Arsenal.com

After seeing us beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 to record a fourth straight win at the home of our biggest rivals, Mikel Arteta was soon in the press conference room taking questions from the media.

He was asked about us bouncing back from the midweek result in style, Ebere Eze making an impact in the derby again, what we'll do with a week between games and much more.

Here is everything he had to say:

on the response:

I think the whole team, I cannot be prouder and happier for what I've seen out there, but especially the way we lived the last 72 hours, because I think this game in particular needed some context. And after what happened against Wolves and the manner in which we lost two points in the last kick of the game, it was tough. But that's the beauty of this game. There is no explanation watching the game, for how the hell you draw that game, from any angle. You watch it back and say it's impossible, and you have to watch it again and say it's not going to happen, but it happened. And then you have to lift yourself up because you're feeling angry, upset, ashamed at some point.

We are all different nationalities, we all have different feelings, and then you have to bring everybody together. It's been a joy to spend that time together with them, to align everybody and to say: 'OK, what is going to be happening in the next chapter?' This one is gone, how do we use it to be a turning point and to make ourselves better, and that was the focus, that was the intention. But after you have to do it on the pitch, and I think what we've done from the beginning to the end of the match. It was outstanding.

on the players’ performances showing how much we wanted it:

The way I could feel them after the game and the way I was feeling, it's much bigger - this is not a job. When you are disappointed about what you've done in your job, you don't feel that way, it's much bigger than that. That's our passion, it's the purpose that we have, the objective that we have is what we love doing, and that is very painful. But as well, it can be very rewarding, and today, football shows you that keep going - whatever you do, you win. Keep going. If you lose, drop. Keep going because it is worth it, especially with the people that we have in this club.

on if he know about Eze’s goalscoring prowess in the second half of the season:

We looked at every stat, but that one, to be very honest, no. I mean, he's scored five goals in the last two games against them, which is extremely difficult to do, but I could see that he wanted to prove something. He was upset, even with me, because I didn't play him in the other day from the beginning and some of the decisions that I made. And I start to understand how we're going to get the best out of him now.

on if today showed how the attackers can unlock themselves:

Yes, I think they have some very, very good moments. With the amount of goals and performances and wins that we have in every competition, they are showing that. But you have to show when it matters, and when it's really on the edge and people are doubting, that's when you have to stand up, and it's very difficult to do it. But today, I think individually they had some huge performances and I'm very pleased to see that.

on Bukayo Saka being back to his best:

I loved his attitude, his presence, how dominant he was in the game from the beginning. The first reaction immediately, he wants to grab the game, and he really wants to say, I'm here. And that's what I love, he didn't score, but he was in every action. I think he was really, really good.

on his feelings for the way we’ve reacted:

I am very, very proud and very happy, not for today, but what happened in the last three days because we said: OK, let's love the players when they need it the most. But as well, sometimes the coaches and the staff, we need some love as well. We need some people around them with positivity, drive and who stand up next to you when we need them. And it's been really, really good to work with them in the last few days.

on if he’s spoken to Eze about his impact in this fixture:

You just have to look at his face and the way he was in the dressing room and with that big smile and his eyes are just expressing everything that you need to. He came here for a reason and we need those moments from these players. I think him and the front players today, I think they've done what we expect from them.

on if he’s going to let the players drink cocktails in our week off:

I don't drink cocktails. So, no, we will do our own thing.

on how important it is to get the win ahead of a midweek without a game:

Really, really important because obviously the amount of games that we are playing, every competition is just incredible and today gives you a chance to actually take a little breath, analyse what we're doing and go again to the international break. That's when we're going to have a lot of games again.

on if this has felt like a turning point of a performance:

It feels like we've shown what we are made of but then you have to show it again and again and again, because if you have to just analyse how you feel after every game, I mean it's a massive rollercoaster and it's not sustainable. So, we've done great today, I think we're all very proud of the manner in which we won the game, not only the way that we performed and we know what it means to us. We go again.

A brace apiece from Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze gave us a memorable north London derby win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

We had controlled most of the first half, and took the lead when Eze controlled Saka’s cross before swivelling to smash home, two minutes later we surrendered the lead when Randal Kolo Muani fired beyond David Raya.

We came out fired up for the second half, and Gyokeres blasted home a beauty from the edge of the box to put us back ahead, before Eze’s second of the afternoon gave us breathing space. The Swede then capped a superb performance with our fourth in injury-time to replicate our score from the home derby in November.

Early dominance

We began the game full of intent, dominating the ball in the early exchanges and creating all the early chances. Gyokeres had a header blocked before Leandro Trossard tried his luck from distance when Guglielmo Vicario was caught outside of his area to deal with a David Raya long pass. The Belgian’s attempt from fully 30 yards was cleared away to safety by a back-peddling Radu Dragusin.

Gyokeres then burst into the area before shooting just wide as we hemmed the hosts back into their own half in the opening 10 minutes, bur momentum was somewhat killed though by a tech issue for the officials, which held up play for at least five minutes.

After play eventually resumed, William Saliba headed wide from our first corner, and Trossard blazed well over after latching onto a loose pass.

Goal for each team

Just past the half hour we finally got the goal we deserved. Bukayo Saka did well to beat Pape Matar Sarr on the byline and put his ball into the danger zone. Eze controlled it, then got his foot up high to the bouncing ball to angle his shot beyond Vicario and break the deadlock. It was his fourth goal against our local rivals this season, following his hat-trick at Emirates Stadium in November.

But our lead was short-lived. Two minutes later Rice had his pocket picked by Kolo Muani outside the area, and the Frenchman drove on before beating Raya low down.

The game had opened up. Saka raced onto an excellent Piero Hincapie searching pass through the middle, but was denied by Vicario when one-on-one, and Trossard was next to go close, squeezing his shot just wide through a crowded penalty area. Replays showed it just clipped Yves Bissouma’s heel for a corner on the way through.

LEAD STRETCHED

The second half was once again delayed by communication problems for the officials, but one it did get underway Gyokores wasted no time in firing back into the lead.

Jurrien Timber rolled the ball from the right onto the feet of the Swede just outside the area, he took a touch before thumping his finish beyond the flailing Vicario inside the area. It was a superb finish for his 14th of the season.

It was almost deja vu when Kolo Muani had the ball in the net again soon after, but was adjudged to have pushed Gabriel to get onto the end of a cross.

On the hour we increased our advantage. Good play between Gyokeres, Eze and Saka resulted in a chance for the latter as he burst into the box. He was crowded out, but the loose ball squirmed free for Eze to dispatch his second of the afternoon.

He became the first Arsenal player to score five goals against Spurs in the same season, and it also made it five goals at this stadium in his last three appearances, including for previous side Crystal Palace.

Gyokeres seals it

Relegation-threatened Tottenham – with new head coach Igor Tudor in charge for the first time – were in danger of being overrun. But after Trossard and Saka both shot wide, they nearly pulled one back through Richarlison. His flicked shot went through Raya’s legs, only for our Spaniard to superbly reach back and claw it off the line.

We had the final say though. Gyokeres – a tireless performer all day up front – grabbed our fourth in injury time, easily holding off Archie Gray before tucking past Vicario.

It’s the first time we have won four consecutive away matches against Tottenham since 1955, and the first time we have won five in a row home and away since 1989. More importantly the result put us five points clear at the top of the table.

FACTS AND STATS

We have completed a league double over Tottenham Hotspur in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1987/88 and 1988/89.

Only Wolves (10) have lost more home games in Europe’s big-five leagues this season than Tottenham Hotspur (8), with Spurs remaining the only winless team home and away in the Premier League in 2026.

We recorded our biggest away win against Tottenham in the league since a 5-0 victory in December 1978 – it is the second season in which we have won both league meetings with Spurs by 3+ goals, after the 1934/35 campaign (5-1 home, 6-0 away).

Igor Tudor is the first Tottenham manager to lose their first Premier League game in charge since Andre Villas-Boas in August 2012, with each of the previous nine going unbeaten.

We are the second team to win four consecutive away games against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, after Manchester United (6, September 2001-February 2007). Spurs, meanwhile, have only won four of their last 28 league matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham have recorded just nine shots against us in the Premier League this season (6 at home, 3 away); only against Manchester City in 2019/20 (6) have they had fewer in a campaign on record against an opponent (since 2003/04).

Only Robert Pires (7 in 11 apps) and Emmanuel Adebayor (6 in 7 apps) have scored more Premier League goals for us in north London derbies than Eberechi Eze (5 in 2 apps).

Eze is the first player to score five or more goals against an opponent in the same Premier League season for us since Emmanuel Adebayor vs Derby in 2007/08 (6).

Viktor Gyokeres has scored more goals in 2026 across all competitions than any other Premier League player, with eight of his 15 total goals for us coming this calendar year.

What’s next

It’s a very rare midweek without a game for us – the first time in 2026 – and we’ll return with a home game against Chelsea in the Premier League next Sunday. That will be followed by a midweek trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in the league before the FA Cup fifth round clash away to Mansfield Town.

Eberechi Eze is back into the starting XI to face Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby.

Our No. 10 - who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture earlier this season - is one of two changes from the team that faced Wolves in midweek, with Leandro Trossard also coming in start the game. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are the pair to make way.

The back four in front of David Raya remains unchanged, while Martin Zubimendi continues in midfield alongside Declan Rice, who makes his 100th Premier League appearance for us.

Bukayo Saka – who signed a new long-term contract in the week – starts on the wing with Viktor Gyokeres again leading the line up front.

Martin Odegaard returns from a knee injury sustained against Brentford to take his place on the bench, but Ben White misses out entirely. Kai Havertz, Mikel Merino and Max Dowman also remain unavailable. Mikel Arteta said: "We tried with Kai, it was too early unfortunately, but Martin is okay to play some minutes. Ben had a little niggle yesterday and he couldn't make the game."

Tottenham come into the game under new management – Igor Tudor has taken over as head coach after a run of eight Premier League games without a win under Thomas Frank.

Tudor makes two changes from the side that lost to Newcastle in their last game on February 10. Joao Palhinha and Randal Kolo Muani replace Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke. Richarlison recovers from injury to be among the subs.

LINEUPS

Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Gyokeres.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Madueke, Martinelli, Odegaard, Jesus.

The 199th north London derby sees us head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (4.30pm), looking to get back to winning ways and continue our recent dominance of this fixture.

We have won six of our last seven league games against Spurs, including the last three at the home of our arch-rivals, we’ll want to keep that form going to once again give all Gooners the local bragging rights, and also collect a big three points before we head into our final 10 league games of the season.

After back-to-back draws on the road, we’re making the short trip to our neighbours, who are under new management following Igor Tudor’s short-term arrival after Thomas Frank was sacked last week, with Spurs hovering dangerously above the drop zone. The former Croatia midfielder was most recently at Juventus, where he was dismissed in October after a poor start to the Serie A season.

No home comforts

After a 17th-place finish last term cost Ange Postecoglou his job despite lifting the Europa League, Frank’s tenure ended last week after a meek 2-1 loss against Newcastle United, which leaves them 16th, five points above the drop zone and with two league wins from their last 17.

The last time they collected three points was at Crystal Palace in December, meaning Spurs are the only side without a Premier League win so far in 2026. They have drawn four and lost four of their last eight games, and since their opening day win against Burnley, the Lilywhites have won just one of their 12 league matches on home soil.

Since the turn of the year, West Ham United and Newcastle have become the latest teams to leave with victories while Sunderland earned a point. However Spurs did come from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City in front of their own fans at the start of the month, and finished fourth in the Champions League table to book a last 16 spot.

What the managers say

Arteta: "We have a long season. Chapter 27 says, okay, we draw against Wolves in this manner. What I’m very interested in is the next one, it’s what we are made of. Ok, what do we do about this and how we write our own destiny from here and going forward, and that’s it. You have to react to that because life moves on, the result has to stay, unfortunate as it was.

"[The derby] is the one we have after and it’s the one we cannot wait to play. If we could play today, I think we’d all love to play today, to get that feeling that we have in our tummies and use it in the right way and we have to show that on Sunday." - every word from Mikel’s pre-match press conference

Tudor: "I understand the importance of this game, this is a north London derby. Everybody expects the three points from us. We are aware of this, but what was my goal in these first sessions is that we became a team, that we became a team in the right meaning of the word, the team who want to suffer when it needs to suffer. To fight, to run, to have the right mentality.

"This is the start. I was working on a lot of things, not everything because football is not only about that. It’s about having a clear idea of what we want to do, with the ball, without the ball, when we’re pressed or when we’re low. So we work a lot, but the start is always about mentality. That’s because the people come before the football player."

Team news

Leandro Trossard came off late on against Wolves but Arteta has said he's fine to feature, as is Bukayo Saka who also had to be withdrawn at Molineux as he manages his fitness.

Martin Odegaard has missed the past couple of matches with a small knee issue, while Kai Havertz has a muscle problem, and they will be assessed in the build-up to see if they can feature. Mikel Merino is out longer-term with a foot injury that required surgery.

As well as a full treatment room, Spurs will be without captain Cristian Romero through suspension. They have lost each of their last six home Premier League games that the Argentinian has missed.

While Dominic Solanke should recover from illness, Pedro Porro and Richarlison are closing in on returns from hamstring injuries that have sidelined them for the past month, but are unlikely to be ready. Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus are definitely out with the same ailment.

Lucas Bergvall required ankle surgery last month and is out, as is Kevin Danso after snapping a toe ligament. Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are all out long-term with knee injuries, while Ben Davies has a broken ankle.

TALKING TACTICS

Adrian Clarke: Tudor has always had a very clear philosophy. His teams are aggressive on and off the ball, so when we have possession at the back, it’s highly likely Spurs will adopt a hostile man-to-man press. Creating chances through high turnovers is one of his key strategies, but this will represent a big change for Tottenham who currently rank 19th for shots from high turnovers.

The key man in this regard could be attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. The young Belgian has won possession inside the final third 18 times this season, the joint most of any top-flight player. With a couple of assists to his name in 2026, he is also in good form creatively.

Tudor’s stock formation is 3-4-2-1, using a back three in 95% of games in his last three roles. With injuries causing selection issues, that could mean we see Joao Palhinha alongside Radu Dragusin and Micky van de Ven if he goes with his favoured shape. It should be noted that in that formation under Thomas Frank, Spurs did struggle.

On the ball, Tudor’s teams are renowned for their chaos. He encourages players to readily rotate positions, with centre-backs pushing forward, midfielders pulling wide, and wing-backs often popping up behind the striker. This can create confusion for opponents, and the speedy Van de Ven might be a threat in forward areas.

Facts and stats

Tottenham are winless in their last eight Premier League games. They last had a longer run within the same campaign between August and November 2007 (9).

Tottenham have lost their last three league home games against us, as many as they had in their previous 23. They last lost four in a row against us between 1952 and 1955.

We have won six of our last seven league games against Spurs, including each of the last four. We last won five league games in a row against them between January 1987 and January 1989.

Since our last league defeat against Spurs in May 2022, we have lost just one of their 21 away London derby matches in the Premier League (W14 D6), at Fulham in December 2023.

Tottenham have scored more Premier League goals via defenders both overall (10) and as a percentage of their total goals (28%) than any other side this season.

Igor Tudor has won his first match in charge in each of his last five spells at a club, starting with his second spell at Hajduk Split in February 2020, and with Verona, Marseille, Lazio and Juventus since.

Eberechi Eze has scored six goals in his last four Premier League appearances against Spurs, including three in two at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Bukayo Saka has had a hand in six goals across his last eight Premier League appearances against Tottenham (3 goals, 3 assists), either scoring (1) or assisting (2) in each of his last three visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has won 41 of his 68 Premier League London derbies as manager, the best win

rate (60.3%) of anyone to take charge of at least 20. Overall, only Arsene Wenger (106 from 194 games) and José Mourinho (42/70) have won more London derbies.

Match officials

This will be the 13th time that Peter Bankes has refereed one of our games, with the last coming earlier in the month when he handled our Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win against Chelsea. He was also the man in the middle for our 2-1 loss at Aston Villa in December. We have won nine times under his watch, but have never received a penalty nor a red card. No ref has shown more reds than his three in the top-flight this term.

It will be the third time the Merseysider has presided over a Spurs game this term, with them beating Manchester City in August and drawing at Burnley last month.

Referee: Peter Bankes

Assistants: Eddie Smart, Blake Antrobus

Fourth official: Sam Barrott

VAR: Darren England

Assistant VAR: Tim Wood

Recent away derbies

We have returned triumphant from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on our last three visits, and we go looking for a fourth straight success at the home of our neighbours for the first time in 71 years.

Last season saw Gabriel power home a header to grab a 1-0 win for The Arsenal, while the campaign before saw us race into a 3-0 before the break thanks to a Pierre-Emile Hojberg own goal and strikes from Saka and Havertz putting our supporters in dreamland. Romero and Heung-min Son pulled goals back to make it a nervy ending, but we held on for the points.

Back in January 2023, we notched our first victory at the venue courtesy of a 2-0 success, with a Hugo Lloris own goal and an Odegaard strike setting us on our way to our first league double over our rivals for seven years.

Live coverage

Tune into Arsenal.com and the official app from 4.25pm on Sunday for live commentary of the clash, with Dan Roebuck and Adrian Clarke keeping you right up to date with all the derby day goings-on.

With the final months of the season approaching and still fighting on all four fronts, Mikel Arteta is keen for his players to write their own destiny as we reach the business end of the season.

We head to Tottenham for the north London derby, looking to maintain our lead at the top of the Premier League table.

While disappointed with the late draw against Wolves on Wednesday, Mikel is keen to turn over the page and write a new chapter, starting on Sunday against Spurs.

He said: "What I’ve seen is a tremendous reaction again and I’m not surprised at all. When you lose points in the last kick of the game again, in a very unpredictable manner, to concede an equaliser in the manner that we did it, nobody can really understand that.

"But this is football and that’s the beauty of it, and that was a chapter. So we have a long season. Chapter 27 says, okay, we draw against Wolves in this manner.

"What I’m very interested in is the next one, it’s what we are made of. Ok, what do we do about this and how do we write our own destiny from here and going forward, and that’s it.

"You have to react to that because life moves on, the result has to stay, unfortunate as it was. There is nothing that we can do, what we can do is a lot, it’s what’s going to happen next."

The next challenge comes in the form of Tottenham, who had a new manager at the helm in the shape of Croatian Igor Tudor.

On looking forward to the latest north London derby, Mikel said: "It’s the one we have after and it’s the one we cannot wait to play. If we could play today, I think we’d all love to play today, to get that feeling that we have in our tummies and use it in the right way and we have to show on Sunday.

"I think it's happened [facing a team with a new manager] seven times already this season. We are getting used to it. We have analysed everything that he's done in his career. In different clubs, different formations, the players that they have available.

"From there, of course, we will have the capacity to adapt in relation to what the game requires. But the main focus is also on what we have to do to win."

Mikel Arteta has been speaking with the press ahead of our short trip across north London to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, February 22.

During his press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Mikel previewed the clash, gave an injury update and much more.

Read every word below, with a video of the full press conference to follow:

on if there are any fresh injury concerns:

No, nothing new.

on the availability of Havertz and Odegaard:

We have to wait until tomorrow but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game.

on Saka’s new contract:

I think they are all very important. We are very happy that the players are feeling in such a strong way about the club and what we are doing and the way they feel treated and the fact that they can continue to improve and win what we want to win together. Bukayo’s news, obviously, is great, he’s one of our own, we got him here since he was very, very little. For him to make that decision and the club to be so aligned with him, I think it’s a really positive thing.

on how our players have reacted to the Wolves draw:

What I’ve seen is a tremendous reaction again and I’m not surprised at all. When you lose points in the last kick of the game again, in a very unpredictable manner, I would say, because to predict somebody with a 0.2 expected goals probability and one shot, to concede an equaliser in the manner that we did it, nobody can really understand that. But this is football and that’s the beauty of it, and that was a chapter.

We have a long season. Chapter 27 says, okay, we draw against Wolves in this manner. What I’m very interested in is the next one, it’s what we are made of. Ok, what do we do about this and how we write our own destiny from here and going forward, and that’s it. You have to react to that because life moves on, the result has to stay, unfortunate as it was. There is nothing that we can do, what we can do is a lot, it’s what’s going to happen next.

on the message to our supporters:

The immediate reaction is tough. You put so much in, you look at the first half and actually what happened in the game, I was post-match [talking] about the standards that we showed, it was much better than expected but it’s still not enough to the standards that we required. It's very difficult to understand, so it is a shock in the system, but they’ve been incredibly good with that. We wanted to give them the victory, we couldn’t, and we have to move on.

on if the north London derby is the perfect opportunity to respond:

It’s the one we have after and it’s the one we cannot wait to play. If we could play today, I think we’d all love to play today, to get that feeling that we have in our tummies and use it in the right way and we have to show that on Sunday.

on how big a challenge it is to prepare for a game against a new manager:

I think it's happened seven times already this season. We are getting used to it. We have analysed everything that he's done in his career. In different clubs, different formations, the players that they have available. From there, of course, we will have the capacity to adapt in relation to what the game requires. But the main focus is also on what we have to do to win.

on Vinicius Junior and if we’ve spoken to our players about what should happen in an incident like that:

That's why we have meetings with the Premier League or UEFA before the season starts to make sure that everybody is very aware of the protocols and what we expect from each other. Obviously, there is no room for racism in this sport. I think we need to stick to that, and then the manner of acting, I think you have to go case by case to understand what's the best option.

on the amount of goals we’ve conceded late on in matches:

I think every game has had different situations. We have one against Palace in the Carabao Cup as well. So, yes, there are different situations to analyse. Certainly, it is not the intention to defend any result, that's not the mindset of the players. You have to give credit to the opposition, and sometimes because you are not doing exactly what the game demands in certain aspects with the ball, which is more what happened on that one, by soaking up pressure without conceding a single shot as well. Which is the reality of what happened. The Villa one was, in my opinion, very different, the last seven or eight minutes of the game.

on why Norgaard hasn’t come in more to replace Zubimendi:

We played with Christian, Declan [Rice] has played there as well. We have changed a lot of players in the team. So it's dependent on the kind of game that we expect, who do we believe is in the best condition physically, mentally, technically and tactically to deliver what we require.

on if people are losing perspective on where we are this season:

No, because I think everybody has their own opinion, and their perspective is the right one. I think we all have an individual book. I don't know what your book would say. What you predicted three months ago, five, seven, eight, it would be very interesting to go through yours and understand how you predict it or how you see the season going. We have ourselves a very clear instruction. We have to live in the present. What we did in the past is great, but we have to live in the present, and the present is beautiful. We are exactly what we want to be in every competition, and what is there to play, for we need to earn it, like we've done in the last seven or eight months.

on how important it is to keep calm now:

Yes, keep calm, keep our eyes open, ears open and understand what the players need to give their best. That’s it. One of the things we have to tweak every game is to keep doing what we are doing, which is winning a lot of games and being in the position we want to be.

on if this is the biggest north London derby for a long time:

I don’t know. For us, it’s the most important one because it’s the one we have in a few days’ time. It’s the one that is going to give us the chance to be closer to achieving what we want.

on if we can use the emotion of the derby in a positive way:

That’s what we are trying to do. That’s the instant reaction - first of all, it’s pain [from conceding late in our last game], and then after that, what can we do about it? That’s it. There is not another thing that we have to do - now all we have to do is perform on the pitch. The words are clear. I was a player - love me when I draw or lose. When I win, to love you when I win, it’s very easy. You have to love the players and be next to them when they need it most.

on if he was surprised by how our players dealt with the situation against Wolves:

No, because I know how much they want it and that’s part of it. When you are so keen to achieve what you want to do, and you are putting so much in throughout the season every single day to get closer and closer to your objective, you live with that passion. That’s very normal, and this one is off the pitch.

on a video from Wolves’ TikTok about the game:

No [I haven’t seen it], what I read is the press conference of Rob [Edwards], the manager, before the game and what he said about us and what he texted me. He thinks we are the best team in the league by far - I’m much more interested in that than any other thing that I don’t know who posted, or whatever. Especially because I don’t read it.

on what he wants from us after we score the first goal:

Score the second and the third one. Attack better; be more dominant in the high press, dominate all the rest of the plays; don’t give unnecessary fouls so the goalkeeper can start putting balls in and put two centre-backs up. Dominate all chaotic situations; they are what we want to do, and keep the ball under pressure.

on dropping points from winning positions:

If we address that, we are the best team in the world and unstoppable because we will be 32 points ahead of everybody else.

on wanting to widen the margins in relation to goals for and against:

Against, very unpredictable to predict the kind of goals that we conceded. The Brentford one [came] from us throwing much more. What we can do before that to prevent that happening is still improvable, and in the attacking process, the first half we had very different outcomes. In the second half as well, a very, very open situation. We didn't even finish with a chance. So, a lot of room to improve.

on if he’d like to use Saka and Havertz in a new combination when available:

We can. It depends as well on the availability of the players in terms of the load that he can absorb. Bukayo was okay to start the game but we knew that he could not finish the game so we had to get him out because he was going to start to cramp or take a risk with the previous injury that he had and we didn't want to do that. So, depending on the state of the player, how much we can use him.

on if Trossard is okay for Sunday:

Yes, he's fine, yes.

on if we need to win trophies for players to want to stay long-term:

Well, up to now, that probably hasn't been the driving force behind their decision. So, we'll see from here forward.

on if it’s becoming mentally tougher to be in a title race:

I think it's becoming more and more exciting because that means that you are closer. The more repeatedly you are in these kinds of positions, you're going to win it. The same in the Champions League. You don't get to the quarter-finals for, how long was it? 20 years? Or semi-final. It's impossible. You have no chance. You can dream whatever but you have no chance. So, first of all, you have to be there, and then in April or May, it will be decided who is the best, who can get over the line.

on conceding low xG goals, if it’s a coincidence or something we’re doing wrong:

Probably a bit of both. I think we'll have to go goal by goal. But somebody from a really low-scoring position can put the ball in the top bins. What are the odds for that to happen? Or someone putting the ball in the top corner and costing you points? I don't know. It depends on the players in this league. They have a lot of quality as well. That's a credit to them

Mikel Arteta has issued an update on the fitness of our first team squad ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

The boss was asked about potential returns to the squad for midfield duo Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, who have both missed our last two games.

“Well, we have to wait until tomorrow,” Mikel said at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday, “but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game.”

There was more positive news on Leandro Trossard, as Mikel said the winger will be fit for Sunday’s derby despite going off injured towards the end of our 2-2 draw with Wolves.

Like Leo, Bukayo Saka was forced off in the second half at Molineux. But our no.7 will be in line to make his first appearance since signing a new contract when we make the short trip to Spurs.

“Bukayo’s news, obviously, is great, he’s one of our own,” the boss said on Bukayo’s new deal, “we are very happy that the players are feeling in such a strong way about the club.

“We’ve got him here since he was very, very little. For him to make that decision and the club to be so aligned with him, I think that’s a really positive thing.”

With Bukayo and Kai potentially available at the same time, Mikel was asked about the prospect of fielding both players in the number 10 position.

While open to the idea, the boss urged caution in easing players back into the fold after spells on the sidelines.

“We can; it depends as well on the availability of the players in terms of the load we can absorb.

“Bukayo was okay to start the game (against Wolves) but we knew that he could not finish the game so we had to get him out.

“He was going to start to cramp or take a risk with the previous injury and we didn’t want to do that. So, depending on the state of the players, how much we can use them.”

Ahead of a huge weekend coming up which includes our second north London derby of the season, Fantasy Premier League returns for Gameweek 27.

We have an opportunity to quickly turn the page after our draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, with a visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium providing a chance to secure another league double over our rivals.

HINCAPIE HAULS DGW POINTS

Our away draws with Brentford and Wolves were part of FPL’s first Double Gameweek (DGW) of 2025/26, and as a result, four of our players were able to scoop double-figure hauls, with Piero Hincapie (£5.1m) leading the charge with a total of 15. The Ecuadorian netted his first Premier League goal at Molineux, and while owned by just 0.6% of managers, he could be an interesting differential bet.

Declan Rice (£7.6m) added another 14 points to his total, having assisted Bukayo Saka at Wolves, and secured DefCon bonuses in each of our two GW26 fixtures. Saka (£9.8m) himself earned 13 points, thanks in no small part to his headed goal on Wednesday.

The other big points-hauler in our Double Gameweek was Noni Madueke (£6.8m), who opened the scoring last week against Brentford with a tidy looping header. Noni claimed 13 points in GW26, just one short of his GW24 total of 14 when he bagged his first Premier League goal for us at Leeds United.

Sunday brings a titanic showdown across north London when we face Tottenham, who we dispatched 4-1 at Emirates Stadium back in November. The derby will be the first match in charge for Spurs’ new boss Igor Tudor, as they fight for Premier League survival with a five-point gap to the relegation zone.

Despite their lowly league position, Spurs have had one success story in Fantasy football this season - namely defender Micky van de Ven (£4.5m), who stands on 100 points. The Dutch defender is owned by 23.6% of FPL squads, having returned at both ends of the pitch this term for a reasonable price.

Their next-highest FPL scorer has been midfielder Joao Palhinha (£5.5m), with 84 points despite an ownership of just 0.8%, while FPL-wise, the most in-form Spurs player over the last five games has been Dominic Solanke (£7.2m), the striker scooping 12 points in GW24 against Manchester City.

IN-FORM BARGAINS

There are plenty of potential bargain buys who are likely to serve your team well, and perhaps no more appealing than Bournemouth defender James Hill (£4.0m). Having previously dropped below the £4.0m fee into ultra-bargain territory, Hill has justified his 3.5% of managers’ faith with 29 points in the last four Gameweeks.

Hill’s Cherries teammate Amine Adli (£5.4m) is also an intriguing outside shot, twice claiming double-figure totals within the last four matches, playing in an advanced role despite being registered in-game as a midfielder. Bournemouth have three fixtures rated a ‘2’ difficulty level in their next four, making Adli and Hill strong differential options.

Another side to have turned up a notch of late is West Ham United, as they continue their battle for safety. Captain Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) has shone and could help fill your forward line, averaging 6.8 points over his last five. This form is only bettered by one teammate, Crysencio Summerville (£5.6m) - a Fantasy midfield option out on the wing who has delivered 36 points between GW22 and GW25. An asterisk for the Hammers is that they do face both Liverpool and Man City among their upcoming four fixtures.

On the verge of reaching 100 points is the Reds' Dominik Szoboszlai (£6.7m), still reasonably priced given the Hungarian is prominent on free-kicks and other set-piece opportunities, and an encouraging run of upcoming matches. The caveat with Szoboszlai is that he is occasionally deployed at right-back, but remains ineligible for four-point clean sheet bonuses due to his registration as a midfielder.

Having previously seen his FPL totals drop off, causing a mass sale among the FPL community, Man City’s Nico O’Reilly (£4.9m) is once again a prized option. O’Reilly, in contrast to Szoboszlai, is registered as a defender but is being increasingly utilised in midfield, thus bolstering his chances of attacking returns. The young Englishman is now owned by fewer than 5% of teams.

PLANNING AHEAD

Due to participation in the latter stages of cup competitions and the difficulty in rearranging fixtures due to European commitments, there will be several more DGWs and Blank Gameweeks (BGWs).

It is already confirmed that in Gameweek 31, towards the late stages of March, neither ourselves nor City will feature due to the Carabao Cup final, consequently rendering both Wolves and Crystal Palace with a BGW alongside us. Should your squad be packed with players from any of these four clubs, there is a major risk of having to field an incomplete XI.

This is where chips come in very handy, and why you shouldn’t feel concerned that you have not yet found an ideal Gameweek to deploy them.

Using chips in back-to-back Gameweeks is very common, and in fact often recommended. Here’s an example strategy: If you play a Free Hit in GW31 - enabling you to temporarily dispense with your Arsenal and Man City assets - you could then play a Wildcard in GW32, focusing your team on any future DGWs and BGWs that may have been confirmed to take place by this point. Your Arsenal and City players will also have returned for the run-in.

If there is a DGW in Gameweek 33 for instance, your previously-played Wildcard can help fill your squad with players with two matches, and you can then slap down your Bench Boost - leaving you with up to 30 opportunities for points throughout your squad, which will have 15 players active in that week. This plan would also give you clarity by letting you plan only your current team from now until GW30 in mid-March.

Whatever you decide to do, whether long- or short-term, make sure you complete your transfers before this week’s deadline on Saturday, February 21, at 1:30pm UK time!

We head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the latest instalment of the north London derby on Sunday, February 22, at 4.30pm.

An Eberechi Eze hat-trick helped us down Tottenham 4-1 at Emirates Stadium in November as we look to do the double over our rivals for a second season in a row.

The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports for UK subscribers. Looking to tune in from around the world? We've got you covered. Check out the list of broadcasters below!

Bukayo Saka feels that we were punished for our second-half performance against Wolves, but has reiterated that our destiny this season is still in our control.

Our skipper for the night put us ahead after just five minutes with a header from close range, and Piero Hincapie’s first goal for the club doubled the lead in the second half.

However Wolves fought back and would find a way to get level when Riccardo Calafiori’s unfortunate own goal earned them a point, as two slipped from our grasp.

Reflecting on the mood in the away changing room, Bukayo said: “It's pretty flat. We’re pretty disappointed with the result, it’s the only way to describe it.

“I think it's a game of two halves. In the first half we started so well but in the second half we dropped the level and got punished for it.”

With the games coming thick and fast, the first opportunity to put things right comes on Sunday when we travel across north London for a meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

While Bukayo is all too aware that every derby day is a massive occasion, he feels that this one has extra emphasis now as we look to get another victory against our rivals to get the winning feeling back again and continue our title push.

“It was already a big game and now it's still a big game,” Bukayo added. “We just know these last few games that we have left, we need to win.

“It's still in our control so we just need to focus on that, fix the issues we're having now and get back to winning ways.”