‘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.
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.
| Arsenal | Premier League 2025-26 | Tottenham |
| 19.68 | Expected goals (xG) | 11.70 |
| 10.70 | Open play xG | 6.71 |
| 8.98 | Set-piece xG | 4.99 |
| 20 | Goals scored | 19 |
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.
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