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Arsenal’s impressive home form after international breaks raises an uncomfortable warning for Tottenham as the north London rivals prepare to meet once again.

Tottenham Hotspur are currently in fifth place in the Premier League table, eight points away from north London rivals Arsenal, who are sat in first.

Spurs will be hoping to cut down that eight-point gap to five, while also putting a dent in the title aspirations of their biggest rivals.

Indeed, it is always a big encounter when these two sides meet, and following the November international break, both sides will be locking horns for the first time this season.

Arsenal form after internationals is a concern for Tottenham

This league fixture comes after an international break, and the record Arsenal have following an international hiatus will be of great concern to Tottenham.

Every season, there are usually at least four international breaks, each coming in September, October, November and March or April.

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In each league fixture after the break, Arsenal always seem to pick up a victory.

Last season, the Gunners won three of four matches immediately after one of these breaks, defeating Tottenham in September, Nottingham Forest in November and Fulham in April.

At the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are equally as formidable when playing there after a pause in football because of international games.

The Gunners have won seven of their last eight home games, scoring 21 goals in the process with wins over Tottenham and West Ham United.

Spurs and their post-international break record

Spurs will be hoping to spoil the show at the Emirates when they come visiting on Sunday evening.

Tottenham enter this league fixture as the side with the best away record in the first division of English football, having not lost a league game on the road.

Spurs also have an equally solid record after international breaks, but it is not as good as their rivals.

Since the 2015/16 season, Tottenham have played 18 games after the break and they have won 12, drawn 3 and lost 3.

Home games after international break since 2015/16

Sol Campbell has revealed how his Arsenal teammates reacted to the Tottenham Hotspur fans after he returned to face his former club for the first time in 2001.

However, the Spurs fanbase are no closer to forgiving the retired defender than they were all those years ago.

Campbell himself is clearly still bothered by the treatment he was given when he returned to White Hart Lane. After all, barely a month seems to pass by without the most obnoxious man in football bringing up the abuse he suffered at the hands of Tottenham supporters.

Sol Campbell’s teammates helped him prepare for Tottenham reunion

Campbell knew there would be anger directed at him when he lined up against Spurs, but he did not expect it to to reach such extraordinary levels.

He did seek to prepare for the torrents of abuse he would face, thanks to the help of his Arsenal teammates.

Campbell told Four Four Two on behalf of Paddy Power: “It was just the lads mucking around in training, a bit of banter. But yeah, I think they [his Arsenal teammates] were trying to prepare me for what was to come.”

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“I actually think the reaction inside the ground shocked a lot of my Arsenal teammates. I’d expected it, of course. And the lads knew I would be booed, but none of them anticipated just how bad it would be.

“After the game started it really hit them. I think that’s when they knew just how much I was going to be dealing with, that day. That’s when they woke up.

“Personally, I don’t think many of them would have been able to take as much abuse as I took during that game. I don’t think they could have. They were strong guys and incredible players. But to take that level of abuse in one game isn’t something everyone can deal with.

“It was a horrible atmosphere, even more so than during normal North London Derbies. It was a level of hatred that lingered in North London for a long time afterwards.”

Spurs must reignite their disdain towards Arsenal

It must be said that there has been behaviour towards Campbell from some Tottenham supporters which crossed a line. Things such as hurling objects are barbaric and have absolutely no place in football, or society in general.

However, Tottenham need to remember what it means to inflict pain on their rivals. In recent years, both the derbies against Arsenal and Chelsea have seen pitiful efforts from the Spurs team as they have often failed to get results.

Likewise, the atmosphere, particularly at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, has been anything but intimidating.

Tottenham Hotspur have entered a crucial period off the pitch, as the club’s shifting power structure continues to draw attention.

Tottenham Hotspur has been undergoing a series of changes at board level in recent months as the club looks to get itself back amongst the best.

Daniel Levy’s departure was one of the biggest exits during this period, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham now in charge of the day-to-day running of the club, while Peter Charrington is the non-executive chairman.

The Lewis Family have also further strengthened their grip on things at Tottenham, with ENIC ownership going from 86.91 per cent to 87.62 per cent.

The Lewises want to keep hold of Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur has attracted interest from different businesses and consortia, but the club has maintained its stance that it is not for sale.

A record £4.5 billion attempt to purchase Tottenham by a consortium headed by Brooklyn Earick was also unequivocally rejected by Spurs.

The Independent is now reporting that, having spoken to numerous sources, it is alleged that the Lewis children were open to selling Spurs, even though this has always been denied.

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It is further claimed that ‘two very real’ expressions of interest have already been completely knocked back, with Qatar also said to have moved on.

The Lewis kids, led by Vivienne, son-in-law Nick Beucher and brother Charles, are now described as having fully taken to the role of Premier League executives, with other executives pointing out that it often takes just three games for owners to realise that one football decision attracts more attention than any multi-billion pound deal.

Spurs ownership and the growing expectation

The Lewis family are reported to now be looking to show some more ambition in the footballing side of things.

Under Daniel Levy, Spurs supporters very much gave the Tottenham board loads of stick for their lack of ambition in football.

However, ahead of the winter window, it was revealed that £100 million had come in as investment from ENIC, while transfer expert Fabio Paratici has also been brought back to the club.

Given the strain in the relationship between Tottenham fans and the club’s owners, it will be interesting to see if intent is shown this winter, a move that will be welcomed by fans.

Thomas Frank has now spoken about Tottenham Hotspur’s big north London derby clash with Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend, as he looks to secure a first win for Spurs since 2022.

The Premier League is back, and it returns with a mouth-watering encounter between two bitter rivals, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

This is the 67th meeting between the two in the Premier League, but the first of the 25/26 season, and both sides will be looking to secure all three points.

Arsenal have found the most success in this league fixture, with the Gunners winning 27 of these games, while Spurs have managed to secure victory in 15.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank speaks ahead of Arsenal derby

This is Frank’s first taste of the north London derby in a competitive game, although he came up against Arsenal in Spurs’ pre-season tour of Asia, where he secured a 1-0 victory.

On Sunday, however, it will be a completely different encounter, as fifth-placed Tottenham take on first-placed Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, but the Dane will be equally eager to secure a win.

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Speaking to the club media, Frank described the significance of the fixture and made it clear that he understands the weight attached to this derby.

He said: “This is the real one. I am super excited. You feel the sense of importance with this one.

“This is the big one. I always say the next game is the most important but I am more than aware there are two games in the year which are that bit more important.”

Spurs form and derby record raise questions ahead of Sunday

This is a game of great importance to Tottenham fans who will be cheering their side on to push for a win.

The Lilywhite faithful have not celebrated a victory in this clash in the last six games, as Arsenal have won five times, while Spurs have managed just one draw in that period.

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up their mid-season options in the winter window, with Thomas Frank now shifting focus away from the goalkeeper market.

It could very much be a busy winter window for Tottenham Hotspur this season as the Lilywhites continue to be linked with several players.

Just yesterday, it was reported that Tottenham are looking for a ‘world class’ keeper to strengthen the squad this winter following a series of mistakes by Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian, who joined from Empoli back in 2023, has the odd mistake in him, as already seen this season, and it was claimed that his inability to command his box and deal with set pieces has seen Tottenham look elsewhere.

Tottenham and Guglielmo Vicario transfer stance for January

TeamTalk have now poured cold water on those reports, with the outlet claiming that Spurs are not urgently looking for a first-choice goalkeeper, as Thomas Frank has a different top priority for January.

It is explained that despite links with several high-profile goalkeepers, Vicario remains Tottenham’s number one choice and a key leadership figure in the dressing room.

The goalkeeper, who ranks first for saves in the Premier League, has been described as integral to Tottenham’s project, with reports even adding that the 29-year-old is seen as a future captaincy candidate alongside James Maddison and Cristian Romero.

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However, while Vicario’s position is not under threat, there are claims that Spurs are monitoring the goalkeeper market with a focus on adding depth behind the 29-year-old.

Spurs and Antoine Semenyo transfer interest

TeamTalk also went on to reveal Tottenham’s priority in January in their report. The publication states that, instead of a goalkeeper, Frank is looking to strengthen the forward area of the pitch at Tottenham.

Spurs remain keen on landing Antoine Semenyo, and it is claimed that the north London club have made initial enquiries.

A Tottenham centre-back has been paired with an Arsenal man in WhoScored’s Team of the Season so far across the top five leagues in Europe.

There has been plenty of debate on social media about how Tottenham’s centre-back pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven compares with Arsenal’s formidable duo, William Saliba and Gabriel.

Former Tottenham midfielder Sando believes that Spurs have the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League, which is not a statement that will go down well with Arsenal fans.

Interestingly, WhoScored’s Team of the Season has one Arsenal man and one Spurs man as their central defensive pairing, but it is not either Romero or Van de Ven.

Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic makes Team of the Season

WhoScored have announced their Team of the Season so far across the top five leagues in Europe based on their performance metrics.

Spurs youngster Luka Vuskovic, who is having an outstanding loan spell at Hamburg, makes the cut with an average match rating of 7.38.

The Croat has an even better average match rating than Gabriel, who is the other centre-back in the team, and the only Premier League player in the eleven.

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Unsurprisingly, Tottenham legend Harry Kane makes the eleven with an average match performance rating of 8.33, which is the highest out of all the players selected.

Spurs are weighing up Vuskovic’s next step

Vuskovic has won two back-to-back Bundesliga Rookie of the Month awards since moving to Hamburg, with the centre-back surprising everyone with how well he is doing in the German top-flight.

It was reported a few days ago that Tottenham’s scouts are closely monitoring Vuskovic’s progress at Hamburg as they weigh up the 18-year-old’s next steps.

Going by the centre-back’s meteoric rise over the last two years, many Spurs fans will feel he is ready to challenge for a first-team spot at N17 next season.

David Ornstein has provided a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

It was Ornstein who first broke the news at the start of this week that Semenyo has a £65m release clause in his contract.

According to reports, the news of Semenyo’s release clause has alerted Tottenham, who are ready to move for him in January after initially planning to pursue him next summer.

However, it has been claimed by a number of sources over the last few days that Liverpool are expected to offer stiff competition to Spurs for the 25-year-old.

Tottenham are one of three clubs interested in Antoine Semenyo

Ornstein has now confirmed that Thomas Frank’s men are one of the sides vying to land the Ghana international during the January window.

The journalist revealed that, alongside Liverpool, Man City are also plotting a move for the Bournemouth man, with one of those three clubs looking likely to snap up the winger in the upcoming transfer window.

Ornstein said on The Athletic FC podcast about the race for Semenyo: “It sounds like Liverpool have a firm interest… but we don’t know because there will be others contending as well. Man City are credited with an interest. Tottenham [too].

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“For the time being, from the many conversations I’ve had, those seem to be the three teams genuinely in the frame… the industry is telling us so far that if there is to be a move, it’s sounding more like a Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham direction of travel, subject to change.”

What can Spurs do to beat Man City and Liverpool to Semenyo?

There is no doubt that Tottenham have their work cut out to land the Cherries star, with the Etihad Stadium and Anfield undoubtedly being more attractive destinations.

Thomas Frank and Spurs can perhaps try to convince Semenyo that he will be the main man at N17, and the team would be built around him.

Paul Merson has predicted that Sunday’s clash between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur will not play out like North London derbies usually do.

With the international break done and dusted, the tension has now started building ahead of Tottenham’s trip to the Emirates.

Opta’s Supercomputer has predicted that Arsenal are overwhelming favourites to beat Spurs, and not a lot of Tottenham supporters would disagree, given their team’s performances of late.

However, despite their ongoing struggles at home, Thomas Frank’s men have managed to win four and draw one of their five away matches this season, including a 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium.

Paul Merson expects a cagey affair between Tottenham and Arsenal

Merson pointed out that, unlike the end-to-end, entertaining games we have seen when these two sides have locked horns historically, it will be an extremely cagey contest on Sunday.

He suggested that Tottenham may post a challenge to Arsenal, given their exploits away from home, but he backed Mikel Arteta’s men to edge out their opponents.

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Merson told Sportskeeda about the North London derby: “This is the game! When I used to play for Arsenal, I used to ring my dad up and tell him when we’re playing Tottenham as soon as the fixtures were out. I know Liverpool and Manchester City are bigger opponents for Arsenal in the title race, but for the fans, this is the biggest game!

“Tottenham are top of the league table if you only consider form away from home. When Spurs are not the favourites and they sit back, absorb pressure and hit you on the break, they are a tricky team to face.

“If Arsenal were playing away from home, I would have given Tottenham no chance! Mikel Arteta also has to deal with injuries to some key players, so I don’t think this game is a straightforward win for Arsenal. Will Viktor Gyokeres be fit? Can Leandro Trossard make an impact like he did in the last game? There are so many questions to be answered.

“Arsenal vs Tottenham has always been one of the most entertaining matches in the Premier League. But I don’t think that will be the case here. I’m expecting a tight, cagey affair with Arsenal coming out on top in the end. Prediction: Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur.”

Ex-Spurs stars do not think Tottenham stand a chance against Arsenal

Interestingly, Merson has given Tottenham more of a chance than the pundits who are associated with the Lilywhites.

Jermaine Jenas believes that Arsenal will simply be too strong for Spurs, given how Frank’s men have been playing of late.

Thomas Frank has now provided an injury update on the fitness of three of his defenders, ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s north London derby game.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action this weekend after a two-week pause because of the international break.

The majority of Thomas Frank’s men have returned fit, with the Spurs boss providing a positive injury update following the stop in club football.

This is a significant boost for Tottenham, who play Arsenal on Sunday in the Premier League, before facing PSG in midweek in the Champions League.

Not only did players return from the international break without serious injuries, but several other injured stars are also edging closer to full fitness.

Thomas Frank spoke about Dragusin, Kota Takai and Ben Davies’ progress and revealed how close they are to being part of the squad.

Speaking to Football.London, he said: “Yeah, Radu very happy and he is a couple of weeks full training all in, everything and played first 45 minutes in nine months last Wednesday.

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“Trained fully today, now he is getting very close to be selected and now it is a matter of performance and a few more game minutes to be fully available. Ben and Kota both trained today. Archie trained with the team as well.”

Radu Dragusin played a good 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match with Leyton Orient, his first minutes after over eight months sidelined because of an ACL problem.

Spurs injuries remain a concern for Thomas Frank

While a few players are edging closer to full fitness, a couple of others remain sidelined and are unavailable to Frank.

Dejan Kulusevski, while expected to return sometime this year, remains out of contention and will not be available to Frank in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for the first north London derby of the season, yet Thomas Frank heads into the clash with several fitness concerns that could shape his squad for the trip across the capital.

Thomas Frank will be hoping to get the better of Arsenal on Sunday evening in what is set to be the first north London derby of the season.

Spurs have not managed a victory in their last six encounters against the Gunners, while Frank has just the one win in his last nine games against Mikel Arteta’s side.

For Tottenham fans, however, a win over their fiercest rivals is what will matter most, especially on Arsenal’s home ground, a venue they have failed to win at in the last ten meetings.

Tottenham injury news as Thomas Frank assesses squad

Thomas Frank will need his squad in the best of shape for this trip, but he has to contend with several injuries still.

Coming into this clash, Spurs are set to be without a handful of first-team players. James Maddison remains sidelined as he continues to recover from his ACL injury.

Dejan Kulusevski could return sometime before the year ends, but this derby encounter is a little too soon for the Swede.

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Frank had hinted at a potential Dominic Solanke return after the international break, however, the trip to Arsenal still comes too soon for the striker.

Randal Kolo Muani is available despite having picked up a jaw injury against United, while Archie Gray, Kota Takai and Ben Davies are also sideline, but have returned to training.

Lucas Bergvall withdrew from the Swedish national team because of his head injury, while Pape Matar Sarr is another to have picked up a knock while away from north London, however, the midfield pair are available for selection.

Frank has now provided an update on the injury situation of his club. Speaking to Football.London, he said: “They are good. Most of them. Pape trained today and is ready and available, Lucas also trained today and is available. Kolo Muani, trained today, available with a mask of course.

“Dom is not ready yet. I think he also had an article recently about where he said the same, that we want to be sure that he’s ready. I’m confident it will be soon.”