal players vs Tottenham

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber was one of Arsenal’s best players in the first half of the season, but in recent weeks, the Dutchman has struggled.

The former Ajax star has looked nothing like his usual self, and his performance against Wolves on Wednesday night was arguably his worst in an Arsenal shirt.

Timber needs a break, and with Ben White impressing almost every time he plays, we think it’s time for the England international to start against Tottenham.

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Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli was Arsenal’s most disappointing player against Wolves.

The Brazilian worked tirelessly, as he always does, but every time he got the ball in a good position, he failed to do anything meaningful. This has been a constant theme for Martinelli in the Premier League all season – he has scored just once in the competition.

In the North London Derby, Martinelli must make way for Leandro Trossard, who has been twice the player in the league this season. If the Belgian is injured, Arteta should use Eberechi Eze there instead.

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Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke has chipped in with a few goals recently, but he did nothing against Wolves. The Englishman got on the ball plenty, but he failed with his end product again.

That has been the case for large parts of this season, and it simply cannot happen against Tottenham on Sunday. If Arsenal drop points again, their title dreams could be over.

We think Bukayo Saka should be pushed back to the right wing, with either Martin Odegaard or Kai Havertz, who are both in contention to return from their injuries, starting in attacking midfield.

Martin Zubimendi needs to change his ways or he should be dropped too

Martin Zubimendi has had a fine debut campaign for Arsenal next to Declan Rice, but the Spaniard is not making full use of his capabilities.

We’ve all seen the former Real Sociedad man play excellent long diagonals and dangerous passes between the lines to unleash his teammates.

In recent weeks, Zubimendi has not done that as much as he should, and that became even more evident when Christian Norgaard did everything and more when he replaced the Spain international against Wigan.

We still think Zubimendi should get the nod against Tottenham, but if the midfielder doesn’t start feeding the attackers, he should come out of the side.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka limped off the pitch during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Wolves at Molineux.

The England international made his first start in the Premier League since the defeat to Manchester United in January, and he had an immediate impact.

Saka scored the opening goal and all but confirmed his new contract, but the big talking point was seeing him limp off the pitch in the second half.

The last thing Arsenal need before the North London Derby is another injury, but there is some ‘good news’ ahead of the game.

Send us your early North London Derby score predictions, how bold are you feeling?

Bukayo Saka is ‘fine’ for Arsenal’s North London Derby clash despite injury scare vs Wolves

Bukayo Saka has had a torrid time due to injuries over the last year.

The Englishman has suffered two serious hamstring injuries and has also spent a spell on the sidelines due to a hip problem.

Saka has missed more games due to injury since the turn of 2025 than ever before, and that has hurt Arsenal.

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After seeing the academy graduate go down in pain, receive treatment on the pitch and then limp off, Arsenal fans were extremely worried.

However, the Evening Standard have now revealed some ‘good news’ by claiming that Saka is ‘fine’ and should be available for the North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

That is a big boost for the Gunners, as they need their number seven to bounce back in what is now the biggest game of Arsenal’s season.

Mikel Arteta must change Bukayo Saka’s position for Tottenham vs Arsenal

Saka has been deployed in an attacking midfield role in each of Arsenal’s last two games.

The 24-year-old impressed in that role against Wigan, and he did even better at Wolves by scoring a lovely goal inside five minutes.

If you were Eberechi Eze, how would you feel after seeing Bukayo Saka start in the number 10 role?

However, it is clear to see that Saka is learning that role, which is why we think he should be pushed back to his usual right-wing position against Tottenham.

Noni Madueke had a poor game against Wolves, and he cannot do the same at Spurs.

Saka is a lot more reliable, and against Tottenham’s leaky defence, he could cause them all sorts of problems. That is exactly what needs to happen on Sunday.

Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur have made several terrible signings in recent years.

The Gunners have been far superior to Spurs – not just historically, but in the last few seasons as well – and one of the reasons behind that is their recruitment.

Mikel Arteta has signed difference-makers like Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, while many of the players Spurs have recruited have underwhelmed.

Bryan Gil is one such player, and Arsenal have Spurs to thank for not bringing him to the Emirates Stadium.

Send us your early North London Derby score predictions, how bold are you feeling?

Tottenham signing Bryan Gil instead of Arsenal has been a blessing in disguise for the Gunners

Gil was viewed as one of the most exciting talents in Spain when he broke into the Sevilla first team.

The versatile attacker was linked with a number of top clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona.

AS have revealed now that the Gunners did knock on Gil’s door in the summer of 2022 and were interested in signing him.

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However, Tottenham pounced out of nowhere, offering £21.6 million plus Erik Lamela to convince Sevilla to let their star youngster join Spurs. (Sky Sports)

Some Tottenham fans mocked Arsenal when they got Gil, but it’s the Gunners who have had the last laugh as they definitely dodged a bullet.

Throughout his time at Spurs, Gil played 43 games and failed to score a single goal. In his entire career where he has played over 200 games for club and country, he has found the net just 18 times.

Even Arteta’s worst signings – Raheem Sterling and Willian – managed more in their disastrous spells at the Emirates.

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It has been the complete opposite when Arsenal have hijacked Tottenham’s moves

There have been many examples of Tottenham trying to sign a player and then failing because they preferred to join Arsenal.

One of them was William Saliba. The Frenchman snubbed Spurs for the Gunners in 2019, and he is now arguably the best defender in the world.

The more recent example is Eberechi Eze. Arsenal hijacked Tottenham’s move in the eleventh hour in the summer, and the Englishman scored a stunning hat-trick in his North London Derby debut.

With another derby coming up on Sunday, Arsenal fans will be hoping to see the same again from Eze, who looked much better in the game against Wigan.

It will be interesting to see how he will fare if he starts.

Tottenham have a new manager for the rest of the season in Igor Tudor and former Spurs man Teddy Sheringham believes Arsenal will be licking their lips.

With the North London derby coming up, Tudor is set for a baptism of fire as Spurs coach.

Tottenham are firmly entrenched in a relegation battle and Tudor’s remit will be to simply keep them up.

However, with Arsenal just one of a number of tricky opening games for the Croatian, former Spurs forward Sheringham is not happy.

Arsenal fans: What’s the FIRST thing you’re saying to a Tottenham fan after seeing them hire Igor Tudor?

And ahead of the ‘NLD’, Sheringham has suggested things could be bad for Tottenham.

Teddy Sheringham predicts how Arsenal will be feeling ahead of facing Tottenham

A North London derby isn’t just any old game.

Igor Tudor will know this and despite a lack of experience in England, he will surely understand the idea of playing against your biggest rivals.

However, according to Teddy Sheringham, Spurs’ latest appointment is simply baffling and he believes Arsenal’s squad will be loving it.

“Right, I’ve just come in from my Padel, had a lovely little game, lovely little workout. And I’m hearing Igor Tudor as the new Tottenham interim manager. What the…,” Sheringham commented on the Peek app.

“I can’t believe it. I really cannot believe this appointment. Has he got any experience with the Premier League? Yes, proven manager with different clubs, Marseille, Juventus, yes, I hear it. What do they want to win the Champions League? Is that what they’re bringing him in for? I cannot believe this.”

“They’re in a relegation battle in the Premier League. Does he know anything about who they’ve got to play in the next few games? Does he know anything about Brentford? Does he know anything about Aston Villa? Does he know anything? Yes, he’s going to understand football, but does he know anything about the Premier League? This game is going to hit him fast. Arsenal probably are licking their lips now in this and got them in 10 days’ time. I’m flabbergasted that they’ve gone for a name that does not and will not have an idea of what’s going to hit him in the Premier League in the next six weeks.

“It’d be miraculous if they get anything out of the game against Arsenal. That puts them under even more pressure. I think, off the top of my head, they’ve got Chelsea just after that as well, which they will love it even more to rub it in our faces to make sure that we don’t get anything out of that. I am… Wow.

“Who makes these decisions, so I’m not… I can’t have it. I can’t have it. This puts even more pressure on the situation. I am going to be glued to that game to see what happens next week against Arsenal. Wow, shocked me. What do you think?”

Arsenal could go for the record against Tottenham

Let’s not kid ourselves here, this Tottenham team are woeful at the moment.

They have so many injuries and a clear lack of discipline in the squad that it feels like Arsenal have a real chance at punishing them massively.

The record win for Arsenal against Spurs is 6-0, coming all the way back in 1935. There is a genuine chance that Arsenal match or go past this, if they play to their maximum.

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Sure enough, we don’t know what Tudor is going to bring to the table for Tottenham.

But Arsenal are a settled side, top of the table, and ready to win the title. If ever there was a time to hit a record score against Spurs, it’s now.

The Overlap have really treated Premier League fans, as Ange Postecoglou just featured on the podcast after Thomas Frank’s dismissal at Tottenham.

Arsenal played a role in Frank’s sacking at Spurs, as the Gunners became a point of discussion when the news broke on Wednesday.

The Dane lasted just eight months at the helm in N17, giving Mikel Arteta a task to prepare for the North London Derby against a currently managerless team.

Arsenal will still fancy their chances against Tottenham, having a superior record over their bitter rivals.

It’s not only on the pitch that the Gunners are superior, but off it too, as Ange Postecoglou has just explained.

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Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham would never make a transfer like Arsenal’s capture of Declan Rice

Arsenal enjoyed Frank’s reign at Spurs, and also enjoyed Postecoglou’s, who was sacked after Tottenham finished 17th last season.

Despite driving the Lilywhites towards the relegation zone, Spurs fans were sad to see Postecoglou go, as he won the Europa League.

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Now, their former manager has had his say on his time in north London, speaking to The Overlap after Frank’s dismissal.

During the interview, he mentioned several of Spurs’ frailties, including transfers, which is when Arsenal entered the chat.

“You know, when Arsenal need players, they’ll spend £100m on Declan Rice. I don’t see Tottenham doing that,” Postecoglou admitted.

“Ever?” he was asked.

“No, maybe now, but not in history,” he responded.

It was a brutal reminder of the gap between Arsenal and Spurs from a figure who has walked the walk.

Tottenham have tried to be like Arsenal in the transfer window

From an Arsenal fan’s point of view, when it comes to Tottenham, it’s a tedious little brother who just wants to be like you dynamic.

Send us your early North London Derby score predictions, how bold are you feeling?

On the topic of transfers, we saw just that unfold in the summer, as Arsenal hijacked Spurs’ deal to sign Eberechi Eze, only for Tottenham to attempt to respond.

Spurs then mimicked Arsenal when unveiling Xavi Simons, with their marquee signing presented in a way that focused on their rivals, rather than themselves.

Tottenham aren’t losing the ‘Spursy’ label anytime soon, particularly after Postecoglou’s reveal-all interview.

Arsenal were granted their wish this evening as Tottenham Hotspur came roaring from behind to take points off Manchester City.

A double from Dominic Solanke – including a stunning scorpion kick type finish to level things – ensured Spurs helped the Gunners in the title race.

It means Arsenal now sit six points clear of City and Aston Villa, who also lost on Sunday to complete a perfect weekend for Mikel Arteta’s side.

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Of course, seeing Solanke do the business was as rewarding as it gets for the Gunners.

Solanke is a self-confessed Arsenal fan and deep down, he’ll have been delighted to get the result for Spurs and help the Gunners at the same time.

Naturally, Arsenal’s social media was loving Solanke’s contribution.

Arsenal fans react as Dominic Solanke’s double stops Man City

It could only have been better if Spurs had gone on and won it but in the end, Arsenal cannot complain about this weekend at all.

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So often we’ve seen weekend results go against the Gunners but this one very much fell in our favour.

And Solanke was the star attraction.

Over on X, with Solanke’s Arsenal affiliation well known, Arsenal fans were all of the same mindset as they praised the Tottenham man.

“Stopped watching after that first half performance by Spurs. Oh how did City bottle it from there. Spurs fans didn’t want a draw/win but forgot Solanke is a Gooner at heart. Brilliant result for us,” one fan wrote.

Solanke continued to get plaudits too, with one even suggesting he get a medal if Arsenal win it.

“Dominic Solanke is an Arsenal fan. Make sure he gets a Premier League medal in May”

“Dominic solanke did it for Arsenal now the Arsenal are above Man cCty with 6 point”

In a quite humorous post, one fan even claimed Solanke get Arsenal’s goal of the season award.

“Solanke is going to win Arsenal’s goal of the season isn’t he”

While finally, Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was also added to the mentions.

“Solanke and Thomas Frank doing everything in their power to make their favourite team win the league”

Have Arsenal just won the Premier League?

Six points is a big gap to make up, especially with the run of fixtures to come and with Arsenal seemingly over their blip.

The Gunners will feel massively confident now and if they somehow blow six points from here, then it will be all-time capitulation.

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Of course, things can go wrong and Arsenal only need two bad results and City to win twice for things to turn right back around.

Nevertheless, Tottenham have seriously helped Arsenal here and Mikel Arteta can pour himself a glass of wine tonight, safe in the knowledge he and his team are edging towards glory.

All eyes will be on Manchester City’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur after Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Leeds United.

The Gunners have played first this weekend, and they are now seven points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League table.

Arsenal fans are looking at Tottenham to do them a favour, but history shows that they do no such thing – remember Son Heung-min’s miss against City a few years ago?

Despite that, we are sure supporters will hope for some help from their rivals, but Declan Rice couldn’t care less about what will happen in that game.

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Declan Rice responds when asked if he will support Tottenham against Manchester City

Rice has no love for Tottenham.

The Englishman started his career at Chelsea before being released as a teenager. He then joined West Ham and became a star there before sealing a club-record move to Arsenal in 2023.

The common theme among all of the above clubs is that they do not like Tottenham, so we expect that to be ingrained in Rice.

However, after Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Leeds United, former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood tried to get the Arsenal star to admit that he would be supporting the other club in North London when they face title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.

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“Having played for West Ham and now for Arsenal, there wouldn’t have been many times you wanted Tottenham to win. But maybe tomorrow night?” Sherwood asked.

Rice laughed and replied on Sky Sports: “Yeah, yeah, no! You’ve put me on the spot there, to be honest.

“Obviously, it’s a massive game. We’re in tomorrow, we’re training because we have a semi-final on Tuesday. If I can watch it, I will. If not, I’m not too bothered.

“We’ve got to control what we can control, and keep winning games. There’s not long left to go. Every game is a cup final, we need to have this mentality now towards the end and got to keep pushing.

“What will be, will be.”

Arsenal fans, be honest. Will you support Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City?

Arsenal players should all listen to what Declan Rice has just said

The worst mistake Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal can make now is look at Manchester City.

Yes, Guardiola’s side can close the gap back down to four points, but Arteta and his men cannot let it affect them even a little bit.

Rice is spot on with his assessment. He doesn’t care about the Tottenham game because it is not something he or his teammates can control.

The Englishman also added that every game is a cup final from now on, which means the Gunners will want to win every single fixture.

Arsenal swung back into Premier League form with a 4-0 demolition of Leeds United and Ray Parlour has now given his immediate thoughts on the result.

The Gunners were desperate for a league win and got it with ease as they looked back to their best at Elland Road.

A disappointing injury to Bukayo Saka in the warm-up threatened to put a dampener on things but his replacement, Noni Madueke, played very well.

Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Leeds United?

The win means Arsenal are now seven clear of Man City and Aston Villa in the title race, with Villa set to play Arsenal’s North London rivals Tottenham tomorrow.

And speaking of Tottenham, they got a mention as former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour summed up proceedings.

Ray Parlour reacts as Arsenal hammer Leeds

This was much more like it from Mikel Arteta’s side.

Slick in attack, solid in defence and still with some in reserve if needed, this is the Arsenal team we’ve become accustomed to watching in recent times.

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For former player Parlour, it was all about getting through the game and he’s admitted after the game that all eyes will be on Tottenham now.

“Always going to be a tricky game going to Elland Road, played well, won in style in the end,” Parlour commented.

“That’s massive points towards the title race and now all eyes will be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Aston Villa tomorrow.”

Arsenal produce just when they needed it most

Leeds is always a tough game but there was extra pressure on this one today it felt like.

Arsenal’s Premier League form has looked like allowing Villa and City to sneak back into the mix of things but having that seven point gap back overnight will feel massive.

Sum up Kai Havertz’s performance at Leeds in THREE words…

Mikel Arteta wanted his Arsenal team to embrace being league leaders and they certainly did that in West Yorkshire.

More of this will see the Gunners home this season and with a number of pluses, like Viktor Gyokeres scoring again and Kai Havertz returning, mean Arsenal are once again back on track.

Arsenal fans and Thomas Frank share a special relationship.

Tottenham Hotspur managers are usually seen as the enemy by Gooners, but the Dane has always been different.

In fact, even after becoming the Spurs boss, Frank has often praised Arsenal, much to the anger of his side’s supporters.

Now, as Tottenham keep crumbling, fans of other clubs are using the Gunners to aim a dig at Frank.

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Aston Villa supporters sing ‘Thomas Frank is an Arsenal fan’

Tottenham crashed out of the FA Cup after losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at home.

Spurs are having a shocking season. They are currently 14th in the Premier League table, 11th in the Champions League standings, and are already out of both cup competitions.

The North Londoners have won just two league games at home all campaign as well, and many of their fans are turning on Thomas Frank.

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On Saturday, as Tottenham were losing to Aston Villa, the away fans started singing about the Spurs manager.

The usual ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ chant emerged, but what rang around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium along with that will delight Arsenal fans.

“Thomas Frank is an Arsenal fan” was heard loud and clear, and this is something Gooners have been saying for a long time.

When Tottenham appointed Frank, Arsenal supporters all mocked Spurs for giving the job to someone who has a soft spot for the Gunners.

Be honest. Do you really think Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is secretly an Arsenal fan?

Tottenham can learn a valuable lesson from Arsenal

The writing is on the wall for Frank at Tottenham.

The Dane’s style of football is not resonating with Spurs fans, and the results are not good enough either, albeit they are higher in the table now than where they finished last season.

All signs point towards Frank getting sacked, but the smart thing for Tottenham to do would be to stick with their manager, like Arsenal did with Mikel Arteta.

Spurs have given their managers no time to build. Every time there is a collapse, the gaffer is shown the door. That is not sustainable, and it never will be.