Softfootball reports that the North London derby is never just another game, and Sunday, November 23, 2025, already feels like one of those fixtures that could shape the direction of the Premier League title race. Arsenal, sitting confidently at the top of the table, welcome a Tottenham side clinging onto fifth place and trying to rediscover consistency. And honestly, the vibes around this one are intense.
Form and Table Position
Arsenal come into the derby with a near-flawless run. Since that early-season defeat to Liverpool back in September, Mikel Arteta’s men have tightened up massively, building a four-point cushion at the summit after 11 matches. Their defensive numbers are borderline ridiculous, just three goals conceded in ten league games besides their chaotic 2–2 draw at Sunderland.
At the Emirates, they’ve been even more ruthless, keeping four clean sheets in five outings and scoring at least two goals in their last eight meetings with Tottenham.
Arsenal are very hyped for this game and have already made a post via their official X account in anticipation of the North London derby fixture.
They posted:
Spurs, meanwhile, look strong away from home (W4, D1), but their recent form isn’t flattering. One win in their last four league matches and only one victory from their last six London derbies doesn’t exactly scream confidence heading into enemy territory but after announcing a new endorsement deal with Elithair, the players will be hoping to follow that up with a stylish victory against thire neighbours.
Injury Crisis and Squad Availability
Both teams are pretty battered. Arsenal suffer a big blow with Gabriel Magalhães ruled out for about a month after a thigh injury with Brazil. That knocks him out of the derby and tough fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Riccardo Calafiori should return, but Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Viktor Gyökeres are still sidelined. Noni Madueke might sneak into the squad.
Tottenham’s list is worse. Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani, and James Maddison are all unavailable. Mohammed Kudus remains a doubt, and both Pape Matar Sarr and Radu Dragusin need late assessments.
Tactical Matchups and Key Players
Arsenal’s strength at home is built on fast starts and ruthless pressing. They’ve scored five goals between half-time and the 60th minute this season without reply, which says a lot about their control. Bukayo Saka, who seems to love scoring first nowadays, will be key again.
Tottenham need more sharpness in attack. Most of their games have seen a lot of goals fly in and with a record of 10 goals conceded in 11 game the defence isn’t ideal heading into the Emirates. Brennan Johnson is in good form after impressing with Wales, and Richarlison could be dangerous on the break. But Spurs have led at half-time in only three of their 11 league games, showing their slow-start problem isn’t going away quickly.
With Arsenal pressing high and dominating midfield spaces, Spurs must be disciplined and brave in transitions. If not, they might be in for a long, uncomfortable afternoon.
