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Tottenham get immediate verdict on Randal Kolo Muani call vs Arsenal as Gary Neville agrees

Referee Peter Bankes decided to disallow Randal Kolo Muani's equalising goal for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in the North London Derby because of a foul on Gabriel Magalhaes

Gary Neville and Clinton Morrison agreed that Randal Kolo Muani fouled Gabriel Magalhaes before Tottenham Hotspur had their equaliser against Arsenal chalked off. Gabriel theatrically threw himself to the turf after sensing minimal contact on his back from the Spurs striker.

Kolo Muani then brought down the Conor Gallagher delivery before drilling the ball past David Raya, but referee Peter Bankes sounded his whistle to award Arsenal a free-kick. Tottenham skipper Micky van de Ven immediately approached the official to protest Spurs' case.

His new manager, Igor Tudor, also signalled with both hands from the touchline that Gabriel had dived. However, that was not the consensus on commentary.

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Sky Sports' co-commentator Neville said: "That was a foul. He was too obvious, Kolo Muani.

"Kolo Muani gives Gabriel a nudge; it was clear from here. It's soft from Gabriel, we've seen it before, but it's two hands on the back."

Former Premier League striker Morrison echoed the same view on BBC Radio 5 Live, commenting: "That is a push from Randal Kolo Muani. It is a foul, and it is the right decision."

Tudor also refrained from criticising the decision during his post-match press conference. He said: "Oh, you know about this, touching the players in the box.

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"It's always about referees here, you know. They have their favourites who, you know, they make decisions based on, you know, how they feel, how they see.

"So it's nothing. Sometimes they let things go. Sometimes, no, this is just how it is."

The head coach singled out Kolo Muani for recognition after netting his first Premier League goal. Tudor said: "He had a good game today.

"We wanted to inject some fresh energy with Dom [Solanke] and Richie [Richarlison]. He wasn't subbed off due to his performance.

"He played very well. It's a promising start, and I'm pleased for him."

Arsenal ran out clear winners in the North London Derby to restore their lead at the top of the Premier League

Arsenal playmaker Eberechi Eze was involved in an awkward moment with Sky Sports interviewer Patrick Davison after the Gunners thrashed Tottenham in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's side ran out 4-1 winners thanks to a brace from the England international and another from Viktor Gyokeres.

It marked Arsenal's biggest win at Tottenham since 1978 and ensured they moved five points clear of Manchester City in second place who had closed the gap with a win over Newcastle United on Saturday. Eze opened the scoring just after the half hour mark, but their lead would last just two minutes with Randal Kolo Muani equalising for Spurs.

After a cagey first half, Arsenal turned the screw in the second 45 and ran out comfortable winners with Eze and Gyokeres among the standout performers.

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Sky Sports interviewer Davison suggested that Eze’s finishes were "simple," with the Arsenal man taken aback by his line of questioning. The Arsenal man said: "They're not simple!

"But I'm always trying to get in those positions to find the space, to work hard and get those opportunities. It takes a long way to go there.

“Today it's worked out, thank God for it. We put in a good performance, we did what we needed to do today which was the main thing.

“We know what we're capable of. We know what we can do. We have to play games to dominate and win, we have the players in the team to do it. An important win and performance."

Eze was linked with a move to Spurs in the summer, but opted for a move to the Emirates Stadium and has impressed in both outings against the Gunners' north London rivals this season.

When asekd if Spurs fans were giving him grief, Eze said: "Quite a lot! That's football, it's understandable. You just keep doing what you're doing."

The brace at Spurs meant Eze has scored five goals against Arsenal's arch-rivals this season, after a hattrick in the 4-1 win on home soil.

When asked why he always seems to score against Tottenham, Eze said: "I don't know. I try to score every single game. It seems to work quite a lot against Tottenham. It's a feeling you get."

He also paid tribute to Arsenal striker Gyokeres who enjoyed his best performance in a Gunners shirt since his move to the club from Sporting in the summer.

"Vik was doing it all game, you can see his work ethic," Eze said. "He helps the team not just with his goals but the effort he puts in.

"It gets players like me in the best positions and it helps a lot. He's got his two goals today which he deserves."

Arsenal were given late cause for concern against Tottenham after star winger Bukayo Saka limped off.

The England winger was involved in a heavy fall, with Spurs midfielder Xavi Simons landing on his ankle. Saka received treatment from Arsenal medical staff before being replaced by Noni Madueke.

Saka played a full part in the post match celebrations, which would indicate that his issue isn't too bad. Regardless, Mikel Arteta will be hoping that the issue isn't serious.

Saka is in the middle of another brilliant season for the Gunners, having scored eight times and provided seven assists in all competitions. He has already had to endure a few injury issues this term, with hamstring and hip problems.

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But his form has been good enough to see him rewarded with a new contract at the Emirates Stadium that sees him tied down to the club until 2031.

Speaking after that news was confirmed, Arsenal boss Arteta said: "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."

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Saka's latest issue was a bitter end to what was a near-perfect day for the Gunners at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Eberechi Eze had given Arsenal the lead during the first-half, with Randal Kolo Muani levelling matters.

Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal's lead after the break and then got another in stoppage time following a second strike for Eze.

The win lifts Arsenal five points clear of rivals Manchester City in the race for the Premier League crown. The Gunners are back in action next Sunday as they take on Chelsea at the Emirates.

Tottenham vs Arsenal was delayed TWICE with the referees' technology causing a baffling suspension.

The match was brought to a halt during the first-half, with the second period also hugely delayed as the issues persisted. Fans loudly booed the delays, with Gary Neville also among those left furious.

He said: "This is a disgrace by the way. Not the fact that the actual technology's broken down, that happens in all our houses all over the country every 10 minutes. However, the game has to carry on without technology. This is ridiculous. It just looks pathetic, doesn't it? It's embarrassing for everybody involved."

That rant followed some similar comments that had come in the first-half of the game. Referee Peter Bankes brought play to a halt after seven minutes, with the fans left in the dark over what had caused the delay.

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He said: "This is an absolute nonsense. One of the most important games of the season, fantastic start to it, really quick. And we're now two or three minutes stopped, players having to sort of re-warm up again, reset. Absolute shambles.

"They haven't got the common sense or the authority, leadership, to go, 'come on, let's read the room here.' There's 62,000 people in this stadium, there's millions watching at home and do they really think it's that important that they can't find some form of communication with the linesman over on the far side? Put your flag up if you're going to make a decision or you want to speak to him."

Play eventually got underway. Eberechi Eze and Randal Kolo Muani scored the goals to reignite the match.

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But there were yet more frustrating scenes shortly after the break. With both teams on the pitch and ready to restart, the officials then started adjusting their equipment once more, to the frustration of supporters.

Play evenutally got back underway, with Viktor Gyokeres giving Arsenal fans a brilliant start to the half as he restored his side's lead.

Kolo Muani thought he had managed to get on the scorsheet once more to level matters but saw his second goal ruled out for an apparent foul on Gabriel. Eze then netted again on the hour mark.

Gary Neville slammed the decision to bring Sunday's North London Derby to a halt due to an issue with the officials' technology.

The match was paused by referee Peter Bankes after just seven minutes following an electric start. The delay saw the atmosphere fall flat, supporters left somewhat in the dark.

Neville left far from happy and shared his disgust on commentary. He said: "This is ridiculous, the whole game cannot stop just because of an IT issue - this is an absolute nonsense, one of the most important games of the season and the players all now have to reset.

"This is an absolute nonsense. One of the most important games of the season, fantastic start to it, really quick. And we're now two or three minutes stopped, players having to sort of re-warm up again, reset. Absolute shambles.

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"They haven't got the common sense or the authority, leadership, to go, 'come on, let's read the room here.' There's 62,000 people in this stadium, there's millions watching at home and do they really think it's that important that they can't find some form of communication with the linesman over on the far side? Put your flag up if you're going to make a decision or you want to speak to him."

Despite Neville being left fuming, fellow pundit Clinton Morrison suggested the pause actually helped Spurs, who were under pressure in the opening stages.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: "This is doing Tottenham a massive favour as Arsenal are on top. Igor Tudor can have a word with some of his players."

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The game eventually got back underway after a seven-minute delay. Arsenal were in dire need of a victory heading into the game, having been held by Wolves in midweek, with Manchester City then cutting their lead at the top of the table to just two points with their victory against Newcastle.

Meanwhile, Spurs' need for a win was also just as high, with the North London side having been dragged into a battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Eberechi Eze had given Arsenal the lead with his fourth goal against Spurs this season, only for Randal Kolo Muani to strike back moments later.

The referee tasked with overseeing this weekend's north London derby clash doesn't officiate two Premier League clubs

Peter Bankes will oversee one of the most heated and eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season this Sunday afternoon when Tottenham take on Arsenal in the north London derby.

The Lancashire-born referee is vastly experienced and the perfect pick for such a high-stakes fixture, but interestingly, the 43-year-old has never officiated matches involving two particular Premier League clubs.

Bankes, a FIFA-listed referee since 2021, will be assisted by Eddie Smart and Blake Antrobus at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The fourth official has been confirmed as Sam Barrott, with Darren England and assistant Tim Wood in charge of VAR.

Hailing from Merseyside, Bankes' County FA is the Liverpool Football Association. And it is for that reason that he has never taken charge of a match involving either Liverpool or Everton.

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Premier League referees must declare which football team they support, and are not allowed to officiate matches involving that club or fixtures directly affecting them. They are also generally avoided for clubs in their immediate local area, even if they don't support them, as well as clubs associated with their County FA.

Bankes has taken charge of 18 Premier League games this season and shown 72 yellow cards, averaging four per match. He has also brandished three red cards, including one for two bookable offences, while awarding five penalty kicks in the current top-flight season.

Some Arsenal fans may be encouraged by his appointment for the derby, given Mikel Arteta's men have won nine, drawn one and lost three of their 13 games with Bankes in the middle. Two of those losses came against Southampton, one in the FA Cup and one in the league.

His most recent game in charge of Arsenal was their 1-0 win over Chelsea in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Before that, he took charge of their 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in December and their 5-1 mauling of Manchester City back in February 2025.

He has also only given out 12 yellow cards to Arsenal players and has not yet sent off a Gunners star. Meanwhile, Spurs fans may be less happy to see Bankes on Sunday.

The referee has managed to incense several Tottenham managers down the years, including Jose Mourinho in September 2020. Mourinho was left raging with Bankes during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle for a handball decision against Eric Dier.

In August 2022, Bankes was on the wrong end of some choice words, this time from Antonio Conte, following a game against West Ham. The Italian was unhappy with how Bankes handled a penalty incident when he overturned an on-field decision against Aaron Cresswell, denying Spurs a penalty.

Bankes was labelled "embarrassing" for his "very, very strange" decision. More recently, Ange Postecoglou was left fuming that two penalties weren't awarded to James Maddison during a 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

A footballing legend admitted his love of Arsenal stopped him from signing for their biggest rival

Moving to a rival club is something that traditionally doesn't sit well with supporters in football, and understandably so. For legendary AC Milan defender Alessandro Costacurta, it was his affection for Arsenal that prevented him from putting pen to paper on a deal to join Tottenham Hotspur.

After spending 21 years with the Italian powerhouse, the 59-year-old secured seven Serie A championships and lifted the Champions League trophy on five occasions.

Considering his reputation as one of the finest defenders on the planet during his playing days and Milan's struggles in the mid-1990s, Costacurta had multiple chances to explore new opportunities elsewhere.

Most notably, a switch to the white side of north London nearly became reality after discussions with then-Spurs manager Gerry Francis in 1996 about the eye-catching transfer from Milan to the capital.

Speaking in 2016 before an AC Milan vs Arsenal legends fixture, Costacurta - who hung up his boots in 2007 following his Champions League final triumph over Liverpool - revealed that a move to Spurs never materialised due to his lifelong devotion to the Gunners.

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"The idea of living in London was very exciting," Costacurta told Arsenal.com. "But I finally refused and you know why? Because I couldn't betray my English love. The truth is that I've been a keen Arsenal fan since my childhood, and playing for 'our' bitter rivals would have been high treason.

"When I was younger I liked the Arsenal shirt, the stadium, and some of the players from the 1980s such as Liam Brady. And I've always gone against the tide. All my friends were Manchester United or Liverpool fans, so I picked Arsenal and I've never changed my mind."

Despite claiming 24 major trophies throughout his illustrious career, it was remarkably his outing at Highbury during the 1995 Cup Winners' Cup that stood out as amongst his most cherished memories.

He recalled: "The first game is possibly one of the favourite matches of my entire career. Not so much because of the game itself, which was very intense but perhaps not very exciting as the final score was a 0-0 and the only time we were really under threat was at set pieces.

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"It was more for the setting of Highbury. [The] Emirates is wonderful and over time it will gain its own mythical aura, but Highbury was unique." The fierce north London foes go head-to-head at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the second derby meeting of the campaign.

Tottenham sit dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone with a daunting North London derby against Arsenal next on their fixture list

Tottenham find themselves perilously positioned near the drop zone ahead of their upcoming fixture against Arsenal. A football finance expert has outlined the potential consequences should the unthinkable occur and they suffer relegation.

Following a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last term, Spurs have endured further domestic misery this season. Under Thomas Frank, who has since been dismissed, they slipped towards the bottom of the table and are still without a top-flight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2026.

Igor Tudor has now assumed control as they gear up for a North London derby on home turf. However, the threat of relegation, whilst seemingly impossible, continues to loom.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has shared his assessment of what might transpire should their dismal form persist and a Championship campaign materialise. He also highlights that a bizarre scenario could emerge concerning European competition.

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Maguire told football.london: "We could be in a farcical situation where they win the Champions League this year and they qualify for next year's competition and are in the second tier of English football."

He added: "But if we ignore that, the good news for Spurs is that it's now an entertainment complex with a football club as a sideline. So the other side of the business, the events, those would be protected. Those would just go on as before if they went down.

"I think the amount of ticket income would be impacted and there would be some big impacts in terms of a loss of revenue. They made around about £600million of revenue last season.

"So the chances of being able to repeat that, I think, would be fairly unlikely, if at all possible. There are other things that could sort of fly under the radar. Spurs do have an awful lot of debt. One season in the Championship, clearly not ideal. Based on my figures, they owe over £300m in unpaid transfer fees to other clubs. So that would need to come out of somebody's pocket.

"I think there would be constraints. They'd get parachute payments. But, again, looking at my numbers here, last season, they made around about £190m in TV money. In the Championship, even with parachute payments, that £190m drops to around about £45m. So there could be some big hits for the club. Less money coming in.

"You've still got the issues that they've made legacy transfers, which haven't worked. But not only have they bought the players, they've still got to go and pay for those instalments on players. So it won't be great."

Maguire believes there is one silver lining to Spurs' finances should the unthinkable happen and they drop into the second tier. He added: "What Spurs do have in their favour is their wage bill. They pay, on average, around £100,000 a week.

"By the standards of the remainder of the Big Six, that is far, far lower. That would act in their favour. That is also highly incentivised to get into better positions than they are at present and so on. So they've got that sort of historic benefit. But even then, what the owners would have to do, the owners would have to go and provide some funding."

Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to bitter rivals Tottenham in the latest edition of the North London derby on Sunday, with both sides under pressure for different reasons

The North London derby is arguably one of the most important games of the season for different reasons. Mikel Arteta's side currently sit top of the Premier League but have had a couple of wobbles over recent weeks.

Victory against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur would see them once again underline their credentials as potential champions. Defeat, however, could seriously derail their charge towards the trophy.

In the meantime, Spurs need the points for themselves as they aim to avoid a shock relegation to the Championship. They sit 16th in the table and just five points clear of West Ham. Igor Tudor is the man entrusted with the task of guiding the club away from the drop zone.

But which way will Sunday's North London berby go? Mirror Football's writers have their say.

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Daniel Orme

Put simply, Arsenal are a far better side than Spurs and the sheer chasm between the two sides in the Premier League table is indicative of that.

But that doesn’t really mean too much in a derby. Spurs will be desperate to hit the Gunners’ title hopes with another bruising blow.

And Mikel Arteta ’s side are certainly vulnerable. The defensive solidity that they displayed earlier this season appears to have abandoned them and there’s no doubt that Spurs will be aiming to take advantage.

It looks likely that there will be goals during the game, with Spurs also struggling to keep them out. I don't trust either of them to be able to keep their cool and get over the line.

It's going to be a thrilling draw which will not do either side any favours.

Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

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John Cross

The North London derby is always passionate, highly-charged and vital to both sets of fans.

But rarely is it so important to the clubs for such different reasons. Tottenham are in serious danger of getting sucked into a relegation scrap while Arsenal desperately need a win to get their title challenge back on track.

The trouble for Mikel Arteta is they look cooked. Arsenal looked drained mentally and physically at Wolves. They have not been playing well for a while and they look vulnerable.

They also look edgy and nervous. Arsenal are clearly struggling under the weight of pressure and expectation.

This all presents Tottenham with an opportunity to prey on Arsenal’s title jitters. Yes, they have injuries but Igor Tudor spoke with a passion to fire up his players and they will be ready for the challenge.

That is why I fancy Spurs for a game they have had more time to prepare for. Arsenal have played three times since Spurs’ last fixture. By contrast, Tottenham will be up for the challenge and the atmosphere will be crucial if the fans can sense an opportunity.

Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal

Andy Dunn

Arsenal will not choke in their bid for a first Premier League title in over 20 years - but they might falter. Physically falter.

Make no mistake, the toughest opponent for Mikel Arteta’s side is their schedule. Spurs might well have a shocking injury list but whoever Igor Tudor fields will be raring to go.

Since Spurs last played, Arsenal have played three times. That could be the most important factor in this edition of the North London derby.

Arteta has rotation options and a bigger and better squad. That superiority will tell for large parts of the contest.

But Tottenham’s freshness will also tell and, combined with any sort of new-manager bounce, should be enough to cause the Premier League leaders some problems.

Arsenal will control matters early on but expect a Spurs revival as the game wears on. In fact, expect a re-run of the recent Manchester City match.

Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Which way will the North London Derby go? Share your predictions in the comments below

Neil McLeman

This is a huge, and potentially pivotal, match for the Premier League leaders. Win and their season is back on track. Lose and there is a danger of going into a tailspin.

Tottenham’s domestic season is now all about avoiding relegation - and stopping their North London rivals winning the title.

It promises to be quite an atmosphere where the big names in the Arsenal team need to step. So expect big games from Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and the two centre-backs - and a hard-fought Gunners victory

Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Ben Husband

Arsenal looked utterly dreadful in midweek against Wolves. They looked completely restricted and scared to kill the game off.

Whether that’s the pressure of the title race or just exhaustion after a busy period, both of those factors will be at play again this weekend.

Had Tottenham kept with Frank for one more game I’d fancy Arsenal to get right, but the change in the dugout could spark a much-improved performance.

Spurs don’t have much to play for in the league this season, I’m fairly sure they won’t be anywhere near the bottom three come May. And so sticking another dent in Arsenal’s title bid would rank quite high on the priority list.

I expect them to do that. Expect the pressure to keep cranking up.

Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal

Nathan Ridley

If Arsenal were to pick a game to show they're not willing to bottle this title, it's the North London derby. The Gunners wiped the floor with Thomas Frank's side in the reverse fixture but this one should be a lot closer.

Arsenal's defence has been more porous of late but their attack far still outweighs that of their hosts. They've also won their last three games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so it's recently been a happy hunting ground for Mikel Arteta.

Igor Tudor's appointment will no-doubt have put Spurs' players on notice, and he knows how to get a tune out of teams quickly, but I can only see that lasting so long before Arsenal's quality shines through. I'll go for a narrow Gunners win.

Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Sunday's crucial North London Derby and we used EA FC 26 to simulate the Premier League clash with Igor Tudor's new-look Spurs

This weekend's North London Derby carries massive implications for both ends of the table. Home side Tottenham are battling at the wrong end of the league, sitting five points above the relegation zone and have just undergone a significant managerial shake-up.

Caretaker boss Igor Tudor has been thrust straight in at the deep end for his maiden match in charge following Thomas Frank's departure last week, facing the league leaders with a threadbare squad at his disposal. Arsenal, by contrast, sit top of the pile but are under the microscope after squandering leads against Brentford and basement boys Wolves to draw both fixtures.

The Gunners hold a five-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, though they've played an additional match compared to their championship contenders. Meanwhile, Spurs haven't registered a single Premier League victory in 2026 and are enduring a dismal spell of domestic form, collecting just four points from their last eight outings.

Following a 4-1 hammering at the Emirates Stadium earlier this campaign, a triumph over their bitterest enemies could be precisely the tonic Arsenal need. The North London Derby seldom disappoints, so what might unfold?

We simulated Tottenham vs Arsenal to get a score prediction

To forecast how the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could unfold, we turned to EA FC 26 to run a simulation of the match. With all the injuries, suspensions and current form factored in, we were hoping for a credible outcome.

With a staggering 12 players unavailable for Spurs, Tudor's choices are severely limited. He might fancy deploying his favoured system of three central defenders, but only Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin are fit and natural centre backs on hand, with skipper Cristian Romero still serving his suspension.

That said, Joao Palhinha has filled in at the back for Frank before, and we reckon it'll be the case once more in Tudor's maiden match. Consequently, we've predicted a 3-4-1-2 formation to help smooth Spurs' transition.

Our Tottenham starting XI is: Vicario; Dragusin, Palhinha, van de Ven; Gray, Sarr, Gallagher, Spence; Xavi; Solanke, Kolo Muani.

As for the visiting side, Arsenal are set to be without Leandro Trossard following his head knock at Wolves during the midweek fixture. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are also uncertain but might feature, with Kai Havertz's involvement also uncertain.

Meanwhile, Mikel Merino and Max Dowman are still sidelined. So, the starting Arsenal XI we've plumped for is, in a 4-3-3: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

Tudor's nightmare beginning at Spurs materialised early on. Victor Gyokeres handed the Gunners a 1-0 advantage after merely 15 minutes, having drifted into the home penalty area completely unchallenged before sweeping the ball into the top right corner.

Arsenal's grip on proceedings proved impossible for Spurs to break, which came as little surprise. Slick, rapid passing allowed the visitors to command the midfield and advance swiftly towards goal.

Arsenal extended their advantage before the half-hour mark. Gyokeres once more punished the home side's drowsy defending from an identical position to his opening strike and with 29 minutes gone, Arsenal's title challenge appeared firmly back on course.

Tudor's tactical gamble of persisting with his favoured three-man defence may have played a part, with makeshift centre-half Palhinha leaving Gyokeres completely exposed on two occasions. Regardless of the reason, Arsenal found creating chances far too straightforward.

The second period began no better for Spurs, who surrendered possession straight from kick-off, conceding an Arsenal throw-in. However, a composed build-up on 52 minutes saw Xavi Simons register the hosts' opening effort with a shot that flashed just wide.

The same player eventually hauled Spurs back into contention with their subsequent attack. Xavi capped another sequence of rapid-fire passes inside the Arsenal penalty area by firing home on the turn, reducing the deficit to 2-1 on 69 minutes.

The goal lifted Tottenham supporters as the home side visibly gained momentum. A notable upturn in form saw Spurs scrapping tenaciously against their rivals rather than being overrun as they had been during the opening period.

Gyokeres squandered a golden opportunity to put the match beyond doubt in the closing stages, spurning the chance to claim a derby day treble. However, the Arsenal supporters needn't have fretted as they clung on for a 2-1 triumph.

Whilst the simulation provides encouragement for Arsenal's championship ambitions, it represents a sobering message for Tudor. A 2-1 loss in the digital realm exposes the glaring frailties at Spurs as the injury problems truly start to bite.

For the Gunners, this outcome would prove the ideal remedy to their recent stumbles against Brentford and Wolves. Should the real-life Saka and Odegaard mirror their combination play witnessed in our simulation, the five-point advantage at the summit may remain secure despite City's match in hand.

Past experience tells us that the North London Derby very frequently throws up surprises. However, if EA FC 26 proves accurate, that won't be the case as Arsenal deal more woe upon their relegation-threatened neighbours.