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Arsenal must take advantage after rivals stumble

Arsenal return to action in what promises to be a defining weekend for their title push. After a frustrating 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light, the Gunners have been handed a golden opportunity to strengthen their grip at the top of the Premier League. With both Manchester City and Liverpool dropping critical points, the stage is set for a statement from the men in red and white.

Hosting their rivals in the North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal know that a win today isn’t just about bragging rights, it’s about momentum, belief and sending out a message to every contender. Their recent preview noted that the club’s strong home form makes them favourites, yet a return to winning ways is essential if they are to capitalise.

A fierce derby, perfect timing

The task will not be simple. Tottenham Hotspur remain unbeaten away from home this season and will arrive with confidence. Still, history is on Arsenal’s side: the visitors have won only twice in 23 trips to north London. With this in mind, the timing could not be more perfect for the Gunners to deliver.

For Mikel Arteta’s squad, it is about imposing control, showing maturity and asserting their vision. The international break has allowed key players to recover, and the fanbase is braced for a strong lineup and a statement performance.

Here the Confirmed Arsenal Starting XI:

🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️

🧱 Hincapie in at centre-back

©️ Saka skippers the side

🎩 Merino leads the line

Let’s bring the fight, Gunners 👊

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 23, 2025

And with it, the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table and quiet any doubts that surfaced after they lost their clean sheet streak against Sunderland.

Do you fancy our chances today?

It’s got to be a statement win, surely?

What’s your score prediction for today’s north London derby Gooners?

Let’s discuss in the comments.

COYG!

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Arsenal and Tottenham both explored the possibility of signing Rodrygo during the summer window as the two Premier League rivals sought attacking reinforcements. Mikel Arteta was determined to strengthen his squad in key areas ahead of the new campaign and wanted to ensure that Arsenal remained competitive after another ambitious transfer period.

The Gunners backed their manager heavily, bringing in several high-profile additions, including Viktor Gyökeres and Cristhian Mosquera. Both signings have already made Arsenal a more complete and well-balanced side. Even with those deals secured, the club were still open to adding one more marquee name before the deadline and considered making a move for Rodrygo. In the end, they opted to sign Eberechi Eze, but their interest in the Brazilian did not disappear entirely.

Rodrygo’s Preference

Tottenham were Arsenal’s main rivals for the winger, with Ange Postecoglou’s side also viewing him as a player capable of elevating their attacking options. Real Madrid, for their part, were willing to sanction a sale to Spurs should the right offer arrive. However, according to Team Talk, Rodrygo himself is not interested in joining the Lilywhites.

The report claims he has made it clear that, if he were to move to London, his preference would be Arsenal. He is said to view the Gunners as the bigger and more suitable club for his career, with their current trajectory and playing style appealing to him far more than a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arsenal’s Financial Challenge

While Rodrygo’s stance would give Arsenal a major advantage in any future negotiations, it remains uncertain whether they will be in a position to make a January bid. The Gunners invested heavily during the summer window, and although Arteta would welcome an attacker of Rodrygo’s calibre, the club may need to offload players or delay any move until the end of the season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are expected to maintain their interest despite the player’s current preference, but their pursuit will be significantly more difficult if Rodrygo continues to favour a transfer to the Emirates.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been warned that they are almost certain to fall short against Arsenal when the Premier League resumes after the international break.

Come Sunday, 23rd November, football fans across the globe will be tuned in to the Emirates Stadium for the latest instalment of the North London Derby, Arsenal versus Spurs.

Arsenal have enjoyed a bright start to the campaign, yet just before the break, they stumbled, dropping two points in a frustrating 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Naturally, all eyes will be on whether the Gunners can bounce back, and whether they will do so against their noisy neighbours from N17.

Spurs, meanwhile, remain the league’s wild card. Blowing hot and cold with little predictability, it is anyone’s guess which version of the Lilywhites will turn up at the Emirates.

Jenas backs Arsenal for another NLD victory

Jermaine Jenas, speaking on the Wildcards youtube podcast alongside Jermaine Pennant, did not mince his words. He believes that regardless of which Spurs side shows up, even if they pose a threat, there is only one likely outcome.

He said: “Then you have the North London Derby, which I fully expect Arsenal to win, unfortunately. I just think, look, Spurs are better away from home at the minute, currently, and I think they could cause Arsenal a few issues. But I just do not think they are playing well enough.”

It is a verdict that echoes what many Gooners already feel. Even when Spurs have enjoyed strong spells of form in previous seasons, they rarely carry that confidence into the red half of North London.

The Emirates remains a nightmare for Spurs

History provides little comfort for the visitors. In twenty three North London Derbies at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have secured fourteen wins, seven draws, and only two defeats.

The Emirates is not a happy hunting ground for Tottenham. They struggle there, and often badly. For Arsenal, this makes next Sunday an ideal opportunity to re-establish momentum, particularly with formidable fixtures around the corner.

Having lost ground against Sunderland, Mikel Arteta’s men need an immediate response. Results against Spurs, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea in quick succession will be crucial, not only for points but to reaffirm that this Arsenal team are genuine contenders with serious resilience.

What are your thoughts Gooners? Should Arsenal be confident going into this one?

Daniel O

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Arsenal is preparing to expand the Emirates Stadium, a move that financial expert Kieran Maguire believes is influenced by Tottenham Hotspur’s larger ground. As one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Arsenal continues to take significant steps to maintain its position among the elite, both on and off the pitch.

Expanding to Compete Financially

Being one of the most established teams in world football means that Arsenal must continually explore new ways to generate income. Matchday revenue remains one of the most important sources of financial growth for leading clubs, and teams with larger stadiums naturally benefit from greater capacity, increased ticket sales, and expanded hospitality offerings.

Arsenal’s decision to enhance the Emirates Stadium’s capacity is understood to be part of a broader commercial strategy. The plans reportedly include adding more hospitality areas, ensuring that the club can offer an improved matchday experience while also increasing revenue. The Emirates, which has been Arsenal’s home since 2006, already stands as one of the Premier League’s most recognisable venues, but the competition within the league has driven the need for continued development.

Kieran Maguire’s Insight on the Expansion

Financial expert Kieran Maguire discussed the reasoning behind the move in an interview with Football Insider, stating:

“Arsenal are conscious that they are in a competitive market, but Spurs have certainly stolen a march on them in terms of the commercialisation of White Hart Lane, if that’s what it should be called.

“And therefore, if all the other things are equal, potentially Spurs are generating more money in a season from match day. And that historically would never have been the case.”

Maguire’s comments highlight how Tottenham’s modern stadium has set a new commercial benchmark within English football. Arsenal’s management appears determined to close that financial gap, recognising that increased matchday income plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term competitiveness.

While Tottenham’s development may have accelerated Arsenal’s plans, the expansion would likely have been inevitable given the club’s global fanbase and continued growth. The Gunners’ commitment to reinvesting in their infrastructure reflects a forward-thinking approach aimed at sustaining success both on and off the field, ensuring the Emirates remains a leading venue in world football.

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How dare Tottenham Hotspur think they could beat Arsenal to Eberechi Eze? The same Eze who has long been known to harbour a dream of playing for Arsenal.

The idea of Spurs and Crystal Palace reaching an agreement in principle left Gooners frustrated, but Arsenal’s decision-makers spared them further misery by hijacking the deal before it was officially confirmed. Eze is now making the switch to Arsenal after the club successfully moved in at the last moment.

What Eze means for Martinelli

With his arrival, Arsenal can feel more confident about Mikel Arteta’s side, especially with this signing set to address one of the team’s biggest issues, the left-wing struggles.

Gabriel Martinelli could be one of the biggest winners from the deal. Expected to operate as the left central midfielder, Eze’s presence in the middle should elevate Martinelli’s game. One problem with Arteta’s left flank has been that it became too touch-heavy.

Now, with a brilliant ball carrier and progressor like Eze, capable of line-breaking passes, the volume of touches required from the left winger drops significantly. Martinelli can focus more on movement and receiving closer to goal. He will not need to worry as much about beating his man, as Eze can provide that spark.

Additionally, Martinelli and Eze could combine in short exchanges, injecting dynamism and pushing the Brazilian into the box, where his game shines most in finishing moves. With the duo linking up, Arsenal might rediscover the chemistry Martinelli once enjoyed with Gabriel Jesus in the 2022-23 season, when we saw his best version.

Eze as a left-wing option

If Martinelli still fails to rediscover his mojo, Arteta may take a bold step and deploy Eze on the left wing. Eze operates best centrally, where he drives powerfully through the middle in transition, breaking pressure and injecting pace into play. As he surges forward, he can pick out passes into space with precision.

However, he is equally capable of operating from the left wing, and could remain a viable option there if needed.

Your thoughts Gooners?

Daniel O

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Arsenal struggled against low blocks last season and needed someone who could effortlessly break down defences while relieving Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka of the creative burden.

While Eberechi Eze looked tailor-made for the low-block killer role at the Emirates, reports suggested Arsenal needed to make sales to close the deal. But while one might have expected assurances to be given to the player, who dreams of representing the red and white, perhaps none were offered. It has now emerged that Arsenal may not have genuinely wanted Eze after all.

Finance expert Kieran Maguire revealed that Arsenal could have easily completed the deal if they truly wished to:

“Arsenal have ‘huge’ PSR headroom, and could have ‘easily’ completed the £68m deal for Eberechi Eze if they wished to.”

Spurs Winning The Eze Race

With Eze open to a move to Tottenham Hotspur, a switch that jeopardises any chance of him joining Arsenal, it is fair to question whether the Gunners were ever serious about the deal.

Missing out on Eze may feel like a transfer blow, but is it? While his signing made sense to some extent, his arrival did not quite align with the squad Arsenal already have.

Eze was expected to play as a left central midfielder. But Arsenal’s LCM position is already well stocked. Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino can all operate there. Max Dowman, if given a chance, is another option.

While some were unsure which midfield trio Mikel Arteta would favour, against Athletic Club he debuted a Martin Zubimendi, Rice, and Ødegaard combination, and what a hit it was. Watching those three technically gifted midfielders play together sold Gooners a dream. With that trio, Arsenal arguably boast one of the finest midfields in Europe.

Left Wing Remains The Missing Piece

That said, it is Arsenal’s left wing that many feel still needs bolstering. So even if Eze does not sign, and Arsenal manage to land a top-class left winger, this could still go down as a grade-A transfer window for the Gunners.

What do you think Gooners, were Arsenal ever truly serious about signing Eze?

Daniel O

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Eberechi Eze is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur, but a former Premier League player has urged the skillful forward to reject their advances in favour of the Gunners. Arsenal are widely expected to sign one more player before the transfer window closes, and Eze’s name continues to crop up.

The Gunners are reportedly lining up a move for the England international due to his versatility and attacking qualities, but have yet to make any significant push for his signature. This uncertainty has opened the door for Spurs to attempt a hijack, with multiple sources suggesting the player would be open to joining them as well.

Darren Bent makes his case for Arsenal

Speaking on TalkSport, Darren Bent urged the former Arsenal academy player to turn down Tottenham and choose a return to the Gunners instead.

“If you’re looking at Arsenal and Tottenham. Yes, Spurs won a trophy last year, but they finished fourth from bottom. In my opinion Arsenal are in a better place. They finished second three times in a row,” said Bent.

The former Tottenham man also believes Eze would have no problem integrating into Arsenal’s starting XI. Thanks to his versatility, he can play on the left flank or in midfield, and Bent feels he would be a better option than some of the current choices.

“I think if Eze comes he does start and I still like Gabriel Martinelli but Eze is a better player. Odegaard is not flying like he was. I watched Arsenal all pre-season. (He) hasn’t got going yet. I just think for Eze, Arsenal would be the better fit for him,” he added.

Arsenal must act quickly

Arsenal’s lack of a firm bid may be linked to limited transfer business in the opposite direction. The club are reportedly waiting to offload several players before making a move, with Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson all touted for departures this summer.

If the Gunners are still serious about signing Eze, they must act fast amid strong interest from their bitter rivals.

Do you think Eze would be the perfect signing to complete Arsenal’s summer?

Your thoughts appreciated in the comments Gooners.

Benjamin Kenneth

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Tottenham Hotspur may have just thrown a spanner in Arsenal’s transfer plans, and for that, they should brace themselves for a proper beating in the next north London derby.

Arsenal had hoped to avoid paying Eberechi Eze’s £68 million release clause. While they bided their time, working to raise funds and strike a compromise deal with Crystal Palace, Spurs forced their way into the picture. Thomas Frank’s side now want Eze too, seeing him as the ideal replacement for the injured James Maddison.

Given Eze once confessed it was his dream to play for Arsenal, you might think there would be no contest.

Spurs ready to break the bank for Eze

However, there is competition, and Spurs are reportedly so confident that they may pay well over the odds to get the deal done. Commentator Ian Darke told TottenhamHotspurNews this potential swoop “would be an absolutely fantastic signing which would excite the Tottenham fans, if they can get Eze.

“Arsenal might be in there as well, so that price is probably going to go up. He is still pretty young, a big talent, so you would think that the fee would be north of £70million.

“If you are a Tottenham fan right now, you would be hoping beyond hope that they can land him; he is an elite-level player; he is a Champions League, international-level player.”

Palace will love Spurs’ intent, Arsenal will not

Spurs’ willingness to pay over the odds does not guarantee they will win the race, but it does complicate Arsenal’s plans. The Gunners had a figure in mind, a fee they felt was fair to land the Premier League low-block killer.

If Selhurst Park get wind of a club ready to break the bank for their midfield maverick, they will likely hold firm on their £68 million valuation, a price Arsenal were not keen to meet. Arsenal may now be forced to go high to land Eze, who has been packaged as the crown jewel of their summer 2025 business.

Hopefully, Sporting Director Andrea Berta can raise funds through player sales, so Arsenal could yet go all out and win the Eze race, leaving Spurs red-faced.

This is an emotive one huh Gooners?

Daniel O

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Viktor Gyökeres and Cristhian Mosquera made their non-competitive first team debuts against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, 31st July, and Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts on their performances. Both came on as second half substitutes but had limited time to make an impact in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat.

Following much anticipation around their arrivals, particularly Gyökeres, supporters were eager to see the new signings in the iconic red and white. Neither player has seen much action in pre-season so far, with Gyökeres only joining the squad a week ago. However, Arteta believes things will look quite different when Arsenal face Villarreal at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Arteta pleased with early signs from new arrivals

Speaking to reporters after the match, Arteta expressed his excitement at having both players in the squad and suggested they may feature more prominently in the next friendly. As quoted by Arsenal media, he said:

“Really happy obviously to have them here. I think they’re going to have a lot of value. You see this right away, as well as the energy and the quality that they’re going to bring. It was a short one but at least that one is off now and when they play against Villarreal now, I’m sure it will be a bit different.”

The Spaniard’s comments hint that Gyökeres and Mosquera could be handed more minutes as they continue to integrate into the team and adapt to Arsenal’s style of play.

Building match fitness ahead of the new season

Prior to the Spurs clash, Mosquera had not featured in a competitive game since 21 June, while Gyökeres last played at the end of May. The Swedish forward is still building fitness, having missed a full pre-season with Sporting. With matches against Villarreal and Athletic Club to come, as well as key training sessions in between, the next couple of weeks will be vital in helping both players get match-ready.

Both upcoming fixtures will also give Gyökeres and Mosquera a chance to familiarise themselves with their new home ground, with both matches set to take place at the Emirates Stadium.

What did you make of their cameos against Spurs, Gooners?

Benjamin Kenneth

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Gabriel Jesus is reportedly drawing interest from a number of top European and Brazilian clubs as uncertainty grows over his long-term future at Arsenal. The Brazilian forward has been sidelined since January with a serious ACL injury sustained against Manchester United in the FA Cup and may now find himself slipping down the pecking order at the Emirates.

With the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres, Jesus is expected to become the third-choice striker when fit, and that’s only if he remains at the club. Noni Madueke’s addition has further strengthened Arsenal’s forward line, increasing speculation that Jesus could be moved on in the near future.

Rival interest emerges

According to CaughtOffside, Jesus is attracting attention from Barcelona, Inter Milan, Newcastle United and, surprisingly, bitter North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Brazilian clubs Flamengo and Palmeiras are also reportedly keeping tabs, with Flamengo even believed to be preparing a loan offer.

While no official bids have been submitted, many of these clubs are monitoring the 28-year-old’s recovery closely, with January emerging as the likely window for any serious negotiations. Tottenham and Newcastle are both looking for added firepower in attack, especially if Alexander Isak leaves Tyneside, while Barcelona are seeking a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski.

Future remains uncertain

Jesus has struggled for consistency during his time at Arsenal but still offers plenty of experience, pressing intensity and link-up play that could suit several systems across Europe and South America. Whether the Gunners decide to cash in or wait for his recovery will likely depend on the progress of other forwards and the club’s financial strategy.

With the window still open and clubs circling, Jesus’ situation remains one to watch in the months ahead.

Thoughts Gooners?

Benjamin Kenneth

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