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‘This is why Ange Postecoglou may refuse to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham with Arsene Wenger’

Tottenham are set to travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to play the season’s first North London derby against Arsenal.

Drew Spence shone as Tottenham Women drew 0-0 with Arsenal Women on Sunday, and Thomas Frank will hope to see similar resolve from his team.

The Premier League leaders have not lost since August, but have been struck down by several injury issues since the season began.

Tottenham have been woeful at home this season, so it may actually come as a relief to be travelling away for this one.

Two stoppage-time goals saw Tottenham draw 2-2 with Manchester United before the international break, with Frank hoping to get his side back in form.

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North London derby to be ‘played under Pulisball’

Pape Matar Sarr is a doubt for the trip to Arsenal, after the midfielder was forced off in Senegal’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.

There was bad news for Arsenal in the same game, however, with goal-scoring defender Gabriel appearing to suffer a groin issue.

The Brazilian joins several Gunners with question marks hanging over their heads ahead of Sunday’s clash, although Tottenham cannot boast a cleaner bill of health.

Both sides will hope the international break will allow for several players to return ahead of the North London derby; however, although the contest has already been played down by some.

“This time next week, we will be looking forward to the first North London derby to be played under Pulisball,” wrote Dave Kidd in The Sun on Sunday.

“Will Arsenal’s prowess from corners prevail over Tottenham’s barrage of long throw-ins? Arsene Wenger and Ange Postecoglou may not decide to tune in.“

The North London derby can surprise

Looking at the stats would suggest that there is something to Kidd’s words. According to Statmuse, Tottenham‘s 6.71 expected goals (xG) created from open play is the 13th best in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s 10.7 is only bettered by three teams, but the Gunners have created a massive 8.98 xG from set-pieces – far more than any other team.

But trends are usually thrown out of the window when it comes to derby day. Chaos can quickly ensue, and the events that follow are hard to predict.

Even the most stubborn of football purists, including both Wenger and Postecoglou, would be wise to tune in for what will undoubtedly be an entertaining clash.

Djed Spence did not play a single minute for England during the November international break.

Spence was one of several Tottenham stars called up for international duty while the club season paused for the final time in 2025.

His integration into the England national team came earlier this year when Spence became the first Muslim player to represent the Three Lions.

However, the fullback has since seen his importance decline for both club and country in a turn of events that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Nico O’Reilly starts over Djed Spence for England

Spence starred for England during the October international break, but failed to see the pitch in either of their World Cup Qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.

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Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly was Thomas Tuchel‘s pick for both games.

In fairness to the 20-year-old, he was excellent from left back.

Furthermore, O’Reilly made 1.5 tackles per game and was not dribbled past once, according to Sofascore.

He even could’ve bagged the assist of the season deep into their second half against Albania when Bukayo Saka scuffed his shot after the fullback flicked the ball into his path.

It was a complete performance from beginning to end, and while Spence will likely be called up for the 2026 World Cup, his starting spot is under serious threat.

Thomas Tuchel makes Djed Spence feelings clear

Tuchel has a reputation for being a no-nonsense manager, and that hasn’t changed since becoming the Three Lions head coach.

Tottenham stars Spence and Micky van de Ven were torn to shreds after ignoring Thomas Frank following Spurs’ 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea earlier this month.

Speaking over the international break, the German coach made his feelings on the situation abundantly clear.

“I don’t like it,” he said.

“Because the players know they are not only national players when they are ten days in camp. They are always national players, and the standard of behaviour is always important.”

With this in mind, Spence’s treatment during the recent international break may not have come as a surprise.

The defender did win all three of his tackles against Manchester United, completing three clearances and five recoveries, and that is what he must let do the talking, not a supposed attitude problem.

Tuchel may simply have been sending a message to both Frank and Spence that his behaviour was not appreciated and will not be tolerated.

All things considered, it will be interesting to see how many minutes, if any, he’ll receive next year.

Thomas Frank will be looking forward to his first taste of a competitive North London derby as Tottenham boss.

It has been a difficult few years for Tottenham supporters when it comes to North London derbies.

The Lilywhites are winless in their last six competitive games against their neighbours, last tasting victory more than three years ago when a side then led by Antonio Conte put three past Mikel Arteta’s men at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium without reply.

Since then, the Gunners have dominated, winning five of the last six meetings between the two North London clubs, and that is something Frank will be looking to change this season.

Tottenham did beat Arsenal 1-0 in Hong Kong in a pre-season friendly this summer, but fans will want to see a competitive win.

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Ahead of the first North London derby of the season at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday, Tottenham News takes a look back at Spurs’ greatest wins against the Gunners.

Tottenham 3 – 1 Arsenal (14 April 1991)

Winning against your greatest rivals is always a fantastic feeling. However, beating them to reach an FA Cup final makes it that bit sweeter.

In 1991, that is exactly what Tottenham did with their 3-1 victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

However, while the win and the importance of that win, of course, speak for themselves, the reason this game is forever etched in Spurs history is because of a 30-yard free-kick scored by Tottenham legend Paul Gascoigne.

It is one of the greatest and most famous goals in Tottenham history, and was followed by a Gary Lineker brace to secure Spurs’ place in the 1991 FA Cup final.

Spurs would beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 in the final to record a then-record eighth FA Cup victory, making the win against Arsenal and Gascoigne’s magic strike all the more important for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham 5 – 1 Arsenal (22 January 2008)

Another victory which saw Tottenham book a place in a final at the expense of their North London rivals, this time the League Cup, which was then known as the Carling Cup.

After a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semi-final at the Emirates Stadium, goals from Jermaine Jenas, an own goal by Nicklas Bendtner, Robbie Keane, Aaron Lennon, and Steed Malbranque secured an emphatic victory at White Hart Lane.

It is one of Spurs’ heaviest ever wins against Arsenal, and once again, just like in 1991, Tottenham would go on to win the final, this time beating Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham 2 – 0 Arsenal (30 April 2017)

The last North London derby and one of the last games ever at White Hart Lane was played toward the end of the 2016-17 season, and it was a match Tottenham simply could not lose.

Had they tasted defeat to the Gunners before knocking down their old ground, their fierce rivals would have never let them hear the end of it.

Arsenal have already won two leagues at White Hart Lane, which is bad enough, and the Tottenham players on the day needed to ensure they at least ended the contests between Spurs and the Gunners at the old ground with a win.

The pressure was high, but Mauricio Pochettino’s side delivered on a highly emotional day, as goals from Harry Kane and Dele Alli secured the win, which also guaranteed that Tottenham would finish above Arsenal for the first time in 22 seasons.

‘Fantastic’ Drew Spence hailed as Tottenham Women earn point in North London derby

Tottenham Women star Drew Spence was heavily praised for her defensive performance as Spurs played out a 0-0 draw against Arsenal.

It was a resilient performance from the hosts, as they vastly reduced the Champions League holders’ chances throughout.

It was always going to be a tricky game, with Arsenal overwhelming favourites for the Tottenham clash.

However, an outstanding defensive display ensured that the points were shared, with Spence one of the standout performers.

Karen Bardsley: Drew Spence was fantastic

Since Martin Ho’s appointment at Tottenham, he has turned Spurs into a formidable outfit, and this was on show on Sunday.

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However, up against their North London rivals, it was always going to be a tough task, with Arsenal having typically overcome Spurs without issues when the two sides have met.

The Champions League holders had scored 18 times in eight games going into the match, routinely dominating their opposition.

However, Spurs managed to drastically reduce the visitors’ chances, conceding only a 1.68 xG with Lize Kop managing to pull off some good saves to keep a clean sheet.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on 16 November, Karen Bardsley was impressive with how Tottenham managed Arsenal’s attack, highlighting Spence’s contribution in her praise.

She said: “It’s been very disciplined from a Spurs perspective.

“Drew Spence has made some fantastic blocks, screening passes and won her battles.”

What did Spence say after Tottenham’s draw in the North London derby?

The result for Tottenham Women ensured that they remain level on points with Arsenal in fifth.

In fact, thanks to Manchester United’s heavy defeat, Spurs are now just one point off the Champions League qualifiers in third.

As a result, speaking to Sky Sports on 16 November after the match, Spence was full of praise for Ho, who has managed to transform the Tottenham since his arrival in the summer.

She stated: “The whole team battled so well. It was a great, solid defensive performance.

“After the disappointment from last week, it was important for us that we gained that momentum again, and it was an important point in our journey.

“I think he [Martin Ho] has shifted our mindset. I think last year, we didn’t compete as much as we should have done, especially against the top four or five, so that’s been a massive shift for us this year.”

Tottenham are weeks away from reaping the rewards of their return to the Champions League.

Before Ange Postecoglou was sacked, Tottenham lifted the Europa League title to return to the biggest stage of club football this season.

Now under Thomas Frank, Spurs have enjoyed a decent start to life back in the Champions League, beating the likes of Copenhagen and Villarreal already.

Tottenham currently sit tenth in the league phase, one point behind the top eight and only four behind Bayern Munich, who are top of the pile with Harry Kane.

Tottenham in line for huge jackpot in Champions League

With four games played and four to go, Tottenham are in line to bank around £50million already.

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Dan Plumley has revealed that it will get even better if Spurs finish in the top eight and secure instant progression to the round of 16.

The football finance expert shared that Tottenham would secure just under £10m from finishing in those top spots, even if they scrape through, possibly taking their jackpot to over £60m already.

“So, the starting fee is £16.4m,” Plumley exclusively told Tottenham News.

“It is £1.7m a win as well, and then the same bonuses apply if you finish first to eighth, you get an additional £1.7m. If you can get to the round of 16 and finish in the top eight, that can be really lucrative, as that is £9.7m per club.

“On top of what will be the thick end of £22m just in participation fees for being there, if you get to the round of 16, that’s £9.7m and the TV money on top.

“That’s how we get to some of those numbers, that even from a big Premier League in the Champions League, it’s worth about £50m before you’ve even kicked a ball, and if you get into the knockouts, it’s worth even more.

“Even on a conservative estimate, for getting into that top eight, Spurs would earn at least £61.9m.”

Who do Tottenham have left to play in the Champions League?

A trip to France to take on Paris Saint-Germain is up next for Tottenham, but Spurs will be confident after pushing them all the way in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this season.

Slavia Prague are next up in North London, while Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt finish off the group fixtures.

While not easy, the final three games certainly represent a brilliant opportunity to secure that extra windfall, with the Lewis family eager for sporting success, as well as financial.

Dire Ange Postecoglou transfer blunder continues to haunt Tottenham as former star becomes national hero

Ange Postecoglou’s decision to sell Troy Parrott continues to look baffling as the Republic of Ireland international dominates the November break.

The attacker joined Spurs’ youth side in 2017 and progressed through the ranks, and even made several appearances for the first team.

However, much of his time was spent out on loan, before Parrott finally joined AZ permanently in 2024.

Yet, as the days go on, this looks increasingly stupid, with Parrott’s heroics giving the Republic of Ireland a slot in the World Cup playoffs despite being on the brink of elimination.

Troy Parrott hat-trick sends the Republic of Ireland into the playoffs

Going into the international break, Ireland had little hope of qualifying for the World Cup.

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However, a shock 2-0 win over Portugal was followed up by a late 3-2 comeback against Hungary on Sunday to leapfrog the Central European nation to second place.

Throughout these matches, Parrott netted five times, including a 96th-minute winner against Hungary to complete his hat-trick.

The quality that the attacker possesses is perhaps not too surprising, with the attacker already netting 13 goals in 14 matches for AZ in all competitions this season.

Therefore, the fact that Postecoglou allowed Parrott to leave Tottenham for a measly £6.7million just over a year ago is a joke, with his value now skyrocketing.

Given that Tottenham are also in need of a striker shows that he could have now been a crucial player.

With Parrott now being one of the most in-form players in Europe, the North London club have clearly lost a gem who could have been a star thanks to their former manager.

How good was Parrott vs Hungary?

According to Fotmob on 16 November, Parrott’s performance against Hungary couldn’t have been much better.

The striker was awarded a 9.6 rating, scoring from all put one of his shots off a combined 1.34 xG.

Now, Ireland has a serious chance of reaching their first World Cup since 2022, with the nation preparing for their upcoming playoff tie in March.

Parrott will likely be key to this, and he will be aiming to continue his good form ready for these matches.

Tottenham have offered Barcelona £57million to sign Ferran Torres.

While Frank has had a solid start to the Premier League season, the Lilywhites are in desperate need of goals as they start to slip into old habits.

Micky van de Ven is Spurs’ top scorer, while Richarlison netted for the first time in two months in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United before the November international break.

As a result, the North London side have turned to the transfer market for answers.

Ferran Torres is Thomas Frank’s missing piece at Tottenham

Tottenham have reignited their interest in Torres and have offered Barcelona £57m to secure his services, according to Fichajes on 15 November.

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Spurs want to arm Thomas Frank with attacking reinforcements and reportedly see the forward as a “key piece” of the overall puzzle.

Barcelona are intrigued by the proposal. The fact that the Spanish club could profit from his sale does not go unnoticed, given their financial situation.

However, part of Barcelona’s coaching staff believes that losing him now could weaken the squad. The season is long, and the calendar is demanding, so every player is important to maintain their competitive level.

While no decision has been made, the La Liga side must now decide whether to prioritise their economy or sporting project.

As for Tottenham, the Lilywhites want to improve their squad level and are impressed by Ferran’s maturity and goalscoring ability at the top level.

Would Ferran Torres be a good investment for Tottenham?

The 25-year-old has netted seven goals and has provided one assist in 14 matches for Barcelona this season. Two of his goals have been scored in the UEFA Champions League.

Torres is already familiar with the Premier League and English football from his time at Man City. Thus, adapting to the pace of the league would be a non-issue.

He is also 25, which means he’d be able to dedicate his prime years to the North London club.

However, Torres has been a secondary option for most of his time in Spain, with Robert Lewandowski having priority.

To make a rotational option, one of the most expensive transfers of all time could end up being bad business on Spurs’ part. The Lilywhites may be better off investing in a younger, cheaper and more promising talent.

Tottenham will be on the hunt for a new shirt sponsorship deal soon, with their AIA agreement ending in the 2026/27 season.

Vinai Venkatesham became Tottenham CEO over the summer, much to their delight of fans.

Indeed, Venkatesham has been praised for the changes to Spurs’ communications department since his arrival, with more yet to come.

This transformation has also seen a change in personnel, with Daniel Levy stepping down as Tottenham chairman after almost 25 years.

And now the Lilywhites are yet to undergo another big change after a hectic couple of months.

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Tottenham want big-money shirt sponsorship deal

Spurs are hoping for a new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium naming rights deal as part of their transformation, with several avenues left to be explored.

Indeed, the Lewis family have prioritised Spurs’ sporting success now that the North London club have lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy.

As part of this change in direction, the Lilywhites recently announced that it will be parting ways with its shirt sponsor AIA at the start of the 2026/27 season.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that Spurs will be looking for a mega-money sponsor to take over.

“The club have announced that from the 2026/27 season, it’ll be AIA’s last year,” Wenham said.

“So Tottenham are probably in the market now for a really big, lucrative new shirt sponsorship deal. I mean, massive. I mean, they’re on £30-40million a year with AIA.

“They will probably be looking for £60m or more now, being the current Europa League winners, and being in the Champions League.

“So Tottenham will be looking, not only for the naming rights sponsor for the stadium, but also for a massive new shirt sponsorship deal alignment. Maybe the two will be linked, that’s the sort of thing I’m thinking.”

Tottenham’s investment will need to translate into sporting success

The Lilywhites have had a decent start to the season and are 10th in the UEFA Champions League and fifth in the Premier League.

As long as this continues, the North London club will struggle to compete for all trophies this season and the ones that follow.

Therefore, Spurs will be hoping that their recent investments will translate into sporting success soon enough, with this mega deal likely due to previous exploits, it seems.

Thomas Frank will be sweating as Tottenham suffer yet another injury blow before Arsenal

Pape Matar Sarr was substituted off with a potential injury during Senegal’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.

Sarr was one of several Tottenham players called up for international duty this November.

Most of Spurs’ stars have performed well for their national sides, with Guglielmo Vicario earning his first start for Italy and keeping a clean sheet against Moldova in their latest FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

Thomas Frank will be hoping for his players to return in one piece. But it seems he may not get that luxury with Sarr.

Pape Matar Sarr potential doubt for Arsenal

Tottenham will face rivals Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the North London Derby on 23 November.

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However, they may have to do so without Sarr as he joins several other stars who are doubtful for the game.

This comes after he was withdrawn in Senegal’s friendly against Brazil in the 49th minute.

He went to ground after a challenge from Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha and was replaced by Bayern Munich ace and Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson.

It remains to be seen whether he’ll be available for Spurs’ clash against the Gunners on 23 November.

Nevertheless, it’ll be a huge blow if he isn’t, as it becomes undeniable that an injury crisis is brewing under Frank at Tottenham.

Thomas Frank will struggle without Pape Matar Sarr

Lucas Bergvall returned to Tottenham from Sweden’s camp after suffering a setback in his recovery from a concussion in Spurs’ 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.

Arsenal are currently the league leaders in the Premier League, and facing them without Bergvall or Sarr could be catastrophic.

The Senegalese international has also recovered 3.1 balls and has made 1.5 clearances per game, according to Sofascore.

Their absence could force Frank to play Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur in a defensive double pivot, which the Dane scrapped after it produced unsatisfactory results earlier in the season.

As a result, the Lilywhites could be in for a disappointing scoreline without their key players at the Emirates on Sunday.

How to watch Tottenham Women vs Arsenal Women: TV channel and kick-off time

Tottenham Women are set to face Arsenal Women in a bragging-rights clash in the WSL on Sunday

Spurs have been delivered early injury news on Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus ahead of the men’s North London derby, but it’s not the only local clash on the horizon.

The Lilywhites lost 4-2 in the WSL last time out to London City Lionesses, but the clash against the Gunners is a great game to bounce back.

Tottenham Women sit level with Arsenal on 15 points coming into the NLD showdown, and have a chance to leapfrog their arch nemesis with a statement victory.

Tottenham Hotspur News now provides you with everything you need to know ahead of the game.

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Tottenham Women vs Arsenal Women can be watched on Sky

Tottenham are currently only one position behind Arsenal due to a big goal difference, and have won the same amount as the Gunners in their last five games in all competitions.

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, with the contest also available for streaming on the Sky Sports+ app and NOW UK. Kick-off is at 2.30 pm, so don’t miss it.

Arsenal are favourites to beat Tottenham, as the Lilywhites have just a 17.4 per cent chance of beating the Gooners.

It will be Martin Ho‘s first experience managing the Lilywhites in a North London derby, and he revealed he was excited ahead of the game in his pre-match comments.

Tottenham don’t have the best record against Arsenal, and it’s been a while since a win was recorded.

Tottenham’s record vs Arsenal isn’t great

Tottenham beat Arsenal 1-0 in 2023, which comes as the only time the side have beaten the Gunners since the WSL started.

However, even though it seems a tough task, mountains are there to be climbed, and the women need to embrace the motto, “to dare is to do,” heading into the clash.

Tottenham Women’s record vs Arsenal Women since 2019:

Arsenal really have been a bogey team of late for both the men’s and the women’s team, but Ho’s side can paint North London blue and white on Saturday.

Cathinka Tandberg is on fire coming into the game with four goals already this season.

If Ho can keep Arsenal’s attack at bay, Tandberg could be the difference-maker up top for Spurs.