Tottenham v Arsenal LIVE: Result and final score as Gabriel wins ...
Gabriel’s second-half header earned Arsenal a crucial 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur in a feisty north London derby on Sunday to keep pace with early Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Spurs started sharper, and David Raya was forced into early saves before Arsenal fought their way into the contest, although Jurrien Timber was perhaps fortunate to avoid a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half.
The game was breathless but low on quality in front of goal until Arsenal punished Spurs from a corner, Gabriel escaping from Cristian Romero and powering a header past Guglielmo Vicario from close range in the 64th minute.
Arsenal withstood some late pressure from Spurs to secure the win, which puts them on 10 points, two behind champions City ahead of their trip to the Etihad next Sunday, while Spurs have four points from four games.
Spurs host Arsenal in the first north London derby of the season | 2pm BST KO on Sky Sports
Ange Postecoglou’s side have had a mixed start to the season, with one loss, one draw and one win
The Gunners were held to a draw against Brighton in their last game, after two promising opening wins
64’ GOAL! Gabriel rises highest to fire a header past Vicario [TOT 0-1 ARS]
80’ – Sterling makes Arsenal debut as he replaces Gabriel Martinelli
The simple Arsenal gameplan that preyed on Tottenham’s weakness and exposed their flaws17:26 , Chris Wilson
A north London derby so predictable that, well, it could have been a set-piece. You could see everything lined up, right down to Ange Postecoglou’s complaints about a “narrative” after a 1-0 defeat. Tottenham Hotspur played a lot of attacking football, did little with it while Arsenal defended superbly, before a set-piece settled the game. Even the manner of the goal was as rudimentary as you could get, Bukayo Saka swinging in a delivery that Postecoglou himself called “spot on” and Gabriel heading in from close range. Arteta beamed afterwards in the satisfaction of a plan that had come together, especially after so much disruption. He even spoke of changing that idea so many times, but it helps when you can be so sure of other key elements.
While Postecoglou wearily answered questions about Spurs’ set-piece frailties while insisting he “doesn’t care” about how this perception has grown – something he himself has fostered – Arteta was lauding the work of Nicolas Jover as “the best in his field, the best in any field”. Arsenal’s set-piece coach, appointed in 2021, has been crucial in helping the team develop this hugely dangerous weapon to their attack. Gabriel’s goal made it 42 from such scenarios in three years, the most of any team in Europe’s top five leagues during that time. The preparation is so good that players can visualise these moments and see them manifest.
The simple Arsenal gameplan that preyed on Tottenham’s weakness
Pundits claim Arsenal’s winning derby goal should not have been allowed17:43 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal battled to a 1-0 win over Spurs in the north London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon, courtesy of a goal from Gabriel.
The centre-back rose above the Tottenham defence to head home in the 64th minute from Bukayo Saka’s corner, with Arsenal going on to win the game thanks to plenty of resolute defending.
And despite no real protest to the goal from Spurs players, Sky Sportspundits suggested that the goal should not have been allowed to stand.
When reviewing the goal, Jamie Redknapp mentioned that Cristian Romero struggled to get to grips with Gabriel throughout the game, before Les Ferdinand pointed out that the Argentine “gets a little shove in the back”.
“If a centre-forward does that, the referee gives a foul against him. They don’t even look at it,” said the former Spurs striker.
Pundits claim Arsenal’s winning derby goal should not have been allowed
Up next17:13 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal travel to Italy in midweek to begin their Champions League campaign in the new format against Atalanta on Thursday, before a tough away match against Manchester City next weekend – on 22 September at 4.30pm.
Spurs face Coventry in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before hosting Brentford at 3pm next Saturday.
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:55 , Chris Wilson
Spurs captain Heung-Min Son tells Sky that his team “dominated the game”.
“It was the lack of details and we conceded two goals last season to set pieces and today is also about set pieces.
“That’s the details that change results in big games. It’s a painful result and I’m sure the fans are very, very disappointed.
“We need to improve, 100 per cent yeah, and move on. In tough moments, we have to stick together.
“We are getting in the final third, we are making the right shots and right decisions. But the players have to take responsibility because that’s the hardest part. We showed it in training and in the games, we need to be more clinical.
“Early in the season, it’s a tough moment definitely. We have to stick together and then if we get good results, we will bounce back stronger.
“We have to take responsibility, there’s nothing else to say. The belief is there, the football is there. We have to be more clinical.”
16:48 , Chris Wilson
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou calls it a “very disappointing” day for his side.
“It was a big game for us and our supporters but we didn’t deliver so you have to take the pain of that. Disappointment all round.
“[It’s] the story of our season so far. For the most part we controlled it and created chances but we lacked a bit of belief and conviction in the final third. That’s for me to fix. It was always going to be a tight game decided by moments. They got the moment, we didn’t.
“It’s my directive, so it’s me who has to try to give the side the feedback. I don’t think it’s for a lack of trying from the lads. But we’re going through an early part of the season where we’re controlling games, dominating but not getting our reward for it.
“The threats Arsenal posed today were in transition, which we handled pretty well. And set-pieces, we handled that pretty well apart from one. Good teams will punish you, we switched off for one and we paid the price.
“I don’t know if it’s frustrating. But we haven’t got a return for our play. That’s the nature of football. We need to fix the areas we need to fix. Otherwise all our dominance, we’re going to keep opposition teams in the game. All teams will think they’re in the game. We need to have more conviction in the front third to finish teams off.
“We could rotate the squad, give players opportunity. I prefer it that way. After the international break, the last loss puts you in a pause mode. But we have plenty of games this month.
“I will correct you: I don’t usually win things, I always win things in my second year.”
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:40 , Chris Wilson
Jurrien Timber spoke to BBC’s Match of the Day programme after the match, and said it “felt really nice winning this one”.
“For me the first time so even nicer. We did it three times in a row now and you felt the excitement in the dressing room after the game.
“You know how bad the fans want to win this game, but it’s the same for every game. You prepare for every game the same way but it felt really nice winning this one.
“Another clean sheet which is really good from our team. Credit to Spurs, they started really well but we showed again today it’s really hard to score against us. We need just one goal to win the game.
“I am really, really enjoying it even with all these games coming up. The feeling of being fit is an amazing feeling.
“It’s a true honour. We showed up today and credit to everyone who came in.”
Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber was ‘very lucky’ not to be sent off for tackle in derby, says Jamie Redknapp16:33 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was “very, very lucky” not to be sent off in the first half of a feisty north London derby, according to Jamie Redknapp.
Timber flew into a tackle on Tottenham’s Pedro Porro with a boot raised, putting his foot on the ball as he tried to win it from the Spurs full-back.
Porro went down clutching his ankle as Tottenham players raged, calling on refree Jarred Gillett to show a red card. The Australian official showed yellow, one of seven yellows in a record for a Premier League first half, as the two sets of players engaged in a brawl of pushing and shoving.
“It’s an unusual action because he definitely goes over the top of the ball, with his studs on it,” said former Spurs midfielder Redknapp on Sky Sports. “His foot then bounces on the ball.
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:29 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta is the first of the managers to speak to Sky, and he says that he was impressed with the resilience his team showed today.
“We knew it would be a tough match and that made it easier. They create an unbelievable atmosphere. We should have done more in the first half, but we knew we were a bit threat on set plays and we knew we could hurt them.
“We weren’t our best with the ball today, we did a lot of simple things wrong that didn’t allow us to have that continuity. They jump and press every single ball which makes it difficult. The way we defended was so strong,” he adds.
“We want to play a different game, especially without the ball in different areas of the pitch, but they have a difficult structure to match up against. We were exposed.
“It’s a real compliment to the team. Any player in any area of the pitch is ready to do what a lot of people call ‘the ugly things’. Then you start to be a complete team to win in any context.
“I’m delighted, because the team over a season has to go over a lot of hurdles. It was difficult because we have lost a lot of important players for us. Those who waited for the chance trained and behaved in the right manner. This is the result.”
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:20 , Chris Wilson
An intriguing set-piece contrast here.
Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Arsenal have scored more goals from set pieces) than any other team in the Premier League – 23, excluding penalties.
Of the sides involved in both last season and the 2024/25 campaigns, only Nottingham Forest have conceded more set piece goals (23) than Spurs have – Postecoglou’s side have conceded 18, excluding penalties.
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:15 , Chris Wilson
Jorginho and Gabriel are first to speak to Sky, with the latter saying he is “so happy”.
“It means a lot, I’m so proud of the team. When I had difficult times in the game, we scored with a corner,” he adds.
Jorginho adds that Arsenal “had to work hard”.
“We knew it was going to be a difficult game, we know we can count on each other.
“I’m so happy that we won.
“Now we have this situation, missing key players, but we know that whoever comes on is ready to help the team, as you saw today. We are really proud of the team.”
Pundits react16:10 , Chris Wilson
On Sky Sports, Gary Neville has called it a “really impressive day for Arsenal”.
He emphasises “the ability to go away from home and be tough to beat, and [to] not be at your best in an attacking sense but have the know-how and the smartness to get the win”
“[It was] a different type of win for Mikel Arteta but one I really enjoyed,” he adds.
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:06 , Chris Wilson
An entertaining game in north London as Arsenal take all three points in one of the biggest matches of the season.
Arsenal did brilliantly well to recover from a frustrating result against Brighton and beat their biggest rivals away from home. With four games played, they have already beaten Spurs and Villa away.
For Spurs, it’s more of the same frustration that has almost come to characterise Postecoglou’s side.
They were poor in attack at times, lacking the quality and decision-making that would make them a top team.
They have some excellent players, but it’s not clicking for them at the moment, with just four points from their opening four games now.
FT: Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal16:02 , Chris Wilson
(Getty Images)
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FULL-TIME! Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:58 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! And Arsenal take the three points!
Gabriel clears another ball in and the referee blows the final whistle.
Jubilation among the Arsenal fans, while Spurs players and Ange Postecoglou look dejected.
(Getty Images)
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:57 , Chris Wilson
95 mins
There’s time for one more attack for Spurs...
Porro flings it into the box but it’s cleared. Spurs come again, and Nwaneri slides in to block Son’s shot from distance.
That’ll be it surely...
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:56 , Chris Wilson
94 mins
Werner does well to win possession back after a poor pass initially, and the ball makes its way to Odobert on the edge of the box. He drives a shot at goal, but it deflects off Werner, who was offside anyway. Sort of sums up Spurs’ day.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:54 , Chris Wilson
92 mins
Spurs come again, but Odobert can only direct his cross into the gloves of Raya. Moments later, another wasteful ball forward ends up at the feet of the Arsenal ‘keeper.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:52 , Chris Wilson
91 mins
There’ll be five minutes of added time.
It begins with a Spurs attack that comes close as Kulusevski rifles a shot over from distance. Closer than previous efforts, but another example of questionable decision-making as the space opened up in front of him.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:51 , Chris Wilson
89 mins
It’s quite end-to-end here in the final stages, with Arsenal guilty of wasting a decent chance on the counter as Sterling went for one dribble too many.
At the other end, Werner delivers a cross that’s just too close to Raya.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:49 , Chris Wilson
88 mins
Nothing doing from the free-kick, but Spurs have it again. There’s frustration building among the home fans as Spurs knock it around again in front of the Arsenal block.
Arsenal lookmto counter as Nwaneri combines with Havertz, but the German had strayed offside.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:47 , Chris Wilson
86 mins
Turns out that Saka is unable to continue, and he’s replaced by 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri.
It’s Spurs with the ball again, as Werner is clipped for a free-kick. It’s a chance for Spurs to deliver a dangerous ball in.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:45 , Chris Wilson
84 mins
Spurs are piling on the pressure here, but without creating anything of real substance yet. They’re still lacking penetration in the final third.
Saka attempts to give his side some respite as he stays down after a challenge and waits to receive treatment.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:43 , Chris Wilson
81 mins
Odobert has looked like he might be key to any big chances Spurs do create, and he does well again to skip past a challenge before the cross is cut out. There are shouts for a penalty as Gabriel is first to the ball over Solanke, but nothing doing.
The attack breaks down once more due to poor decision-making, as Sarr fires wide with an effort from distance.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:41 , Chris Wilson
80 mins
James Maddison makes way for Timo Werner, while the away side bring on Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:39 , Chris Wilson
78 mins
Spurs are urged on by the home crowd but they’re still lacking that bit of quality in the final third, as Maddison’s cross is overhit.
Meanwhile, Jorginho is down, but he looks like he’ll be okay to carry on.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:38 , Chris Wilson
77 mins
Well played from Havertz, who was isolated down the wing but managed to win the throw. Arsenal link well down the right, but Trossard is offside in the end.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:37 , Chris Wilson
75 mins
Spurs come again and Odobert attempts to combine with Son, but the latter’s back-heel pass is cut out.
The home side retain possession, knocking it around it front of the Arsenal defence before Maddison swings in a dangerous cross that just flies past Solanke, who was under pressure from Gabriel.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:34 , Chris Wilson
72 mins
Spurs counter and Odobert drives into the box, but his cutback is cut out. The home side continue to attack, but it’s wasteful from Sarr as he shoots from about 25 yards out. Wasteful.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:31 , Chris Wilson
69 mins
It’s frenetic stuff from Spurs at the moment as they hunt an equaliser. A little disjointed.
Udogie does well down the left but his cross is straight to the defender, before Romero concedes the foul on halfway.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:29 , Chris Wilson
Miguel Delaney at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...
Well... who could have predicted that? Just about anyone, other than seemingly Tottenham’s staff. The management team that has almost been dismissive about set-pieces concedes one to the team that have made a virtue of it. You could just see the game falling into this pattern.
Great delivery, and a brilliant centre-half’s header from Gabriel.
Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:29 , Chris Wilson
67 mins
Postecoglou looks to make changes almost right away, as Pape Sarr and Wilson Odobert come on for Bentancur and Johnson.
GOAL! Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal15:26 , Chris Wilson
64 mins
GOAL! Finally, a good set-piece!
The corner is delivered and it’s a huge leap from Gabriel, who rises high from about three yards, right in front of Vicario, and easily guides a header past him. Poor marking from Romero, and not great ‘keeping from Vicario.
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Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:24 , Chris Wilson
63 mins
Partey gives it away on the edge of the box but Johnson’s shot is blocked. Arsenal counter, led by Havertz, and Saka has shot blocked on the edge of the box before winning a corner.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:22 , Chris Wilson
60 mins
Arsenal have a promising counter as Timber has plenty of space to run into down the left, but his attempted early cross is cut out.
Spurs counter, but it ends with Johnson hitting a tame shot right at Raya.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:20 , Chris Wilson
58 mins
Johnson’s cross is turned behind for another corner. Kulusevski takes after a brief delay, and the eventual ball in goes out for a throw. Both teams have been so poor from set-pieces today.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:18 , Chris Wilson
57 mins
Arsenal continue to defend resolutely, breaking down yet another Spurs attack before starting a counter of their own which is eventually cut out by van de Ven.
The Gunners attack once more, but White’s ball in is too close to Vicario.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:17 , Chris Wilson
54 mins
Romero does well to bring down the long ball and evade Martinelli, before sliding in with a perfect challenge to win possession back moments later. He’s briefly down, but he’ll be okay to carry on.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:13 , Chris Wilson
51 mins
Another half-chance for Spurs as Porro and Kulusevski combine down the right, but the cross is wasteful. Moments later, the Swede delivers another cross, which is out behind by White for a corner.
Arsenal manage to clear, and eventually win a throw-in.
15:11 , Chris Wilson
Miguel Delaney at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“It did descend into a much scrappier game, as you can see in the card count. It’s one thing with Arsenal now.
“As good as Spurs were in the opening 15, Arsenal have presence at the back. They didn’t really let Spurs get beyond.
“There hasn’t been a 0-0 in this fixture since February 2009 - are we to see one today? Or will an almost inevitable red card open it up?”
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:10 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
Solanke wins possession in the Arsenal half and spreads it wide to Johnson. He meets the Welshman’s cross into the box, but it goes out for a corner.
From the set-piece, van de Ven connects with a glancing header but it’s right at Raya.
Moments later, Jorginho is booked for dragging down Maddison.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:07 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
Arsenal have the first attack of the half as Trossard threads it through to Martinelli on the left wing, but the Brazilian’s cross is collected by Vicario.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:06 , Chris Wilson
KICK-OFF!
The home side get us back underway in the capital.
We had seven yellow cards in that first half, five of which went to Spurs players. Timber, Saliba, Vicario, Udogie, van de Ven, Bentancur and Kulusevski are all treading a tightrope in this half.
A reminder that we saw the new Premier League record for most bookings in a game set yesterday, with 14 in the Bournemouth v Chelsea match.
HT: Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:03 , Chris Wilson
Was Timber lucky to avoid a red card in that half? Jamie Redknapp thinks so.
Speaking on Sky, the former Liverpool midfielder said: “It’s an unusual action as he definitely goes over the top of the ball and his foot bounces on it.
“We had a tackle here last season with Curtis Jones and Jones was sent off. Timber is very, very lucky.”
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal15:00 , Chris Wilson
An entertaining half for the neutral, with both sides creating chances in a fiery atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
Spurs will be the happier of the two sides with their performance, though Arsenal will be happy to be level at half-time in a game like this. Martinelli was guilty of wasting a good chance, while Solanke came closest for Spurs with a clever header.
It’s on a knife-edge at half-time in north London.
14:55 , Chris Wilson
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Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:50 , Chris Wilson
48 mins
Another wasteful set-piece eventually ends up in the hands of Vicario, and the referee blows for half-time.
Plenty to mull over for both managers after a half that was exciting, with plenty of bite from both sides – but a lack of final quality too.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:49 , Chris Wilson
46 mins
Micky van de Ven comes flying in for a late challenge, which earns him a booking. The ref plays advantage, and Kulusevski brings down Jorginho, who is also booked.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:47 , Chris Wilson
45 mins
Son is trying to create something but there are precious few runners into the box. The opportunity finally comes as Trossard is dispossessed near the edge of his own box, but Johnson blasts the shot over.
There’ll be three minutes of added time.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:45 , Chris Wilson
43 mins
Spurs counter for the first time since that brawl, and it’s swept wide to Johnson, whose shot is closed down well. The corner is wasteful, as has been a bit of a theme today.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:44 , Chris Wilson
41 mins
Arsenal threaten again and it’s almost a great move after good link play between Havertz and Saka, but it comes to nothing.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:42 , Chris Wilson
39 mins
Another Arsenal attack breaks down as Ben White’s throw-in over the top is too much for Saka to control. Spurs take plenty of time over the goal kick, before launching it long and losing it.
Arsenal win a corner out of nothing.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:40 , Chris Wilson
37 mins
On second look, it’s Vicario who starts the brawl after grabbing Timber – the ‘keeper is yellow carded.
Timber’s yellow is not upgraded to a red. He went in over the ball, but as he ‘didn’t follow through’, VAR decline to give the red.
14:38 , Lawrence Ostlere
35 mins
The brawl we all thought might come has finally arrived.
Arsenal continue to attack and it’s cut out by Porro, who is then on the receiving end of a late challenge. That sparks a brawl after Timber goes racing away o the attack, and it ends with Timber being yellow carded.
VAR are looking at it...
The players clash after Jurrien Timber’s tackle on Pedro Porro (Action Images via Reuters)
14:36 , Chris Wilson
34 mins
Better from Arsenal as they manage to keep the ball on the edge of the Spurs box and win a corner after good combinations from Timber and Trossard.
Martinelli delivers a great corner and Vicario looks to have missed it with a flailing arm, but another corner is given.
Saka takes this one – it’s a poor delivery that misses the first man.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:33 , Chris Wilson
31 mins
Arsenal certainly feeling the loss of Odegaard and Rice here – no control in midfield at all. It is rare that you see the Gunners rely on counter-attacks these days.
Brief respite though as Bentancur is booked for bringing down Havertz.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:32 , Chris Wilson
29 mins
Another half chance wasted for Spurs as Son curls in a cross to the back post that has too much on it.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:30 , Chris Wilson
27 mins
Spurs are really in the ascendancy here – Arsenal are struggling to get out of their own half.
Maddison clips in a lovely cross towards the back post and Solanke does brilliantly to angle a header across goal, but it lands just wide of the far post.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:28 , Chris Wilson
25 mins
End-to-end in the last few minutes here, with both sides almost creating chances but lacking that final bit of quality.
Johnson is the latest to squander a chance, firing a near-post cross straight into the hands of Raya.
All of a sudden Spurs are through again as the ball runs to Udogie, but he can’t strike it in time.
Udogie is booked for a late challenge on Saka.
14:24 , Chris Wilson
Miguel Delaney at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“An assertive start from Spurs, which befits the extremely attacking team that Ange Postecoglou has put out. They could have scored three times in the first 15 minutes. Raya made two fine reflex saves but then wasn’t tested when Solanke opted to dummy when the chance was there to shoot. There’s still that slight feeling that the game could fall into a familiar pattern. If Spurs don’t score, that energy might dissipate. And there was a warning with that Havertz header”.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:23 , Chris Wilson
21 mins
Maddison’s cross loops very high and Solanke challenges Raya for the ball – the Spaniard drops it, but Solanke is penalised.
Down the other end, some Arsenal pressure forces van de Ven to kick the ball straight out of play.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:21 , Chris Wilson
19 mins
CLOSE! Should do better really.
Arsenal break through and it’s swept wide to Martinelli, who is pretty much clean through. He opens his body to try and curl it into the opposite corner, but it’s a weak effort that’s straight at Vicario.
14:19 , Chris Wilson
17 mins
Good work from Saliba to ride the challenge from Solanke and win the free-kick – Spurs would have been away if he’d lost it.
Arsenal counter and Martinelli clips in a cross that is headed goalwards by Havertz, but Vicario makes a good save with the help of Romero.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:16 , Chris Wilson
14 mins
Arsenal are just trying to take the sting out of the game at the moment, winning scrappy free-kicks and taking their time when taking them. Spurs were happy to let them have it around the back, but they quickly pounce as Son gets a touch on the pass and it runs to Solanke. He’s unmarked in the box and he has so much space to lay off a pass or make the shot, but he wastes it.
Saliba is later booked for delaying the restart.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:13 , Chris Wilson
11 mins
The free-kick from Maddison is a poor one, and it’s easily cleared, but Spurs win it back quickly, though they’re happy to keep it at the back for now.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:11 , Chris Wilson
9 mins
Spurs continue to dominate possession here, with Arsenal struggling to keep the ball out of their own half in recent minutes. Son wins a free-kick in a dangerous area after drawing the foul from White.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:09 , Chris Wilson
7 mins
Spurs are getting on top in the early parts. They win another corner and Kulusevski’s eventual cross in and bounces across the goal, with Raya eventually forced into making the save.
Spurs come again and Kulusevski has a shot blocked at the edge of the box. Arsenal need to settle here.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:07 , Chris Wilson
5 mins
CLOSE! The first chance of the match goes to Spurs, as Solanke skips past his man on the wing before cutting it back to Son, who rifles an effort straight at Raya.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:05 , Chris Wilson
3 mins
Plenty of possession for both sides early on, but no real attacking threat. Cagey in the opening exchanges.
Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:03 , Chris Wilson
1 min
Arsenal win an early corner and Saka takes it, but Porro heads away and Spurs eventually clear.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal14:01 , Chris Wilson
Kick-off! The away side get us underway.
Tottenham vs Arsenal LIVE13:57 , Chris Wilson
The two teams are emerging from the tunnel at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the atmosphere is electric in the capital.
We’re moments from kick-off.
13:54 , Chris Wilson
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13:48 , Chris Wilson
Destiny Udogie is the Spurs player in front of the pre-match cameras, and he says that “it is a big game and as a derby we want to win”.
“As a derby we want to win and we hope it goes well.
“Today is important to win to build the momentum and positivity and we have to start today.
“I think I prepare well, the team prepare well and it is important for us to give our best performance and we hope it goes well.”
Havertz speaks to Sky13:45 , Chris Wilson
Kai Havertz has gone in front of the Sky Sports cameras before kick-off, and he says that Arsenal “are all pumped up”.
“We all know the history of this game and at the end it is about three points, but we want to win the game and we are going to give everything for that,” he said.
“We miss two or three players but we have a big squad and players that can competed for different positions. We have to change a bit. We hope to play fluent and we have trained a lot for that.
“It’s massive for us. It is very important that we keep on going and win games. It would be nice to kick off the week with a win and that’s why we came here and hopefully that’s what we are going to do.”
Is Tottenham vs Arsenal on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture13:40 , Chris Wilson
A reminder of how you can watch today’s fixture – we’re around 20 minutes from kick-off in north London.
When is Tottenham vs Arsenal?
Tottenham vs Arsenal kicks off at 2pm BST today, Sunday 15 September, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 1pm on the latter. Subscribers will also be able to watch on NOW TV online and on the app.
Arsenal match stats13:35 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal have won nine of their last 10 away league matches, drawing the other, while keeping eight clean sheets. They have equalled their longest away winning streak of five games under Mikel Arteta.
Bukayo Saka scored home and away goals against Tottenham in the Premier League last season, and he could become the third Arsenal player to score in three consecutive north London derby appearances, after Emmanuel Adebayor and Robert Pires.
Kai Havertz has been directly involved in 18 goals in 21 Premier League appearances in 2024, scoring 11 and setting up seven.
This match has seen the most penalties awarded (26) and scored (24) in Premier League history.
Spurs match facts13:30 , Chris Wilson
Spurs could lose more than one of their opening four matches of a top-flight season for the first time since 2011-12 under Harry Redknapp.
Postecoglou’s side have lost six of their past 10 Premier League fixtures (W3, D1).
Spurs have conceded an own goal in each of their last three league meetings with the Gunners: Hugo Lloris in January 2023, Cristian Romero in September 2023 and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg last April. No team has ever put through in their own net in four consecutive Premier League meetings with an opponent.
Son Heung-min needs one goal to move into the top 20 of the all-time leading Premier League goalscorers, with 122 goals. Dwight Yorke and Raheem Sterling both have 123, and sit joint-19th on the list.
Head-to-head13:22 , Chris Wilson
There have been 195 North London derbies in all competitions – Tottenham have won 61, Arsenal have won 82, and there have been 52 draws.
The first match between the two dates back to 1896 – a 2-1 win for the team then named Woolwich Arsenal.
Arsenal won 3-2 away last season after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, and the Gunners have won five of the lat seven meetings between the two. Spurs’ only victory in the past seven meetings was a 3-0 win at home in May 2022.
The key difference between Ange Postecoglou and Mikel Arteta that will decide the north London derby13:15 , Chris Wilson
They’re the sort of problems Mikel Arteta enjoys figuring out, even if he hates the reason he has to do it. With the Arsenal manager potentially missing his entire first-choice midfield on Sunday, he and his staff have been assessing the data on how long it would take Tottenham Hotspur to get up the pitch if the ball is lost in a certain area. They’re now conscious of the power of Ange Postecoglou’s own midfield. Those who know Arteta say this is an underappreciated aspect of his approach to football. He sees a lot of it in terms of pure maths. If space is left in one area, it’s about the speed with which the opposition can use it. The different numbers influence formation shape, down to where a midfielder sits.
They also influence numbers of a more simple kind, which may frame this north London derby. That is both managers’ approach to keeping goals out. Sunday will be last season’s best defence against one that is distinctly mid-table, a mere 29 goals conceded against a massive 61. For all the focus on midfields, this match may well come down to different interpretations of how you defend.
That difference is all the more striking since both Arteta and Postecoglou have been significantly shaped by the same broader ideology. They both apply principles of the Pep Guardiola Dutch-Spanish approach that has come to dominate modern football, and has been so fully integrated by City Football Group.
The difference between Ange Postecoglou and Mikel Arteta that will decide the derby
13:10 , Chris Wilson
“That game sets the tone in many moments in the season when you play those big matches, big stages, and there’s a lot at stake,” he admitted.
“It’s a very emotional game as well. When you are able to perform, able to deliver and win those games, it’s a huge boost, we know that and that’s why we’re going to try so hard.
“We have certain limitations that we know about. There are certain things that we cannot control and what happened in the last two weeks is extremely unlucky. We have to face it, but hopefully during the season it will be very different.
“I want to have the energy, the enthusiasm for the next day, the next game and prepare that in the best possible way and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to go to Spurs with unbelievable energy and believe that we’re going to go there to be ourselves and try to win the game.” said Arteta.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will have ‘unbelievable energy’ against Tottenham13:05 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta has warned Tottenham that his depleted Arsenal side will arrive for Sunday’s north London derby with unbelievable energy and belief that they will beat their rivals.
Arsenal are set to kick off a pivotal week in their quest for silverware, with a trip to Spurs followed by their Champions League opener at Atalanta. They will then head to Manchester City a week on Sunday.
But the Gunners will do so without Declan Rice – suspended for the game against Tottenham after he was controversially sent off in the draw with Brighton at the Emirates – and summer signing Mikel Merino, who is sidelined with a fractured shoulder.
Captain Martin Odegaard is also set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an ankle injury on international duty with Norway. Arteta has so far been coy on the length of Odegaard’s absence.
It leaves the Spaniard facing a serious rejig ahead of a fixture which he admitted will lay the foundations for a period already being described as make-or-break for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will have ‘unbelievable energy’ against Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou’s improving Spurs ready for Arsenal challenge13:00 , Chris Wilson
Ange Postecoglou says his team are ‘in a good place to push on’ as he takes charge of Tottenham Hotspur in another north London derby on Sunday.
Spurs are hoping to respond after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in what has been an indifferent start to the 2024/25 campaign with one win, one draw and one defeat from their three matches so far.
The derby is a crucial fixture every season and Tottenham have a slight advantage given they are playing at home and Arsenal are undergoing something of an injury crisis but Postecoglou believes the Gunners will be a ‘tough nut to crack’.
“We want to be a club that can challenge everyone, that’s what we are trying to aim to become.” said the Tottenham boss in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“To do that, you’ve got to perform at a certain level, at a consistent basis, the squad’s strong enough to do that. We’ve started the season fairly solidly, from a performance perspective. The results haven’t reflected that but I think we’re in a good place to push on from last year and improve on all areas. There’s no reason why we can’t [challenge] this year.”
Ange Postecoglou’s improving Spurs ready for Arsenal challenge
12:58 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta has only made two changes to the side that drew to Brighton in controversial circumstances before the international break.
The suspended Declan Rice makes way for Jorginho, while the injured Odegaard is replaced by Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian goes straight to the left wing, with Havertz dropping back into midfield and Leandro Trossard leading the attack.
Spurs team news12:54 , Chris Wilson
For the home side, there are four changes to the side that lost against Newcastle last time out.
In defence, Micky van de Ven comes in for Radu Dragusin, while in midfield, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma drop out for Bentancur and Kulusevski.
Wilson Odobert is replaced by Brennan Johnson in attack, with Kulusevski dropping back into midfield as Dominic Solanke returns.
Arsenal line-up12:50 , Chris Wilson
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Havertz; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Subs: Neto, Kiwior, Kacurri, Heaven, Lewis-Skelly, Sterling, Nwaneri, Jesus, Kabia.
Spurs line-up12:48 , Chris Wilson
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Subs: Forster, Spence, Davies, Dragusin, Gray, Sarr, Bergvall, Odobert, Werner.
How will Mikel Arteta set Arsenal up?12:35 , Chris Wilson
The big question today is how Arsenal set up without Declan Rice and likely without their captain, Martin Odegaard.
Jorginho will likely come into midfield to ease the loss of Rice, and he would probably start alongside Thomas Partey.
Odegaard is arguably a bigger loss though, with the Gunners captain also acting as their main creative spark. One interesting option – especially if Gabriel Jesus is fit – could be dropping Havertz into Odegaard’s role, or in a more attacking role as a traditional ‘10’ – where the German started his career for Bayer Leverkusen.
Alternatively, Leandro Trossard could play the advanced midfield role, or even start up top if Havertz was moved back. An even more surprising move would be if Arteta were to have faith in 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who has long been rated as one of the most promising prospects at the club.
Additionally, it will be interesting to see if we get the first glimpses of Raheem Sterling in an Arsenal shirt today.
Line-ups are expected at around 12.45pm.
Talking points: Can Spurs build on a mixed start to the season?12:30 , Chris Wilson
Spurs have won one, drawn one and lost one in their first three games this season, so it is a mixed start for a side that promised much in Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
But, like last season, Spurs have played well for the most part but have had lapses in concentration and quality that have cost them.
A disappointing draw in their opener away at Leicester was followed by a thrilling 4-0 win over Everton, but Spurs then slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle before the international break.
Today will be their toughest test so far, but it would certainly be a marker to their rivals if Spurs could grab a win.
However, it would pose more questions around the side and Postecoglou, mainly regarding why their form is so up-and-down for prolonged periods despite having a squad that boasts plenty of quality.
Arteta v Postecoglou12:25 , Chris Wilson
Postecoglou is yet to beat Mikel Arteta, with Spurs having drawn and lost to Arsenal last season.
The two teams drew 2-2 at the Emirates just under a year ago, before a 3-2 thriller went Arsenal’s way in April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ange Postecoglou: I’d be disappointed if Spurs wanted derby win more than usual12:20 , Chris Wilson
“I don’t feel any more pressure because there was pressure in that (Man City) game. I want to win every game,” Postecoglou said.
“I don’t care who we are playing. Let’s go out and play each other. I would want to beat you!
“I really would hate to think there are players in the dressing room who want to win this game more than any others.
“Or prepare differently or try harder in this game than any other, because that’s not the way forward. We understand the significance of it because if we do win, our supporters will be over the moon.
“I understand that if we don’t win, they are going to be devastated, but if we prepare this game differently than any other, then I’m disappointed because I want to win every time. That’s the only way you can be successful.
“I make no apologies for that. I’m not going to prepare any different for this game than I did against Newcastle or I will against Coventry.
“I want to win all the time and I want our club to win all the time. And if you do that then, yeah, if you beat your rivals in a big derby game then everyone gets excited and everyone feels great, but I want more than that.”
Ange Postecoglou: I’d be disappointed if Spurs wanted derby win more than usual12:12 , Chris Wilson
Ange Postecoglou understands the significance of Sunday’s visit of Arsenal, but would be disappointed if his Tottenham players wanted to win this match more than next week’s trip to Coventry.
Spurs have failed to taste success in any of the last four north London derby fixtures, with Mikel Arteta able to turn the Gunners into Premier League title contenders in recent years.
Postecoglou largely enjoyed a positive debut campaign in England but found himself at odds with sections of the Spurs fanbase in May when Manchester City visited N17.
City made the trip to Tottenham on May 14 with home supporters conflicted, given a positive result for Spurs would have put Arsenal in the driving seat to win the title, but the visitors ran out narrow 2-0 winners.
Nevertheless, Postecoglou wants his squad to go into every match with the same desire.
Ange Postecoglou: I’d be disappointed if Spurs wanted derby win more than usual
Ange Postecoglou feels Tottenham can bridge gap to Man City and Arsenal quickly12:05 , Chris Wilson
Ange Postecoglou knows it will not be easy for Tottenham to close the gap on last season’s Premier League top two but believes they can achieve it quickly.
Spurs finished 25 and 23 points behind champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal respectively last season despite a largely positive debut campaign for Postecoglou.
Arsenal make the short trip across north London to face Tottenham on Sunday and Postecoglou is firm in his belief they can bridge the gap to Mikel Arteta’s title challengers.
He said: “You have to acknowledge it. That’s the starting point. If you think there isn’t a massive gap, then it kind of defeats the purpose.
“That shouldn’t be daunting. It shouldn’t make you think it’s insurmountable. I certainly don’t think it is.
“I think that gap that exists between us and the top teams, we can bridge and we can bridge very quickly if we stay disciplined and focused on what we’re trying to do.
“Improve our squad, improve the way we play our football, allow our group to learn to win on a consistent basis and what that requires. And that sometimes means missteps along the way,” he added.
Mikel Arteta signs new Arsenal contract11:57 , Chris Wilson
Some of the big news in the lead-up to this weekend has been Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign a new three-year contract with Arsenal, committing his future to the club until 2027.
The Spaniard, who has been in charge since late 2019, had entered the final 12 months of his previous deal at the start of the season.
Arteta has helped transform Arsenal’s ambitions since replacing Unai Emery, leading the club to Premier League title challenges in each of the last two seasons.
Upon announcement of the extension, Arteta said: “I feel extremely proud, very excited, and I am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.
“I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.
“Together with the players and everyone at the club, we are looking forward to the coming years, with our supporters, who have emotionally transformed the club and the team. Our supporters have transformed individuals and we are different now. You can tell that we are different and for me, that is down to them. We look forward to continuing the journey together.”
Arteta will hope it’s third time lucky this season as he challenges Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for the title once again.
Arsenal have quality in their squad to cope with absentees – Ange Postecoglou11:50 , Chris Wilson
Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has warned his squad not to expect to face a weakened Arsenal team on Sunday.
The Gunners will definitely be without midfielder Declan Rice due to suspension, while summer recruit Mikel Merino is sidelined with a shoulder injury and captain Martin Odegaard is expected to miss out after he sustained an ankle issue on international duty with Norway.
However, Postecoglou bristled at the notion it could be a good opportunity for Spurs to face their north London rivals, who have finished second in each of the last two Premier League seasons.
“God, that’s a hell of a trap to fall into if you think they’re reliant on two players,” Postecoglou said. “Two important players, but we were missing key players last year as well and we still managed to give significant performances”.
Mikel Arteta issues Martin Odegaard injury update ahead of north London derby11:40 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta has revealed the latest on Martin Odegaard’s fitness after the Arsenal captain was injured on international duty for Norway.
Odegaard sustained an ankle injury while playing for his national sideagainst Austria on Monday and was consoled by Premier League title rival Erling Haaland.
Arsenal take on Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, but are likely to be without Odegaard, and Declan Rice has already been ruled out of the match when he was shown a red card against Brighton.
Arteta said at the press conference ahead of the north London derby: “We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back.
Mikel Arteta issues Martin Odegaard injury update ahead of north London derby
Predicted line-ups11:30 , Chris Wilson
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Dragusin, Romero, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Odobert, Maddison, Kulusevski; Son.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber; Partey, Jorginho; Saka, Trossard, Sterling; Havertz
Is Tottenham vs Arsenal on TV today? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture11:25 , Chris Wilson
When is Tottenham vs Arsenal?
Tottenham vs Arsenal kicks off at 2pm BST today, Sunday 15 September, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 1pm on the latter. Subscribers will also be able to watch on NOW TV online and on the app.
Arsenal early team news11:20 , Chris Wilson
For Arsenal, Declan Rice is suspended after his red card against Brighton, so Mikel Arteta may decide to go with Jorginho in midfield alongside Thomas Partey.
The Gunners boss refused to rule Martin Odegaard out of contention despite the Arsenal captain getting injured on international duty for Norway, and Gabriel Jesus could return after a recent groin injury.
Summer loan signing Raheem Sterling is in contention to make his Arsenal debut.
Spurs early team news11:15 , Chris Wilson
Ange Postecoglou says all his international players returned with no major issues though Yves Bissouma has a knock that he received treatment for on Friday.
Bissouma’s potential absence could mean a start in midfield for Rodrigo Bentancur who was recently charged with misconduct over a joke made about Son Heung-min. Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke are available but Richarlison and Will Lankshear are still recovering from injury.
Tottenham vs Arsenal LIVE11:10 , Chris Wilson
Tottenham Hotspur face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in the first north London derby of the new Premier League season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs come back from the international break having had a mixed start to the season, with one win, one draw and a loss to Newcastle United in their most recent match.
And Arsenal enter the weekend having suffered a frustrating result of their own, with a 1-1 draw to Brighton following two dominant wins to open the season.
The match is the first in a long run of difficult matches for the Gunners, as they start their Champions League campaign against Atalanta before facing Manchester City next weekend.
The away side will be keen to remind rivals of their title credentials after dropping two points last time out, while Spurs will look to get back on track with a potentially decisive win.
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