Arsenal Insider

Arsenal came out of their North London Derby clash against Tottenham with a successful result.

Mikel Arteta went into the game with a number of issues. The likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko were all unavailable.

This was Tottenham’s best chance of beating Arsenal, especially as they were playing at home. But, in typical fashion, Spurs failed to take advantage of the situation.

Arsenal came away with a deserved 1-0 win, but Wright is still not happy with one thing his old side were made to do during the North London Derby.

Ian Wright reacts to ‘crazy’ thing Arsenal were forced to do vs Tottenham

The North London Derby is one of the biggest games of every season.

The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham is iconic and not many people know just how special this game is more than Ian Wright.

The legendary Englishman was and still is a hero to many Arsenal fans, and he fully understood the significance of the North London Derby.

In the latest edition of the derby, Arsenal were forced to wear their away kit against Tottenham for the first time since 1986.

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The PGMOL claimed that Arsenal’s home kit features ‘too much white’, which clashes with Spurs’ home colours. The Gunners wanted to play in the famous red and white, but their request was denied.

Wright wasn’t too pleased with that decision.

He said on Premier League Productions (September 16 2024, 1:15 pm): “From a Tottenham and Arsenal point of view, in the derby and what it means. for us to not wear the red and white kit, for something to do with too much white in the kit, it’s crazy.”

New stat shows how Arsenal have humiliated Tottenham

Arsenal are the kings of North London and nothing Tottenham do will ever change that.

The Gunners have a much superior record against Spurs – in recent times as well as in the history of the North London Derby.

With their latest win, Arsenal now have more victories in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which opened in 2019, than Spurs have wins at the Emirates, which has been open for over 18 years now.

That is an embarrassing stat if you’re a Spurs fan, but as Arsenal supporters, we are not surprised.

Tottenham Hotspur are just the gift that keeps on giving for Arsenal fans.

Ange Postecoglou’s side had the biggest chance of beating the Gunners on Sunday. Mikel Arteta was without seven Arsenal players for the North London Derby away from home.

However, in typical fashion, Spurs failed to take advantage of the Gunners’ weakness and ended up losing their third consecutive derby at home.

Piers Morgan now believes Tottenham’s Stadium should be renamed as Arsenal’s training ground – we completely agree with that.

In the next few months, Tottenham could do something ‘Spursy’ again and massively help Arsenal.

How Tottenham could help Arsenal keep William Saliba amid Real Madrid interest

Arsenal star William Saliba is destined to become the best defender in the world.

The Frenchman has been sensational for Arsenal since he made his competitive debut back on the opening day of the 2022/23 season.

Saliba is already up there with the very best, and his brilliant performances for club and country have attracted a ton of interest from elsewhere.

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Arsenal Insider exclusively revealed that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Saliba ahead of a potential move in the summer of 2025.

That is a huge concern for Arsenal and their supporters – losing Saliba next year would be an absolute disaster. But, Tottenham could lend a helping hand to Arteta and Edu.

Reports have revealed that Real Madrid’s alternative for Saliba is Tottenham’s Cristian Romero. The Argentine is hailed by Spurs fans as one of the best defenders in the world, but we honestly think he’s just above average.

However, if Real Madrid have him on their radar, that is good news for Arsenal.

Romero is a World Cup winner and we’re sure he’d want to win big trophies at club level too. That will not happen at Tottenham, especially not this season, barring a miracle.

So, if Spurs have yet another ‘Spursy’ campaign where they throw it all away and end up trophyless again, there’s every chance Romero will ask to leave, just like Harry Kane did in 2023 and Gareth Bale did over a decade ago.

That would make it easier for Real Madrid to sign Romero, which in turn would mean that Saliba would stay put at Arsenal. That would be perfect!

Arsenal’s demands if Saliba asks to leave

The last thing Arsenal would want to do is sell Saliba.

The France international is one of the first names on the team sheet every week, and losing him would be a massive blow.

However, if it ever gets to a point where he wants to go, reports have claimed that the minimum amount Arsenal will demand for Saliba is €120 million (£101m) – but it will probably be more.

That would make Saliba the most expensive defender of all time, and we think he’s completely worthy of that title. However, the priority for Arsenal has to be to keep hold of him.

Saliba’s current contract at Arsenal expires in the summer of 2027.

Ethan Nwaneri was afforded a brief cameo for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta handed Ethan Nwaneri just his third senior appearance as he threw the Arsenal youngster into the fray late on in the North London Derby.

With 86 minutes on the clock, and the Gunners protecting a 1-0 lead against their fierce local rivals, Bukayo Saka went down injured.

At this late stage in such an important game, Arteta showed huge faith in Nwaneri by sending him on to replace the stricken winger. This faith was rewarded, though, as in just four minutes, plus stoppage time, Nwaneri was able to show his quality.

Saka’s injury is not thought to be serious, but Nwaneri has now shown that he can be called upon in the big moments to step up.

Ethan Nwaneri trusted by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal stars

The 17-year-old is a huge talent, and has long been regarded as an extremely promising prospect within the North London club’s Hale End academy system.

However, the teenager is now well-regarded within the first team picture, too. Senior Arsenal players encouraged Arteta to play Nwaneri at times last season, and against Spurs those on the pitch demonstrated the confidence they have in the youngster.

No one hesitated to hand the England under-19 international the ball against Tottenham, and the fact that Gabriel Jesus instructed Nwaneri to push further forward shows that he is trusted to adapt to new challenges.

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Nwaneri demonstrated versatility against Tottenham Hotspur

In moving up the pitch, Nwaneri adopted a false nine role and saw plenty of the ball late on in the game.

In these circumstances, he demonstrated great maturity. Recognising the state of the game, he did not become overexcited and try to make a spectacular impact, but rather played with patience, holding up the ball and slowing down the game.

Arteta will have recognised and appreciated this aspect of his performance.

Nwaneri sends message to Arteta

All in all, despite his involvement on derby day being brief, Nwaneri was still able to do enough to demonstrate his readiness for Premier League action.

Arteta must take heed of this and continue to give the youngster opportunities to impress. Nwaneri has vast potential, but he needs game time in order to develop.

Arsenal supporters have now made their feelings about Jurrien Timber clear to Mikel Arteta.

Jurrien Timber played for Arsenal in their 1-0 North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

In many ways, the Dutch defender is now making up for lost time. This was his first taste of a North London Derby, after he missed out on almost the entirety of his maiden campaign in English football last season following an ACL injury.

Timber celebrated his first Arsenal win over Spurs on Instagram after the match, and will very much feel that he is just getting started.

The 23-year-old defender is now fit and firing on all cylinders once again and already looks to have established himself in Mikel Arteta’s preferred back four.

Whilst Gabriel Magalhaes was the match-winner against Tottenham, and William Saliba was similarly sensational in the heart of the rearguard, Timber was also able to catch the eye with his committed and physical display.

Arsenal fans stunned by Jurrien Timber in North London Derby

Many Arsenal fans on X were eager to praise Timber for his performance against Spurs.

One supporter said: “Jurrien Timber phenomenal. Superb OOP yet again, completely locked off that side. Knew when to engage and when to apply pressure and show aggression. A committed personality that’s required in the high octane games. Some of his play on the ball as well. Brilliant.”

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Another stated: “Jurrien Timber at left back was SPECIAL today. He won every single loose ball and was everywhere.”

One added: “I’m very impressed with Jurrien Timber. The boy has been injured for a year & today he played at LB in his first NLD. Balls of steel and the precision with which he applied his aggression after that yellow, wow. Got that dawg in him.”

Another claimed: “Jurrien Timber has arrived as an Arsenal player, what a shift from him.”

Arsenal shirt now Timber’s to lose

Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up a knock just ahead of this match, whilst Riccardo Calafiori was already sidelined, making it an easy decision for Arteta to start Timber.

However, in general there shall be plenty of competition for the left-back berth this season, with Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior also both capable of playing in that part of the pitch.

However, the sentiment from the fans is clear, Timber ought to currently be seen as the first choice pick for that role.

The Netherlands international is an aggressive defender, progressive on the ball, and has now shown that he can step up on the big occasions.

Raheem Sterling made his Arsenal debut as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling made his bow as an Arsenal player with a late cameo in yesterday’s North London Derby.

The 29-year-old winger was able to kick off his Arsenal career with a bang, as he played a part in helping the Gunners secure all three points against Spurs. Sterling became the first Arsenal player in 27 years to make his debut for the club in a North London Derby.

The Chelsea loanee will now be hoping to be handed his first start when Mikel Arteta’s side get their Champions League campaign underway against Atalanta in a few days.

Sterling did not have much chance to make an impact against Tottenham, but he will be keen to show the Arsenal faithful what he can do as soon as possible.

Raheem Sterling makes statement after Arsenal debut vs Tottenham Hotspur

Following the win over Spurs, Sterling took to Instagram to celebrate the occasion of having made his first appearance as an Arsenal player.

The 82-cap England international said: “Delighted to make my debut and hear you unbelievable fans. What a result by this team!! So much more to come Gunners. Let’s go.”

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Arsenal’s match-winning hero Gabriel Magalhaes was quick to respond to Sterling, as he replied with a fire emoji.

Why Arsenal need Sterling this season

Sterling’s experience and quality will be real assets to Arteta this season.

With Gabriel Martinelli struggling to impress, there is certainly an opportunity for Sterling to establish himself as a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium.

If he can rediscover his best form with Arsenal, after a difficult spell at Chelsea, he could quickly have a huge impact for the Gunners.

Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka both singled out one Arsenal star for praise after their victory in the North London Derby.

Many Arsenal stars impressed as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday.

Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz both caused problems in the final third, whilst Bukayo Saka notched up another assist. Whilst Gabriel Martinelli came in for criticism for this finishing, the Brazilian did work hard and contribute defensively.

Meanwhile, as veteran duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey started together in midfield for the first time, their experience and composure helped the Gunners to manage the fixture.

However, it was Arsenal’s defensive effort that truly made this triumph possible. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were imperious at the back, with the former even grabbing the winning goal.

David Raya was impressive between the sticks, and Jurrien Timber caught the eye with his physical, committed, all-action performance.

Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka hail Arsenal ace Jurrien Timber

Having arrived at the Emirates Stadium in a £38 million switch from Ajax last summer, Timber’s first campaign in North London was decimated by an ACL injury.

He is clearly eager to make up for lost time this time around, and the Dutchman already looks to have settled into Arteta’s back four.

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Having now taken part in his first North London Derby, the 23-year-old defender took to Instagram to discuss the experience.

Timber said: “Painting North London 𝒓𝒆𝒅 for the first time.”

Saka responded to this statement, adding that Timber was: “Soo good.”

Meanwhile, iconic former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also replied, crediting Timber with being: “Unreal today.”

Jurrien Timber makes statement for Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

Timber will be desperate to play as often as possible this season. However, he faces a challenge in establishing himself as the Gunners’ first choice left-back.

As Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both currently sidelined, and Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up a late injury before the North London Derby, Timber was the obvious choice to start against Spurs.

When everyone is fit and available, though, there will be a great deal of competition for the left-back berth.

With his display on Sunday, though, Timber showed that he isn’t one to back down from a fight.

Arsenal secured all three points as they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the North London derby, an impressive result given the circumstances.

Mikel Arteta was missing several key players as Arsenal travelled to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but his side were resolute defensively and kept a clean sheet to seal the win after Gabriel Magalhaes headed in from a corner in the second half.

The game also saw Raheem Sterling come on for his Arsenal debut, in a rare event where a player makes his club debut in this heated fixture.

One player who did make his debut in the North London derby was Danny Rose, who scored a screamer for Tottenham in a win against Arsenal. The defender went on to have a solid career at Spurs, but was always disliked by Gunners fans.

However, fans will enjoy what Rose has had to say about the latest victory over Spurs, which meant that for the first time since 1988, Arsenal have won three consecutive away North London derbies.

Danny Rose admits Arsenal deserved to beat Tottenham

Speaking on Match of the Day, Rose admitted that Arsenal deserved to beat his former side.

“I just think after twenty minutes, Arsenal sort of said ‘is this is this all you’ve got,’ and yeah they just look incredible,” Rose stated.

“They look like they enjoy defending, enjoy getting there first on the crosses. And yes I think Spurs – I won’t say they were unlucky, but I think Arsenal definitely deserved the win.”

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It was fairly tight game, but Gabriel Martinelli did squander a huge chance for Arsenal in the first-half, whilst the Gunners also kept Spurs at bay superbly despite missing Declan Rice’s defensive presence.

Danny Rose praises William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes after North London derby

Rose went on to praise the performances of defenders Gabriel and William Saliba, who were imperious at the back for Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, whilst highlighting that Spurs had to take advantage of their initially dominant opening 20 minutes.

“100% [When asked if Spurs had to take advantage of the first 20 minutes]. Especially when you’re playing against an Arsenal team where the goalkeeper won the Golden Glove last season,” he added.

“Gabriel and Saliba just look incredible together, they look like they really do enjoy defending, and Spurs had to capitalise on the first 15-20 minutes.”

Arsenal were the better team overall with the bigger chances, and despite sitting back after taking the lead, the sheer quality of their defending meant Spurs did not even come close to scoring.

Mikel Arteta has now opened up about the challenges that he faced in preparing for the North London Derby.

Arsenal were triumphant in Sunday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Mikel Arteta’s side were able to secure a 1-0 win on the road against Spurs, courtesy of a second half Gabriel Magalhaes header.

This victory meant that Arteta’s side have beaten Spurs away from home three times in a row, a feat that even Arsene Wenger never achieved in his time at the helm.

However, this was not an easy game for Arsenal, as Spurs had chances themselves, nor was there anything straightforward about the build-up.

Arsenal are currently enduring something of an injury crisis. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Mikel Merino, amongst others, were all absent for this clash. Oleksandr Zinchenko also picked up a late injury.

On top of that, Declan Rice was also sidelined with a suspension.

Mikel Arteta reveals North London Derby preparation woes

Speaking after the match, as quoted by the official Arsenal website, Arteta discussed how he coped with the absences afflicting his squad.

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The Spanish coach said: “I didn’t enjoy it because I didn’t sleep much. I looked at Spurs for four or five days. I had a super clear plan, how to do it.

“I prepared everything, the session, the meeting, etc, and then one news, we lose a player. Another news, we lose another player. Another news, we lose a player. So I had to completely change it.

“I liked the plan for the players that we had available, so it was a great challenge.”

How Arsenal adapted against Tottenham Hotspur

Arteta was forced to ring the changes against Spurs. Leandro Trossard moved infield, operating as a playmaker in the absence of Odegaard. The Belgian impressed in this role, carving out a number of chances, including one particularly enticing opportunity that Gabriel Martinelli was criticised for wasting.

Meanwhile, Jorginho and Thomas Partey started together in the middle of the park for the first time ever, and whilst they struggled to cope with the pace of the game at times, the duo’s experience saw them through the match.

All in all, Arteta deserves huge credited for concocting a successful game plan in such trying circumstances.

Arsenal are set to take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, and they are very familiar opponents for attacker Kai Havertz.

Havertz has been outstanding as a centre-forward in 2024, and will hope to continue his strong start to the season with a goal against Arsenal’s biggest rivals.

The German is very familiar with the significance of Arsenal’s rivalry with Tottenham, having also played against them with Chelsea, and Havertz netted in last season’s victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Havertz is now playing alongside former Chelsea teammates Jorginho and Raheem Sterling, with the latter in line to make his Arsenal debut after joining on loan on deadline day.

Arsenal are set to come up against another one of Havertz’s former Chelsea teammates, and compatriot Timo Werner in the clash with Spurs, but the 25-year-old will not be in the mood for any friendly greetings.

Arsenal star Kai Havertz does not speak to Tottenham players

In an interview ahead of the North London derby, Havertz was asked whether he had spoken to Werner, but the Arsenal star gave an answer which fans will love.

“I don’t speak to Spurs players now,” Havertz replied.

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Havertz and Werner both joined Chelsea at the same time, as teammates in the German National Team, and have played against each other in the Bundesliga and the Premier League, with Werner coming off the bench in Arsenal’s win at Spurs last season.

Kai Havertz’s record against Tottenham Hotspur

Havertz performed superbly in the 3-2 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, assisting Bukayo Saka’s goal before heading in from a corner to make it 3-0 before half time.

In eight appearances against Spurs for Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and Arsenal, Havertz has scored twice and provided one assist, with his other goal coming for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

In the potential absence of Martin Odegaard, Havertz may be forced to drop into midfield, but he will nevertheless hope to make an impact in another huge game for Arsenal.

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit seems to have angered former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara just before the North London Derby.

Mikel Arteta and Ange Postecoglou’s men will both be going into the fixture looking for a win, and it could be a great game to watch.

Spurs have a better chance on Sunday than they have had in recent years because as many as seven Arsenal players could miss the North London Derby.

That is a big advantage for them, but Arsenal legend Petit believes the Gunners’ problems will have no bearing on the result whatsoever.

Jamie O’Hara reacts to Emmanuel Petit’s Arsenal and Tottenham combined XI

Petit left Arsenal over two decades ago, but he still remembers how fierce the rivalry is between the Gunners and Tottenham.

The legendary Frenchman, who won a number of trophies including the World Cup, played in plenty of derbies in his career, and he’s a great judge of players.

On talkSPORT, Petit was asked about his prediction for the upcoming North London Derby. Instead of giving a straight answer, he told Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent to name how many Spurs players would get into an Arsenal and Tottenham combined XI.

With Martin Odegaard expected to miss the game and Declan Rice suspended, those two players were not taken into consideration.

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Even then, only Heung-min Son and James Maddison made the cut.

“So maybe two (Spurs) players maximum (get into Arsenal’s team), even when Odegaard and Declan Rice are not there! So you have your answer (on who will win).”

O’Hara, who is a big Tottenham fan, was not happy at all.

He said on talkSPORT: “I think he’s talking garbage and I can’t believe I’m saying that about Emmanuel Petit because he’s literally one of the legends!

“Two players? What’s he talking about? How many Arsenal players get into Spurs’ team?”

O’Hara thinks six Tottenham players would get into Arsenal’s team

We don’t know what O’Hara is so upset about, Petit is absolutely right!

Son is the only Tottenham player who would even get close to the Arsenal team when everyone’s fit. Maddison could get the nod if Odegaard’s unavailable, but if not, he’s not getting anywhere near Arteta’s side.

We completely agree with Petit here, but O’Hara, to defend himself, has come up with his own combined XI, and we think it is absolutely ridiculous.

The pundit picked Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro in defence, with Yves Bissouma, Maddison and Son also in the side.

O’Hara believes only David Raya, William Saliba, Thomas Partey, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz would get into this Spurs side, which is simply absurd.

The three Spurs defenders he has picked conceded 61 goals in the Premier League in the 2023/24 season, which is more than twice as many as Arsenal’s backline did.

Bissouma is a decent player, but he doesn’t even get close to Partey if both players are fully fit.

O’Hara claimed that Petit’s combined XI is ‘garbage’, but we think he should have a long, hard look at his team before commenting on a World Cup winner’s opinion.