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Arsenal create Premier League history with first north London derby hat-trick against Tottenham

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Arsenal have created Premier League history by recording a 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby.

A header from Gabriel Magalhaes was enough to earn victory for Mikel Arteta's side and ensure that they retain bragging rights in the rivalry.

While Spurs dominated possession and had more shots on goal, it was Arsenal who retained control of the contest throughout.

In doing so, the Gunners extended their impressive recent record over their rivals.

This win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means that Arsenal have now won three-straight away games over the Lilywhites.

Prior to this clash, the Gunners had won their last two Premier League away games against Spurs, as many as they had managed in their previous 17 such visits (D6 L9).

They last won three consecutive away north London derbies between January 1987 and September 1988, meaning that this is the first time Arsenal have won three-straight away matches against Tottenham in the Premier League era.

Mikel Arteta's side recorded a 2-0 win at Spurs back in the 2022/23 campaign, before claiming a 3-2 victory over Ange Postecoglou's side last term.

It means that as it stands, Arsenal are very much the dominant force in north London.

Victory for Arteta's side puts them second in the Premier League with three wins from four.

It means that they are just two points behind reigning champions, Man City who have 12 from 12.

As for Tottenham, they sit 13th in the table having picked up just four points from four matches this term.

Tottenham will be hoping to dust themselves down in time for the Carabao Cup clash with Coventry on Wednesday night - live on talkSPORT 2.

They then host Brentford next Saturday afternoon in a clash that is exclusively live on talkSPORT 2.

Next up for Arsenal is a trip to Atalanta in the Champions League, before a crunch clash with Man City next weekend.

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Piers Morgan jokes 'even our mascots are harder than Tottenham's' after hilarious behind the scenes footage aired

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Piers Morgan has joked Arsenal won a key battle in the north London derby before a ball was even kicked.

The Gunners saw off fierce rivals Tottenham 1-0 on Sunday, with Gabriel bagging the winner with a bullet header from a corner in the second half.

But before the players had even come out of the tunnel, battle had already begun.

That is… the battle of the mascots.

TV cameras showed the youngsters waiting for their players to come out of their respective dressing rooms to stand beside them.

Only one of the kids was there for Arsenal, with the rest all Spurs.

But that didn’t stop the tiny Gooner from ensuring Arsenal’s presence in Spurs’ backyard felt from early on, as he took on his opponents in the tunnel.

He approached one of the Spurs mascots, playfully shoving him in the back.

Smooth as you like, he then high fived an Arsenal member of staff.

He then faced the rest of Spurs’ mascots and pointed to his shirt.

Fans on social media absolutely loved the cheeky youngster - including Arsenal fan Piers Morgan.

“Even our mascots are harder than Tottenham’s…” he wrote on X, reposting the clip.

A second fan said: “give this kid a statue NOW.”

“I love it. And you must also commend the composure of the spurs mascots,” a third added.

But whilst it all a bit of fun in the tunnel, the same can’t be said for the game itself.

It was 0-0 at the break, but it was an ill-tempered 45 minutes which saw a whopping seven yellow cards dished out.

That’s the joint-most cards ever shown in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match.

Chelsea’s win over Bournemouth earlier this weekend broke the record for the most yellow cards in a Premier League fixture.

Eight were dished out in total in north London in the end as Gunners retained derby bragging rights.

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Real Madrid 'send chief scout' to north London derby to watch Arsenal and Tottenham defenders

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Real Madrid will be keen observers at the north London derby as they cast their eye over two defensive targets.

According to reports on Spain, Carlo Ancelotti's side will be looking at Cristian Romero and William Saliba with the view to potential moves.

Real Madrid are unlikely to pursue such deals in January, but could be looking at potential defensive reinforcements with next season in mind.

Los Blancos' chief scout Juni Calafat will be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to take a look at both players, however it's understood that Saliba will be the main player of interest.

The Arsenal man still has three years left on his deal in north London but at the age of 23, he's thought to be a player who can dominate for many years to come.

Defensive additions are a big priority for Real Madrid with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both over 30.

As a result, they're looking for additions with the future in mind.

Real Madrid have worked hard over the last couple of seasons to build one of the most exciting teams in world football with new signings including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Arda Guler and Endrick joining stars such as Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Eduardo Camavinga.

Saliba is a player who is destined for the very top, a status that he's ready for after speaking about his progress during Euro 2024.

"I think I am in the top three [defenders in the league]", he told L'Equipe.

"We finished with the best defence. I watch a lot of matches. I am a very humble person but last season, just like this season, I am in the top three defenders.

"I need to continue to work to go even higher.

"In terms of concentration, I am a lot better. Before, I could play a top match but in one phase of play, I slept a bit. That is no longer the case. I am always on alert."

Since joining Arsenal, Saliba has made 86 appearances scoring five goals in the process.

In that time he has also helped France to the World Cup final where they finished as runners up, while also winning two Community Shields with Arsenal.

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talkSPORT hosts go to war over Tottenham selections in combined north London derby XI with Arsenal

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Jamie O'Hara and Jason Cundy clashed over which Tottenham players should feature in a combined north London derby with Arsenal stars.

The bitter rivals will battle for the first time this season on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a feisty match on the cards.

Derby days give fans the chance to create starting XI's consisting of players from both sides, with Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit telling talkSPORT that Spurs would maybe have two players 'maximum'.

This is despite the Gunners being set to miss Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard through suspension and injury respectively.

"I think he's talking garbage," said O'Hara in response to Petit, before he and Cundy failed to agree on a combined north London derby XI, with the full Sports Bar clash below.

Cundy: What's he said that's upset you?

O'Hara: Well, two players, what's he talking about? How many Arsenal players get in Spurs' team?

Cundy: Right, well I'm putting Van de Ven in there. I know [Andy] Goldstein recommended him and they shot him down. I'm having [Micky] Van de Ven alongside [William] Saliba.

O'Hara: Yes... Pedro Porro is a better player than Ben White.

Cundy: No, but he's not mate.

O'Hara: Yes he is!

Cundy: No he's not, he's not better than Ben White.

O'Hara: Yes he is! Pedro Porro is an amazing football player, and [Destiny] Udogie plays week in, week out at left-back. He was one of the best left-backs in the country last season.

Cundy: Was he? One of the best in the country? You might have overdone that a little bit...

O'Hara: No, I'm not over-egging it at all.

Cundy: One of the best in the country?

O'Hara: Didn't he get in the team of the season?

Cundy: Did he? Are you sure about that?

O'Hara: Mate, I'm sure he was close to it... I think he got in it, I'm not 100 per cent.

But, they [Arsenal] bought a left-back because their left-back's been poor. So for Emmanuel Petit to come out and say only two players get in...

Cundy: He's won a World Cup mate, he can say what he wants...

O'Hara: I know he can say what he wants, of course he can, absolutely. But, he's talking rubbish.

Cundy: Right, I'm having three. Van de Ven, [James] Maddison in... [Kai] Havertz high up, Maddison can play where Odegaard does, and I'm having [Heung-min] Son on the left. That's from having three in there.

O'Hara: I disagree mate. Look, without Rice, they've got Thomas Partey or Jorginho, right, to choose from. [Yves] Bissouma's a better player.

Cundy: I don't know if Bissouma is... is he fit? I don't know if he's fit mate.

O'Hara: Bissouma's a better player.

Cundy: Ok. I'm just telling you now mate, I'm having three in there.

O'Hara: Obviously [Bukayo] Saka goes on the right and Havertz, at the moment in time... you have to put him up front, down the middle because he's doing alright.

Cundy: And Maddison in behind him... Give us your team then!

O'Hara: Well... there's an argument for [Guglielmo] Vicario...

Cundy: Look, J, listen, don't argue with me or yourself, give us your team.

O'Hara: But I just...

Cundy: Give us your team!

O'Hara: It's annoyed me because, you know, this Arsenal lot think they're Real Madrid, they literally think they're Real Madrid.

Cundy: Give us your team, who's in goal?

O'Hara: [David] Raya. Udogie, Van de Ven, Saliba, Porro...

Cundy: So three of the back four are Spurs?

O'Hara: Yes, 100 per cent.

Cundy: Ok, go on.

O'Hara: Then I would say Bissouma and Thomas Partey, I don't know who's fit.

Cundy: Well Partey's fit and Jorginho is fit from what we got...

O'Hara: Maddison, Son, Saka, Havertz. You can't argue with that, there's no argument, you can't argue with that.

Cundy: You know Arsenal had the best defence in the league last season?

O'Hara: I don't care.

Cundy: And you've got three of the back four...

O'Hara: Yep, Saliba was their best player... so Saliba's in there.

Cundy: Saka was their best player... mate, you can't have Porro over Ben White, you can't mate.

O'Hara: Mate, Porro is top quality.

Cundy: No, he's not better than... mate, come on, that's being a bit silly.

O'Hara: Listen, I'm not being silly!

Cundy: It's a bit silly.

O'Hara: Ask any Spurs fan, and ask an Arsenal fan.

Cundy: Well ok, well listen, ask them now!

So that's six from Tottenham and five from Arsenal in O'Hara's combined north London derby XI - how do you rate it?

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‘Bold, determined, and brave’ - yoga-loving Tottenham are set to be WSL surprise package

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Every year in the WSL, there is always a team who shocks everybody and outperforms all expectations.

Last season it was Liverpool; the season before it was Aston Villa.

This time, Tottenham are on track to be the dark horses who stun the field this season.

Their sixth place league finish was respectable, if not mind-blowing, last year, but it was their FA Cup campaign that better sums up just how far their manager has taken them in such a short time.

They looked increasingly organised, lively and dangerous in front of goal as the season went on - and the scoreline in their 4-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United obscured how competitive they had actually been in the first half.

Bear in mind, just two seasons ago they had been one of the teams in the mix for relegation from the top tier - but some shrewd signings have made all the difference in recent years with attacking duo Beth England and Martha Thomas at the forefront of the team’s revolution.

And what is it about Spurs that makes them look so promising this season?

“I would say that we’re bold, determined and brave in the way in which we play out,” England told talkSPORT when asked what three words best summed up the club.

But it is the Swedish boss at the helm of the club whose calm and collected approach to management seems to have been the real catalyst for change.

Manager: Robert Vilahamn

The perfect way to sum up Robert Vilaham is by understanding the secret weapon he introduced during his first year at the club: team yoga sessions.

It has proved to be an activity that has converted even the most unlikely suspects, as striker England told talkSPORT.

“We've got an amazing yoga teacher, she's called Jess,” she said. “She's fantastic. And it's not always been my cup of tea, but I have learnt to love it almost.

“We're still very much in the yoga-era under Robert. And yeah, I think most of the girls actually really enjoy it. So it's a great way for us to help recover and switch off at times when we need to.”

Vilahamn managed a number of Swedish clubs from 2009 onwards, taking charge of top flight side BK Hacken immediately before his move to Spurs.

He has been a revelation, and his introduction of yoga to squad training has been a resounding success which seems to mirror the gentle but firm approach he takes to leadership.

Having previously told talkSPORT that his intention was to lead at Spurs in the way that Ange Postecoglou had done on the men’s side, he has created an environment at the club which his players have had much praise for.

And how could they not, after the 41-year-old led them to a historic first ever FA Cup final which stirred up unprecedented levels of support for the side.

Not to mention, he led the team to their first ever north London derby win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on what was a very special day for the club.

With the Swede recently having signed a new three-year-contract with the club, there is every reason to believe Tottenham Women could indeed get their hands on a trophy before long.

Star player: Beth England

That statistics would tell you that Beth England was not her prolific self last season.

But they do not tell you that the former Lionesses striker was out with a hip injury until mid-January - and she still managed to score eight times in 21 appearances upon her return.

Of course, the season before she had scored 12 times in 12 appearances after signing for Tottenham in the transfer window.

And it is that kind of form that she will be looking to regain this campaign, with the striker telling talkSPORT that she is hungry for victory this season.

“Obviously, we want to build on the success that we had last year in terms of reaching the FA Cup final, finishing sixth in the league,” she said. “We want to obviously push into breaking those barriers of aiming for top four and yeah just continuing to push and hopefully bring home a trophy and title to the club.”

She added: “For me I think it's just about getting fit and making sure that obviously I had a bit of a half a season last year from my hip surgery. so it's just I'm excited that I finally got a full pre-season under my belt and that I can go into the season just excited to play football again and hopefully bang the goals in like I know I can.”

It has been a hard couple of years for the former Chelsea star, as she was phased out of both the international set-up and the starting line-up under Emma Hayes.

But she has found a new place to shine with and she would love nothing more than to prove just how capable she is in front of a goal - perhaps with the Golden Boot, or even team honours.

One to watch: Martha Thomas

The Scottish forward who was billed as Beth England’s temporary stand-in last season ended up proving herself to be far, far more than just that.

Martha Thomas bagged ten goals across 27 appearances last season - but it was the occasion of some of her goals that most impressed.

After all, she scored the extra-time winner that got them into the FA Cup final and she scored the crucial goal that gave them their first ever win over Arsenal.

A big player for the biggest occasions who also has 19 goals in 38 international appearances, Tottenham suddenly find themselves with two of the best strikers in the league who are both fit and fighting ahead of the season - it’s an exciting prospect indeed.

Transfer window

It is hard to imagine that we will not be seeing young England star Grace Clinton tear up the pitch in a Tottenham shirt this season, given just how at home she looked in that position.

But with the midfielder having been recalled from her loan spell by Manchester United, and seemingly taking Celin Bizet with her, the one area that could pose particular difficulty for Spurs is finding a replacement who offers the same energy and passing vision as her.

Vilahamn’s composure and clear intelligence all indicates they will find a solution - and new arrival Anna Csiki could be just that - but their campaign could well depend on just how well Clinton's role is replaced.

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Harry Kane's trophy hopes could take blow as he faces forgotten Tottenham teammate who plays for side Bayern Munich have never beaten

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As Harry Kane continues his Bundesliga title charge, he’ll next line up against someone he may well have not seen in over a decade.

Kane’s Bayern Munich look to carry on their perfect league start with a trip away to the very north of Germany where they face Holstein Kiel for only the second time in their incredibly storied history.

Kiel made it up to the top flight for the first time in their history ahead of the 2024/25 season, and fans have been rewarded with a visit of the record champions just three games in.

Kiel earned promotion through a number of cult heroes, but none more cult-ish than Kane’s former teammate at Tottenham, Lewis Holtby.

The name will certainly be familiar for many Premier League fans, as the midfielder made 38 top flight appearances in England across four seasons with Spurs and Fulham, recording two goals and five assists.

Holtby, who has an English father, moved to Spurs in 2013 from Schalke, but failed to make an impact at White Hart Lane.

His last appearance for the London side came at the start of the 2014/15 season in a Europa League qualifier against AEL Limassol, and he lined up alongside Kane for the seventh and final time.

That match was over ten years ago, with Holtby going on loan to Fulham then Hamburg, before joining the latter permanently.

Holtby would then return to England with Blackburn in 2019, spending two seasons in the Championship before heading to current club Kiel.

The three-time Germany international was key in the club’s promotion, scoring a number of key goals, and Kane’s Bayern will have to be careful, particularly if history is anything to go by.

The sides have only met on one previous occasion, in 2021 in the German Cup. The second round match at the Holstein-Stadion finished 2-2 at full-time, before Kiel caused a cupset with a penalty shoot-out win.

Bayern will still be confident of getting their revenge this weekend, given they have two wins from two and the home side have lost both of their opening league matches.

Kane opened his Bundesliga account for the season in one of those games against Freiburg, while he added another in the cup against Ulm.

Kane could even smash a Bundesliga record this weekend.

If he gets three goal contributions against Kiel he would reach 50 in the German top-flight in just 35 games.

It would be the fastest anyone has ever reached the total, including Erling Haaland who did it in 43 matches.

And that will give Kane eight bites at the cherry - which you imagine he won't waste.

Bayern's results so far this season have seen them steal an early march on the team likely to be their main competition for the title, reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen.

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Gareth Bale helped Tottenham to thrilling comeback win over Arsenal and Rafael van der Vaart credits blunt Harry Redknapp speech

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Ex-Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart has revealed how Harry Redknapp’s three-word speech inspired a famous north London derby comeback.

Van der Vaart was central to an incredible turnaround against their bitter rivals and landed their first ever win at the Emirates Stadium.

The win had extra significance as three points for the Gunners would have seen them leapfrog Chelsea and Manchester United into top spot.

Spurs had gone 17 years without a win at Arsenal and a disastrous start to the game saw Redknapp’s men slip to a 2-0 deficit at the interval thanks to goals from Samir Nasri and Marouane Chamakh.

With Spurs on the ropes and fans fearing an embarrassing scoreline, Redknapp took a measured approach to his teamtalk, to the surprise of the Dutch maestro.

Van der Vaart lifted the lid on the famous victory in November 2010 and Redknapp’s composed nature at half time.

"Of course, the first win after so many years at the Emirates, I remember,” he told SunSport.

“It was 2-0 down. It was a terrible game. We were so so bad, and I was also really bad.

"We came in the dressing room and I thought Harry would kill us. And he only said the following, "Let it out". I think it was, "Let it out". And that's it."

Redknapp’s simple message clearly worked wonders for the former Ajax man who set up Gareth Bale to reduce the arrears five-minutes into the second half before stepping up to level from the penalty spot in the 67th minute.

And it was Van der Vaart’s free-kick into the box that made all the difference as Younes Kaboul headed what turned out to be the winner five minutes from time.

The turnaround was complete, but Van der Vaart says it would never have been the case if it was not for Redknapp’s speech prior to the second half.

“We went on the pitch, I scored the penalty, I give an assist [and] in the last minute, assist again. And we won that game.

"And after the game, we went to the city. And all the people asked, 'What did Harry say in the half-time?' And, you know, everybody was like, 'What a good speech'.

"And we really felt what to do. That was, I think, amazing, what he did there.

It remains the last time Tottenham claimed a victory at Arsenal but also a stark reminder that form counts for little in the north London derby.

The two side will go toe-to-toe in the north London derby once again this Sunday.

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Ex-Tottenham midfielder joins Spanish basketball minnows in shock career change age 36

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Former Premier League midfielder Etienne Capoue has joined a new club… a third division basketball side.

The 36-year-old was recently released by Spanish side Villarreal, to bring an end to his three-and-a-half-year stay at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

During his stint at Villarreal, he helped the Yellow Submarine win their first and only trophy in their 101-year existence.

He started in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United in 2021 - just months after arriving from Watford.

But incredibly, he could now be about to embark on new career in basketball with Spanish minnows CB Jovens L’Eliana.

That is according to news outlet Relevo, who have stated he has traded the football pitch to the basketball court.

It has been claimed that the Frenchman, who played two years at Tottenham between 2013-2015, has spent the last week training with the club, who ply their trade in the third-tier of the Spanish basketball pyramid.

The news outlet has even said he took part in a friendly match last weekend, which his side won 78-70 against CB Morvedre.

That was backed up by an Instagram post shared by CB Jovens L’Eliana, where Capoue could be seen wearing the club's colours.

Though it has been said he is yet to be registered with the team, meaning he cannot play in any competitive matches.

It remains to be seen whether the ex-Spurs and Watford star will officially link up with the basketball side.

Though a source from CB Jovens L'Eliana clarified Capoue's mindset by telling Relevo he has the firm intention of 'ending his days as a footballer'.

They also stated: "We don't want to put pressure on him. He told us that he wanted to play, that he wanted to train."

Should Capoue pen an official contract at CB Jovens L’Eliana, it would fulfil a childhood dream of his to play basketball.

It was only last year that he discussed his love of the sport, while refusing to rule out a potential career change.

He told Relevo: “My dream as a child was to play NBA basketball. Clearly.

"That was my dream. But it’s still my dream, eh? I don’t know.”

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Heung-min Son is the only Tottenham player who definitely gets into Arsenal's XI - even with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard out

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Arsenal may be without arguably their first-choice midfield for Sunday's north London derby - but their squad is far superior to Tottenham's.

That is the view of Gunners legend Emmanuel Petit, who has stated Son Heung-min is the only Spurs star that definitely gets into his combined north London derby XI.

Mikel Arteta goes into the derby without a number of key players, with club-record signing Declan Rice suspended following his controversial red card against Brighton.

Prior to the 1-1 draw before the international break, they were also rocked by the news that £32million summer signing Mikel Merino suffered a training ground injury, ruling him out of action until at least mid-October.

Arsenal were then dealt a further blow earlier this week after Martin Odegaard sustained an ankle injury on international duty with Norway. It remains to be seen when he will be back but the Norway physio suggested Odegaard will be sidelined for three weeks.

Those three players were expected to be Arsenal's preferred midfield three under Arteta, meaning the Spaniard will have to improvise for Sunday's clash.

This could see Jorginho, who hasn't played a minute this season, be given a start, while star striker Kai Havertz could be forced to drop back into a No.8 role.

Arsenal's midfield woe - coupled with the possible absence of versatile defender Riccardo Calafiori - has left fans feeling that points could be dropped at Spurs.

But speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Petit, who famously snubbed a move to Spurs in favour of Arsenal in 1997 - backed his former employers to make it three wins on the bounce at Tottenham.

He then asked co-hosts Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent how many of Spurs' players would get into a combined XI between the two teams.

Petit instantly rebuffed Goldstein's suggestion that Micky van de Ven could get in front of Gunners centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of defence.

He simply stated: "No way."

Goldstein returned by stating Spurs skipper Son would get in his team over Arsenal's left winger Gabriel Martinelli.

That was backed up by ex-Tottenham striker and die-hard Arsenal fan Bent, with Petit accepting their answer.

"That's the only one", Bent stated, with Petit admitting: "Probably, yeah."

Petit then insisted: "Even without Odegaard and Declan Rice, I stick with the Arsenal players."

Ex-Leicester playmaker James Maddison was then highlighted by Goldstein to feature in the middle of the pitch due to Arsenal's absentees.

It was a player that Petit conceded could get into Arsenal's current makeshift team, as he said: "Maybe.

"So maybe two players maximum, even when Odegaard and Declan Rice aren't there. You have your answer [who will win north London derby]."

And after determining Arsenal still boast a better squad over Spurs despite their setbacks, Petit believes the Gunners will be leaving with all three points.

He remarked: "I was worried, so I was predicting a draw, but now I've changed my mind.

"I read the newspapers as well, apparently [Yves] Bissouma is injured, they are not sure about [Dominic] Solanke and the central defender [Van de Ven].

"But even with those guys, I know they cannot afford to lose two games in a row, they lost to Newcastle before the international break.

"I know they lost last season at home against Arsenal, so for many reasons, they have to produce the perfect game for their fans."

He continued: "But I see this Arsenal team with Arteta, with the environment, the confidence, the way they work and have been dealing with things the last two to three years and the way they improve.

"I remember two years ago [May 2022] when they were thrashed [3-0] at Tottenham, they lost the [Champions League spot].

"But last season it changed completely, I was worried about that, mentally and physically they were up for it.

"And I'm pretty sure that it will be the same on Sunday.

"It will be a tough game, I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of goals, I don't see a close game, I will say 2-1 or 3-1 to Arsenal."

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal predictions, odds and betting tips

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The first north London derby of the 2024/25 season is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal top offer

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal odds

Find the latest match odds for Tottenham vs Arsenal. All odds are provided by our best-reviewed online football bookies. Odds are subject to change.

⚡Quick Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal betting tips

Draw - 13/5 with Paddy Power

BTTS and over 2.5 goals - 8/11 with Paddy Power

Leandro Trossard to score any time - 12/5 with Paddy Power

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal predictions

All eyes will be on north London this weekend, as Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal get ready to renew hostilities for the first time in 2024/25.

There is no love lost between this duo, but unlike other rivalries the matches between them tend to be hugely entertaining.

Because the stakes are so high, derby games sometimes produce cagey football from both sides. That is seldom the case when these two go at it.

Adding to the intrigue is a pretty even head-to-head record over the last few years. In the last decade, there have been 20 Premier League meetings involving Tottenham and Arsenal.

Seven of those have been draws, with six wins for Spurs and seven victories for the Gunners.

Mirroring the broader performances of both teams in the last three years or so, Arsenal have the edge of late. They have triumphed in five of the last seven contests between the pair, while Tottenham have tasted success on only one occasion in that time.

Ange Postecoglou’s side will be desperate to get one over on their local rivals in Sunday’s showdown. But the importance of a victory goes beyond this rivalry.

Tottenham have had an iffy start to the season. They drew with Leicester City on the opening weekend, then thumped Everton 4-0 at home. However, their last game before the international break saw them go down 2-1 to Newcastle United, a potential rival for a top-four finish.

Tottenham could do with a pick-me-up, especially against another top team. This weekend’s encounter provides the perfect opportunity to get one.

It will not be easy, though. True, Arsenal are without two of their most important players in the form of the injured Martin Odegaard and the suspended Declan Rice.

But Mikel Arteta has made his side extremely resilient over the last couple of campaigns. Arsenal do not lose often. Even when they do not play well, they have the capacity to dig deep and avoid defeat.

Can the Gunners do so again this weekend, or will the home team leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium happy instead?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal betting tips

Bragging rights are on the line when Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal go head-to-head this weekend.

Draw - 13/5 (Paddy Power)

The loss of Odegaard and Rice for Sunday’s game could be a major factor in determining the overall outcome.

Arsenal will have to line up with a midfield two of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. That duo does not possess much in the way of mobility or advanced creativity.

With such key absentees, it is hard to see Arsenal coming out on top. But we still believe they can pick up a point.

Postecoglou has got Spurs playing some entertaining, exciting football, but they continue to be undone by familiar deficiencies - namely a high defensive line and a weakness from set-pieces.

Tottenham may well dominate portions of this game, but that does not mean they will come out on top in front of their own supporters.

⚽ Tip a draw at 13/5 with Paddy Power ⚽

BTTS and over 2.5 goals - 8/11 (Paddy Power)

Postecoglou is committed to his attacking principles and his front-footed approach allowed him to win the Tottenham fans over in double-quick time last season.

Even against the best teams in the country, Postecoglou does not take a backwards step - for better or worse.

That is good news for neutrals, who should be treated to an absorbing game on Sunday afternoon.

This bet would have paid out in Tottenham’s meeting with Newcastle last weekend, as well as in several big games from last season - including both clashes with Arsenal, a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium and a 3-2 defeat at home.

Clean sheets tend to be elusive when Spurs lock horns with another Champions League contender. This weekend’s fixture should be no different.

⚽ Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 8/11 with Paddy Power ⚽

Leandro Trossard to score any time - 12/5 (Paddy Power)

With both Rice and Odegaard missing, Kai Havertz will probably play in a more withdrawn role this weekend.

Arteta then has the option of either fielding Gabriel Jesus from the left and Leandro Trossard up front, or Trossard centrally and Raheem Sterling on the left.

Either way, Trossard is certain to start. He changed the game against Aston Villa when entering from the bench and deserves another chance from the first whistle.

The Belgium international is a really useful player for Arsenal to have. He can play anywhere across the frontline and combines clever movement with sharp finishing.

These odds on Trossard finding the back of the net are attractive, so do not pass them up.

⚽ Back Leandro Trossard to score any time at 12/5 with Paddy Power ⚽

📺 How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England.

Date and time: Sunday 15th September, 2pm.

How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.

Read more about the 2024/25 football season

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