Sports Mole

Dusan Vlahovic reportedly prefers a move to Barcelona over joining Premier League sides Chelsea or Tottenham Hotspur.

Vlahovic has been a focal point of the Bianconeri attack since his high-profile move from Fiorentina in January 2022, recording 46 league goals during his time in Turin — 64 strikes in 162 appearances.

However, with his current deal set to expire in June 2026, the 26-year-old is rapidly approaching free-agent status, making him one of the most sought-after properties in European football.

Juventus are believed to have scheduled fresh talks with the player's representatives for March, but a persistent impasse regarding his €12m net annual salary remains the primary hurdle to a renewal.

Vlahovic instructs representatives to 'prioritise' Barcelona move

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Vlahovic has informed his agents that Barcelona is his preferred destination as he weighs up his options for the 2026-27 campaign.

The forward reportedly views the Camp Nou as the ideal stage to continue his career and sees himself as the long-term successor to the ageing Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona are understood to be in the market for a reliable No. 9 to lead their line under Hansi Flick, and Vlahovic is thought to align with the club's tactical requirements.

While AC Milan have also held direct discussions with the player’s camp, their internal wage ceiling may prove a significant obstacle in competing with the terms potentially on offer in Spain.

Chelsea and Spurs 'kept informed' on Vlahovic as English move cools

The aforementioned source has revealed that both Chelsea and Spurs have been kept constantly informed about Vlahovic's availability as they look to upgrade their respective striking options for next season.

Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are the Blues' only options at No. 9, although Nicolas Jackson may join both if fresh reports of Bayern Munich not signing the player permanently are true, while Spurs have suffered this term during Dominic Solanke's injuries.

Thus, both London clubs are understood to be monitoring the situation closely, although the player's preference for a move to La Liga has put any potential English switch on hold for the time being.

Bayern and Real Madrid have also been loosely linked with the former Partizan star, though their interest has been described as lukewarm compared to the concrete interest from Barcelona and Milan.

Thierry Henry has suggested that Arsenal’s biggest immediate test may not have been their North London derby triumph, but the visit of Chelsea.

The Gunners bounced back from a frustrating 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, a result that strengthened their position in the Premier League title race and underlined their recent dominance away to their rivals.

Yet Henry admitted that, while the performance was impressive, it is the next challenge that concerns him more.

Speaking to Betway after the derby win, Henry played down suggestions that Tottenham away represented a major hurdle for Arsenal.

“When has it been a tricky game since they moved to the new stadium?” he said, referencing Arsenal’s strong recent record there. “We have won our last four games there.”

Thierry Henry: 'Chelsea are a bigger threat to Arsenal than Tottenham'

Instead, the former Gunners striker pointed to Chelsea as the sterner examination. “I’m more concerned about Chelsea at home, personally,” he added.

For Henry, it is less about derby emotion and more about tactical match-ups. Arsenal’s display against Spurs pleased him, particularly the way Mikel Arteta’s side continued to press high even when leading. He contrasted that with the Wolves draw, when Arsenal retreated into their own half after going 2-0 up.

“What I liked against Spurs, and what I haven’t seen for a little while, is that being ahead doesn’t mean you have to sit back,” Henry explained. “Even in the 96th minute, [Gabriel] Martinelli was chasing to get the ball back.”

However, he warned that Chelsea present a different kind of danger. Under Liam Rosenior, the Blues have been difficult to beat and dangerous on the counter-attack - traits that could test Arsenal’s control.

“In the Carabao Cup game at the Emirates, people questioned how he set up his team, but that wasn’t an easy game for Arsenal,” Henry said. “I have been more worried about this next game than Tottenham away, just because of how Chelsea can go quick on the counter.”

With the title race finely poised, any slip-up could prove costly, especially with Manchester City waiting to capitalise.

Why Chelsea pose a different tactical puzzle to Arsenal than Tottenham

From a stylistic perspective, Chelsea’s ability to transition quickly may represent a sharper threat than Tottenham’s approach.

Spurs attempted to press Arsenal high, leaving space in behind for the Gunners’ attacking players to exploit. Chelsea, by contrast, have shown a willingness to stay compact and break with pace - a scenario that could punish Arsenal if they over-commit.

Henry’s comments also underline the psychological dimension of the run-in. Derby wins generate momentum and belief, but maintaining emotional balance is crucial. “I wasn’t super sad after Wolverhampton and I’m not super happy after beating Tottenham,” he said, stressing the need for consistency over the long season.

For Arsenal, the challenge now is to prove that their aggressive, front-footed performance against Spurs was not a one-off. If they can combine that intensity with greater control against Chelsea’s counter-attacking threat, they will take another step towards silencing doubts about their title credentials.

As Henry hinted, beating Tottenham may feel good - but navigating what comes next could define Arsenal’s season.

Igor Tudor’s Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to ease their relegation fears when they do battle with European hopefuls Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

The Cottagers are looking to complete the double over Spurs after claiming a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture three months ago.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into this fixture.

What time does Fulham vs. Spurs kickoff?

Fulham vs. Spurs will kick off at 14:00 UK time on Sunday.

This Premier League fixture is one of three taking place at the same time along with Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest and Man United vs. Crystal Palace.

Where is Fulham vs. Spurs being played?

This Premier League match will take place at Fulham’s home stadium Craven Cottage, which holds a capacity of 29,600 spectators.

Fulham are looking to win their four successive home game against Spurs in all competitions, after winning their last three by an aggregate score of 6-1.

How to watch Fulham vs. Spurs in the UK

TV channels

Fulham vs. Spurs will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League for viewers in the UK.

Sky Sports Premier League is available on channel 402 for Sky customers, 405 for Virgin Media subscribers and 402 for EE TV/BT viewers.

Online streaming

Sky's NOW TV streaming service will also be offering live coverage of the match between Fulham and Spurs.

A day pass costs £14.99, while the monthly subscription is £34.99, and the service can be accessed on mobile phones, computers and games consoles.

Highlights

Match highlights of Fulham vs. Spurs will be available on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel, as well as both clubs' official YouTube accounts.

Match of the Day will also show the best of the action, with the long-running programme scheduled to begin at 10:30 on BBC One on Sunday night.

What is at stake for Fulham and Spurs?

Fulham are seeking to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat after losing 3-0 at Man City and 2-1 at home to Everton in their last two matches.

Marco Silva, who has been linked with the Spurs job, is still aiming to secure European football for the Cottagers, who currently sit 10th in the table and just three points behind West London rivals Brentford in seventh spot with 11 games remaining.

As for Tottenham, they are the only team in the Premier League who are still searching for their first win of 2026 after suffering a heavy 4-1 home defeat to North London rivals Arsenal last weekend.

Igor Tudor has been brought in on an interim basis until the end of the season and is tasked with steering the club away from the relegation zone, with just four points separating the Lilywhites in 16th from West Ham United in 18th spot.

Still searching for their first win in 2026, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Igor Tudor’s first game as interim boss ended in defeat as his Spurs side suffered a 4-1 home loss to North London rivals Arsenal last weekend, leaving the Lilywhites 16th in the table and just four points above the relegation zone.

Tottenham can ill-afford to drop too many more points if they wish to ease their fears of relegation, but they are still having to cope without a number of first-team players.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Spurs’ latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest against Marco Silva’s side.

Pedro Porro

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: March 1 (vs. Fulham)

After missing the last five games with a calf problem, Pedro Porro has taken part in training this week and could therefore be in contention to feature this weekend.

Kevin Danso

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: March 1 (vs. Fulham)

Kevin Danso has missed the last four games with a foot injury, but the defender has returned to training this week and may be ready to return to the matchday squad against Fulham.

Ben Davies

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Ben Davies was stretchered off with a severe ankle injury against West Ham in January, and the defender will spend another couple of months recovering from surgery.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Destiny Udogie sustained a hamstring injury in Spurs' loss to Man United at Old Trafford on February 7, and the left-back is set to remain sidelined until after the international break.

Lucas Bergvall

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Lucas Bergvall is nursing a serious ankle problem and is not scheduled to return for at least another couple of months.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Mohammed Kudus was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on January 4 with a thigh injury and the attacker is not expected to return until Easter.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a severe hamstring injury at the beginning of the year and the Uruguayan will not return to action for another couple of months at least.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert ruptured his ACL in the defeat to Newcastle on February 10 and the winger has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison has been sidelined since sustaining an ACL injury in August and the Englishman is targeting a return to action during pre-season ahead of the next campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from a long-term knee injury that he picked up towards the end of last season and a return date for the attacker is unclear at this stage.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Cristian Romero

Return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Cristian Romero will serve the third of a four-match ban following his straight red card in the 2-0 defeat at Man United on February 7, but Tottenham have no other players suspended for this match.

Tottenham Hotspur have released images of Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro back in training as Igor Tudor enjoys a welcome double injury boost.

The Lilywhites hit the road to face Fulham in Sunday's Premier League London derby, still waiting for their first top-flight victory since the turn of the year following their heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Spurs' cause against the Gunners was not aided by their ongoing fitness crisis, as Tudor was without a double-figure list of absentees for the North London derby, including the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and the banned Cristian Romero.

However, the Croatian expressed hope that Danso and Porro would return in time for the trip to Craven Cottage, and the pair appear to be on course for comebacks on March 1.

On Wednesday evening, Tottenham shared images of the defensive duo with the ball at their feet on the Hotspur Way pitches, suggesting that their competitive returns are imminent.

Kevin Danso, Pedro Porro pictured in Tottenham training in double injury boost

Twenty-seven-year-old Danso has missed each of Tottenham's last four Premier League games with a toe injury, during which time the Europa League champions have conceded a whopping 10 goals - at least two in each game.

Meanwhile, Spanish right-back Porro picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Burnley on January 24, forcing the versatile but juvenile Archie Gray to fill in on his flank for the past few weeks.

However, the pair should now be in contention to face Fulham this weekend, in what will be Tudor's second and third fitness boosts since his arrival following Richarlison's return against Arsenal.

Each of Tottenham's other X injury victims will remain sidelined for a little while longer, though, including Kulusevski, Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall.

Meanwhile, Romero is halfway through his four-game suspension for his red card against Manchester United, and the Argentine will not return until the trip to champions Liverpool on March 15.

Why Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro returns are especially critical for Tottenham

Despite being without both Romero and Danso against Arsenal, Tudor still implemented his favoured back-three system straight away, as Joao Palhinha and Radu Dragusin partnered Micky van de Ven at the back.

Bayern Munich loanee Palhinha has been no stranger to central defensive duties in 2025-26, but the ex-Fulham man is much more comfortable as a tough-tackling midfielder and had to cop some of the blame for Eberechi Eze's second on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Danso operated in a back three at Lens for a few years and is ostensibly a natural fit for Tudor's 3-4-2-1 system, as is flying full-back Porro.

The former Manchester City man rose to fame as a right wing-back at Sporting Lisbon, and such a role gives him even more licence to attack and whip in the dangerous crosses he is renowned for.

Danso and Porro's returns will not solve all of Tottenham's problems, but there is no under-estimating the importance of their returns in particular.

Tottenham Hotspur's owners the Lewis family allegedly intend to 'rip up' the Lilywhites' current wage structure if they retain their Premier League status for the 2026-27 season.

The reigning Europa League champions have been in disarray throughout the entire campaign and are the only Premier League team without a single victory to their name in 2026 so far.

Sunday's 4-1 hammering at the hands of North London derby rivals Arsenal left Igor Tudor's side in a disheartening 16th place in the Premier League table, just four points clear of the bottom three with 11 games remaining.

An unthinkable demotion to the Championship would likely trigger a mass exodus of star names, but Tottenham should retain at least a handful of their most prized assets if they remain a top-flight team for next term.

However, those prized assets could realistically expect a higher salary at rival teams, and according to The Guardian, Spurs intend to completely restructure their salary make-up if they stay in the first tier.

Tottenham acknowledge years of 'underinvestment' in player wages

Tottenham have allegedly accepted that they have 'underinvested' in their players' pay packet for several years, thanks in no small part to the stewardship of former executive chairman Daniel Levy.

With the 64-year-old at the helm, Tottenham were regarded as tight spenders - both in a transfer fee and salary sense - but Levy was removed from his position by Spurs' owners back in September.

Now, the Lewis Family Trust have acknowledged the 'growing feeling' that their side need to splash the cash more, to help bring them in line with their Big Six rivals in a financial sense.

Tottenham made Conor Gallagher their highest-paid player following the Englishman's January arrival from Atletico Madrid, offering the former Chelsea man a contract worth £200,000 per week.

How Tottenham's wages compare to Big Six rivals

Gallagher is the only player on Tottenham's books who pockets at least £200k - Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons are on £195,000 each - giving the club the lowest wage bill of the Premier League's Big Six by far.

In contrast, Arsenal have seven players earning at least £200,000 a week, while Bukayo Saka is now understood to be on a pay packet of just over £300k following his recent contract extension.

Chelsea are not the highest spenders when it comes to player wages, but top earner Reece James is on a £250k deal, while Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (£400k) and Virgil van Dijk (£350k) are among the highest earners in the league.

Elsewhere in the north, Manchester City pay 11 players at least £200,000 a week, whereas Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes earn £350,000 and £300,000 respectively at Manchester United.

Highly-rated defender Luka Vuskovic will return to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season following his loan spell at Hamburger SV, the German club’s sporting director Claus Costa has said.

The 19-year-old Croatian was signed by Spurs from boyhood club Hajduk Split for around £12m in the summer of 2025, but he is yet to make a single competitive appearance for the North Londoners.

Instead, Vuskovic has experienced a productive loan spell at Bundesliga club Hamburger SV where the centre-back has impressed across 19 league appearances this season, chipping in with four goals.

Although Hamburger would like to retain the services of Vuskovic, club chief Costa has revealed that there was no buy-option included within the loan agreement.

Speaking to Sport1, Costa said: "Contractually, there is no chance that he will stay. It is purely a loan and we have no way to tie Luka to HSV in the long term."

Hamburger head coach Merlin Polzin has previously expressed his desire to keep Vuskovic next season, telling reporters: “I’m a man of conviction. Of course, I also believe in things that seem impossible, even if they’re just a bit romantic about football.

Vuskovic set to return to Spurs, despite hopes of brother reunion

“Nevertheless, there’s a clear contractual agreement between the clubs. We’re very grateful that we found a solution last summer. It was very clear from the start with Luka’s camp that he only wanted to join HSV.

“The communication with Tottenham is extremely professional, both last summer and now. We’d be very interested in him continuing to wear the HSV jersey.”

Vuskovic has previously made his wishes clear that he would welcome playing alongside his brother Mario Vuskovic, who is set to return from a doping ban in November.

Costa has acknowledged that reuniting the two brothers would be a dream scenario, saying: “Of course, there’s this romantic notion that Luka will one day play alongside his brother Mario.

“Of course, we’re in contact with him [Mario]. He’s not allowed to train or play football for any club, but he’s in top physical condition, working hard with an absolute dedication and passion that is second to none.”

Spurs defender Vuskovic attracting interest from European clubs

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Vuskovic at Tottenham, with the club still on the lookout for a permanent manager while interim boss Igor Tudor bids to steer them away from the Premier League relegation zone.

Vuskovic’s form for Hamburger is understood to have caught the attention of a number of European clubs, including Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Bayern’s board member for sport Max Eberl recently refused to rule out the possibility of the German club making a move for the 6ft 4in defender this summer and suggested that a decision will not be left until late in the window.

Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Vuskovic, who is under contract at Spurs until June 2030.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in singing Lyon midfielder Pavel Sulc during the summer transfer window.

The Whites picked up a respectable share of the points at the home of Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

However, it could have been a lot better for Leeds after an Anton Stach free kick gave them the lead in the first period.

Unai Emery's side rallied back for a point, though, with January arrival Tammy Abraham finding the net.

Leeds are well-placed to avoid relegation back to the Championship this term, adapting to the top flight admirably.

Leeds join Spurs, Villa in Sulc race?

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds have their eyes set on a highly-rated midfielder ahead of the summer window.

The report claims that the Yorkshire-based club are keen on securing the signature of Lyon star Sulc.

It is understood that fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Villa are also considering moves for the Czech Republic international.

A main suitor for Sulc arrives from Spain and La Liga, where Atletico Madrid are supposedly interested in the playmaker.

Elsewhere in the English top flight, Nottingham Forest are known to be admirers of the 18-time international.

Uphill battle for Sulc

Since making the switch from Viktoria Plzen to Lyon in August, attacking midfielder Sulc has scored 13 goals across 31 matches.

The 25-year-old has proven his ability to thrive in a top-five European league, leading to plenty of interest ahead of the summer.

Given the other clubs linked to Sulc, Leeds face an uphill battle attempting to lure the player to Elland Road.

Tottenham Hotspur number one Guglielmo Vicario is allegedly 'dreaming' of a move back to Serie A as Juventus and Inter Milan circle for his signature.

The former Empoli man has endured a turbulent season in North London, mixed with praise for a couple of save-laden displays and criticism for other underwhelming performances in between the sticks.

Vicario could not be fully blamed for any of Arsenal's goals in Sunday's 4-1 North London derby defeat, but the result leaves Igor Tudor's men facing the very real prospect of relegation to the Championship.

The Lilywhites are only four points clear of the drop zone in 16th place in the Premier League table, and an unthinkable drop down to the second tier would no doubt lead to a mass player exodus.

First-choice goalkeeper Vicario would be one of several notable names expected to depart in that scenario, especially with both Inter and Juventus said to be battling for his signature ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Tottenham transfer news: Guglielmo Vicario's 'dream' revealed

Inter are planning for the future without the veteran Yann Sommer, who is out of contract at the end of the season, while the Old Lady are searching for cover and competition for Michele Di Gregorio.

The latest update from Corriere dello Sport claims that Vicario 'dreams' of leaving Tottenham for his homeland, and his entourage have been in discussions with Inter for a number of months now.

On Spurs' part, the club seemingly accept that they cannot hold onto their number one if their campaign continues in a disastrous manner, and they would be willing to accept between £21.8m and £26.2m for his sale.

However, Inter are reluctant to fork out that much for the Italy international, which could be to Juventus' benefit as the Old Lady aim to 'interfere' in Vicario negotiations.

The 29-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets in 37 appearances across all competitions in the 2025-26 season for Tottenham, who have him under contract for another two and a half seasons.

Who can Tottenham replace Guglielmo Vicario with?

Tottenham have never been short of goalkeepers in their first-team squad, with Vicario currently backed up by Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin, but the latter is seldom seen on the pitch.

Whether Kinsky is ready for regular Premier League football is also another question entirely, but Vicario going to Juventus raises the possibility of a swap deal involving Di Gregorio.

The 28-year-old was linked with a move to the Premier League before making the switch to Turin, but his displays have been met with mixed reviews, and Juve may not be entirely against a departure.

North London was painted red on Sunday after Premier League leaders and title hopefuls Arsenal secured a 4-1 victory over relegation-threatened rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs entered half time level with the Gunners after Randal Kolo Muani cancelled out an opener from Eberechi Eze, but Mikel Arteta’s side held their nerve and possessed too much class after the interval.

Indeed, Eze netted his second of the match in between two superb strikes from Viktor Gyokeres to help Arsenal restore their five-point lead at the Premier League summit and condemn Igor Tudor to defeat in his first game as interim Spurs head coach.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at five key talking points from what was a memorable North London derby for Arsenal, but a miserable one for Spurs.

Arsenal find perfect derby response as Man City title battle intensifies

Momentum appeared to be draining from Arsenal's bid to win the title following a run of just two wins in seven Premier League games (D5 L1), including frustrating score draws with Brentford and Wolves.

Past pain had resurfaced for a Gunners side who have finished third in each of the last three PL seasons and can feel title rivals Manchester City breathing down their necks. However, Arteta’s men answered questions posed about their nerve under mounting pressure by producing a commanding and professional performance against Spurs.

Responding in such emphatic fashion, following an embarrassing 2-2 draw with basement club Wolves just four days earlier, has provided Arsenal with a much-needed boost in their quest to win their first top-flight title for more than two decades.

Now, the test for Arteta and co - who are desperate to end their five-year trophy drought - is to put together a positive run of league form, while fending off stiff competition from Man City and also juggling other domestic and continental duties in the coming weeks and months.

Spurs are in real relegation danger despite Tudor’s optimism

The 2024-25 Premier League campaign felt like a nadir for Spurs after limping to a 17th-placed finish, but a miserable run of form has left supporters fearing the prospect of slipping into the Championship.

Spurs are the only Premier League team who are yet to win in 2026, drawing four and losing five, and after suffering their 12th defeat of the season at the hands of their bitter rivals Arsenal, they remain 16th in the table and just four points above the relegation zone with 11 games remaining.

The Lilywhites were second best against Arsenal, but Tudor remains confident that he can steer his injury-hit side away from danger, albeit admitting that “it is a big job to do” to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Tottenham can ill-afford to drop more points in their next two Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace, before taking on Liverpool, relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and Sunderland in their next three games after March’s international break.

Gyokeres produced his “most complete” performance at crucial moment

Gyokeres has received criticism for some of his all-round performances since completing his £66.3m summer transfer to Arsenal, but in an important game where the Gunners needed their big-money striker to step up, the Swede delivered his best display in a red and white shirt, scoring two well-taken goals in the process.

The 27-year-old has found form at a crucial moment in Arsenal’s season, netting eight goals in his last 12 appearances in all competitions at a time when both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also battling for regular starts in the final third.

Arteta was full of praise for Sunday’s Man of the Match, telling reporters: “For me, the best, the most complete (performance). His overall play was incredible... When we needed him most, that is when big players and big clubs have to stand up.”

Some may still have doubts over whether Gyokeres has the technique and tactical acumen required to thrive in the Premier League, but no-one can question his explosive finishing. The Gunners will have a stronger chance of winning the title if he can maintain his form in front of goal heading down the home straight.

Eze loves playing against Tottenham!

Only two Arsenal players have scored more Premier League goals in North London derbies than Eberechi Eze, despite him featuring in just two games against Spurs since his £67.5m summer transfer to the Emirates.

The midfielder netted a memorable hat-trick in a 4-1 home win for the Gunners earlier this season before scoring a brace on Sunday to move him onto five North London derby goals, remarkably equalling the scoring feats of both Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie (five goals each) in this fixture.

Including games for former club Crystal Palace, Eze has played nine times in total against Tottenham and has scored eight goals, netting more against Spurs than any other opponent in his career to date.

Eze scored two of those goals in a 2-0 away win for Palace against Spurs last season, meaning he has found the net seven times across his last three appearances against the Lilywhites.

Tottenham must address horrific home form amid relegation fears

One of the main factors behind Tottenham’s demise has been their horrific home form, with only basement club Wolves (six) accumulating fewer Premier League points on their own turf than Spurs (10).

A 3-0 opening-weekend win over Burnley in August and a 2-0 victory against Brentford in early December represent the only two home triumphs for Tottenham in 14 league matches at their own stadium this season.

Spurs have suffered the second-most home losses (eight) and have also conceded the third-most home goals (22) in the division, statistics that make for grim reading.

In addition, Tottenham’s four-game losing streak at home to Arsenal is their longest in the Premier League since the 1950s, one defeat more than in their previous 23 encounters (W10 D10).