Tottenham vs Arsenal LIVE!

Arsenal held on to beat battling local rivals Tottenham 3-2 and move four points clear at the top of the Premier League after an emphatic first-half display and a nervous second period in an electric derby atmosphere on Sunday.

An own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and efforts from Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz put the Gunners in control at half-time and, although Spurs fought back through Cristian Romero's strike and a Heung-min Son penalty, the visitors claimed the three points.

The victory moved Mikel Arteta's Gunners further ahead of second-placed champions Manchester City, who have two games in hand. Liverpool are in third spot a point behind City but like Arsenal having played 35 matches.

Tottenham's defeat hit their hopes of playing Champions League football next season as they stand seven points off fourth-placed Aston Villa, albeit still with two games in hand.

Tottenham vs Arsenal highlights

• GOAL! Arsenal lead through own goal

• VAR! Spurs leveller ruled out for offside

• GOAL! Saka scores after Spurs appeals rejected

• GOAL! Havertz pours on derby misery

• GOAL! Raya error gifts Spurs goal back

• GOAL! Son penalty narrows deficit late on

Ready for more football?

16:25 , Marc Mayo

Kick-off at the City Ground is coming up and you can head over to our live blog for latest updates in Man City’s response to Arsenal’s win.

Follow Nottingham Forest vs Man City LIVE!

Tottenham player ratings

16:17 , Marc Mayo

Cristian Romero 7

Had all of Spurs’ best chances, with three headed efforts before he pulled one back with a canny finish. Robust defensively.

Micky van de Ven 8

The closest play to Havertz for Arsenal’s third goal. Unlucky to have an equaliser ruled out for a fractional offside at 1-0 and his pace was so important at covering behind in the second half.

Read Dan’s full Spurs player ratings!

Bukayo Saka reacts to Arsenal win

16:11 , Marc Mayo

“The last 20 minutes weren’t nice but it was worth it.”

“We know it’s a big derby, they don’t want to lose 3-0 at home and the crowd was up. Proud of the boys, they fought to the end.

“We just needed to be calm, everything was quite frantic. We showed level heads at the end.

“We know what it means to the fans and to us, we’re delighted. It means everything.

“We’ll get on the bus, put the [Man City] game on and hope for the best! We just need to do our jobs and see where it leads us.

“We’ve got experience now, we’ve learned our lessons from last year.”

Arsenal player ratings

16:04 , Marc Mayo

Bukayo Saka 9

An electric performance from the winger. Assisted the opener and then scored a stunning second goal. Unplayable at times.

Kai Havertz 9 | Star player

What a performance from the German. Setup Arsenal’s second with a great pass and scored the third. One of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt.

Read Simon’s full Arsenal ratings here!

FULL-TIME!

15:59 , Marc Mayo

Spurs swing it in and it’s cleared before the recycled ball in is dealt with too...

Heung-min Son crosses in, it’s too deep - and that’s the whistle!

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 90+6 mins

15:59 , Marc Mayo

Heung-min Son’s dangerous cross is cleared and Arsenal counter... but Micky van de Ven is back to clear again.

Tottenham up the other end and win a corner.

Here comes the goalkeeper!

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 90+5 mins

15:57 , Marc Mayo

Free-kick flicked away for a corner and Arsenal deal with that too, amid a bit of a scramble and a faint penalty appeal by the home fans.

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 90+4 mins

15:56 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal are officially heading to the corner flag but Kai Havertz can’t hold it there for long.

Spurs break into space and Richarlison is felled by William Saliba. Free-kick chance for Spurs...

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 90+2 mins

15:55 , Marc Mayo

David Raya rises highest to claim a Pedro Porro cross.

A big test of Arsenal’s game management here (and their skills in the dark arts).

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 90+1 mins

15:54 , Marc Mayo

Six added minutes coming up!

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 90 mins

15:53 , Marc Mayo

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka win a corner for Arsenal, they don’t take it short and two Spurs headers narrowly divert the delivery away from goal.

Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | 88 mins

15:52 , Marc Mayo

Jakub Kiwior on for Martin Odegaard as Arsenal look to put a lid on this game.

Spurs bring Giovani Lo Celso on for Ben Davies.

GGGOOOOOAAALLLL!!!! Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal | Son, 86'

15:49 , Marc Mayo

GAME ON!

Heung-min Son slots home his second penalty of the year and Spurs have five or so minutes to snatch a memorable derby point!

Tottenham penalty!

15:48 , Marc Mayo

Michael Oliver goes to the screen and has no doubts about giving that!

Spurs have their route back into the game...

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 84 mins

15:48 , Marc Mayo

Ben Davies the next to go down in the box! VAR will have a look at that, Declan Rice clearly kicks through his man...

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 83 mins

15:47 , Marc Mayo

Veritably raining cards now with Thomas Partey in the book as this game gets increasingly scrappy and fractured.

Spurs want a penalty for an arm across a runner off the ball, but no dice.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 81 mins

15:44 , Marc Mayo

Ben Davies now in the book too for downing Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal doing a good job of deflating the Tottenham balloon here.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 78 mins

15:41 , Marc Mayo

And there’s a card! Dejan Kulusevski booked after Gabriel Martinelli did him for pace and earned a shove for his troubles.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 77 mins

15:40 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal hoof clear the free-kick into their box.

Tottenham reporter Dan Kilpatrick:

Obvious point but the next goal will be huge. If Spurs can get it, there will set up a big finale and should have the fresher legs. But Arsenal will be eyeing another sucker punch on the counter, with Micky van de Ven and Yves Bissouma frequently the only players staying back for Spurs.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 76 mins

15:39 , Marc Mayo

A bit of afters between Richarlison and Declan Rice after a foul by the Arsenal man.

No booking for either though, we’re still yet to see a card in this derby.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 73 mins

15:37 , Marc Mayo

Gabriel Martinelli tracks back well to win the ball yet his clearance pings off Pape Sarr in the Gunners box... but they escape.

Micky van de Ven is coming into his own for Spurs now and doing a much better job of shutting down counter-attacks with his pace and strength.

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 70 mins

15:34 , Marc Mayo

Into the final 20 minutes and you sense Spurs need a goal in the next ten or so to make it interesting.

Arsenal need to get their mojo back having failed to threaten on the counter for the bulk of this half.

Watch David Raya's error for Spurs' goal

15:31 , Marc Mayo

The Arsenal goalkeeper would have claimed the Golden Glove with a clean sheet today...

Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | 66 mins

15:29 , Marc Mayo

All of a sudden, the home fans are back in this game. Richarlison nearly gets on the end of a Brennan Johnson cross before Micky van de Ven gobbles up Gabriel Martinelli’s attempt to counter.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

A nightmare moment for Raya - and what a lifeline for Spurs. Just when the game felt like it was dying out, it's back alive.

GGGOOOOAAALLLL!!! Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal | Romero, 64'

15:28 , Marc Mayo

CRISTIAN ROMERO FIRES SPURS ON THE BOARD!

A horrific error from David Raya, he weakly chips the ball to the defender who was bafflingly high up the pitch - and he finishes with aplomb...

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 64 mins

15:27 , Marc Mayo

Here come the subs, Leandro Trossard off for Gabriel Martinelli.

Spurs also bring Richarlison and Yves Bissouma on for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and James Maddison.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 63 mins

15:26 , Marc Mayo

Three changes coming as Arsenal prepare a corner from the right wing.

Bukayo Saka is delayed after James Maddison’s face connects with Takehiro Tomiyasu’s shoulder in the scrap, but his ball in is overhit.

Tottenham reporter Dan Kilpatrick:

Spurs have tended to raise the tempo in the second half of home games but they feel flat. Arsenal's ruthless first half has knocked the wind of their rivals' sails and the visitors are in full control.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 61 mins

15:24 , Marc Mayo

This is turning into a bit of a pre-season game for Arsenal.

One Spurs goal would liven things up...

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

The first 15 minutes of this half felt big for Arsenal, who will have been wary about a Spurs fightback. They've marshalled it very well.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 54 mins

15:17 , Marc Mayo

Some ironic cheers from the home fans as the subsequent corner is cleared at the near post.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 53 mins

15:16 , Marc Mayo

SAVE!

Surprisingly sloppy from Martin Odegaard gives the ball to Dejan Kulusevski, who tumbles in the box under pressure from Gabriel and Thomas Partey.

They win the ball and penalty appeals are turned away.

Up the other end, Guglielmo Vicario makes a fine save with his feet to deny Bukayo Saka.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 51 mins

15:14 , Marc Mayo

Cristian Romero probably should score as David Raya leaps off his line...

The defender is first to it and nods over.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 48 mins

15:11 , Marc Mayo

Decent free-kick from deep by Declan Rice and Takehiro Tomiyasu is free to head at goal after some solid shielding work from Gabriel.

The full-back heads a difficult chance narrowly over!

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 47 mins

15:10 , Marc Mayo

It’s the Gunners on the front foot before Pape Sarr leads the hosts clear.

Not a huge amount of Tottenham fans have rushed back out for the second half!

Second-half kicks off!

15:08 , Marc Mayo

Pape Sarr on for Rodrigo Bentancur as Tottenham make a change for the restart.

No reason for Arsenal to put on the handbrake

15:02 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta will surely tell his side to continue to sit back and pick Spurs off on the break.

With no midweek game before hosting Bournemouth next Saturday, they may as well keep going and building their goal-difference - where they have an 11-goal advantage over Man City as things stand.

What can Spurs do to rescue this game?

14:59 , Marc Mayo

Turn on the fire alarm? Hide all the half-time pies, thus causing a riot?

Well, if Tottenham fans ever wanted to see their team pull off a three-goal comeback in the north London derby, now’s the time!

Ange Postecoglou’s side look like they will score at some point and created a handful of chances in that half but defensively they are second best by a long distance.

Watch Kai Havertz make it 3-0

14:55 , Marc Mayo

The second set-piece goal of the day for Arsenal and they now have a league-leading 17 headed goals this season.

Half-time!

14:53 , Marc Mayo

This north London derby has been pretty even, if you discount the three Arsenal goals..!

The Gunners are closing in on a huge three points in the title race.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 45+3 mins

14:49 , Marc Mayo

The Gunners are taking more risks than normal in attack for the sake of speed, and Ben White is offside down the right wing.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

It's rare you see Arsenal so happy to surrender possession like this, but clearly a plan from Arteta to let Tottenham have the ball before countering. Working well so far.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 45 mins

14:47 , Marc Mayo

The board goes up for SIX added minutes.

One goal for Spurs may just swing things a little...

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 45 mins

14:46 , Marc Mayo

Superb work by Leandro Trossard to dance through challenges in his own half, Arsenal are playing with a decent amount of swagger but want to keep compact off the ball.

A quick ball over the top catches them out though and Heung-min Son flies his shot over.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 43 mins

14:44 , Marc Mayo

Just watching the Arsenal away end, no one is standing still!

There’s so much adrenaline still pumping through their fans and they’re reacting to every tackle in between chants and, to be honest, goal celebrations.

Spurs fans, by contrast, stone-silent and frozen like stunned statues.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 42 mins

14:42 , Marc Mayo

It’s all just about summed up for Spurs as a pass is played just behind James Maddison, who slips and stretches to play the ball straight to an Arsenal shirt.

Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | 40 mins

14:41 , Marc Mayo

This is doing Arsenal’s goal-difference lead over Man City the world of good.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

A near carbon-copy of Arsenal's first goal, except this time Havertz heads it home. Arsenal clearly targeting Spurs' defending from the near-post on set-pieces.

GGGGGOOOOAALLL!!! Tottenham 0-3 Arsenal | Havertz, 38'

14:39 , Marc Mayo

THIS IS TURNING INTO A ROUT!

Another corner, another header, another goal as Kai Havertz rises highest.

Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal | 35 mins

14:36 , Marc Mayo

Not since Ian Wright in 1993-94 has an Arsenal player scored home and away against Spurs in one season. Until Bukayo Saka in 2023-24.

Spurs naturally muted since the second goal.

Watch Bukayo Saka score Arsenal's second

14:33 , Marc Mayo

Delightful ball by Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka rinses Ben Davies to score.

Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal | 31 mins

14:32 , Marc Mayo

Timo Werner is having to come off. Brennan Johnson called from the bench with the German suffering from what looks like a hamstring issue.

Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, is fine after clash of heads.

Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal | 29 mins

14:31 , Marc Mayo

Spurs have no choice but to pick themselves up and go again, with a ball into the box looking dangerous.

Arsenal clear and Martin Odegaard stays down to receive some treatment. Well timed, you might say.

Tottenham reporter Dan Kilpatrick:

Brilliant counter-punching by Arsenal and particularly Saka there. Spurs will always leave space at the back and the visitors ruthlessly exploited it to double their lead.

GGGOOOAAALLL!!! Tottenham 0-2 Arsenal | Saka, 27'

14:28 , Marc Mayo

BUKAYO SAKA ON THE COUNTER!

Tottenham want a penalty up the other end before Arsenal break and Saka rolls home his shot!

Watch Tottenham goal ruled out by VAR

14:28 , Marc Mayo

Tough but fair.

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal | 26 mins

14:27 , Marc Mayo

Let’s see how Tottenham bounce back from that, it’s a hard blow to take after what had looked like a deserved equaliser.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

Relief for Arsenal there. Spurs have been the better team since going behind.

GOAL DISALLOWED!

14:25 , Marc Mayo

Pedro Porro’s shot from range is turned in by Micky van de Ven and the Dutchman looks offside on replay...

VAR confirms it. Arsenal keep their lead.

GGGOOOAAALLLL!!! Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal | Van de Ven, 23'

14:24 , Marc Mayo

Micky Van de Ven scores but he looks offside...

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal | 20 mins

14:21 , Marc Mayo

OFF THE POST!

Cristian Romero meets another set play from Spurs’ left flank and this time cracks the woodwork with his header!

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal | 19 mins

14:20 , Marc Mayo

CHANCE!

Cristian Romero outmuscles Martin Odegaard, leaving him in a heap on the floor, at a corner and heads just wide.

Watch Arsenal goal to lead north London derby

14:20 , Marc Mayo

Superb delivery, it has to be said.

Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal | 17 mins

14:19 , Marc Mayo

Spurs may well feel that goal was against the run of play.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

Arsenal just trying to slow down the game after the goal. The whole side stayed in a huddle by Spurs' corner flag for a minute or so.

Tottenham reporter Dan Kilpatrick:

There's obviously a huge element of misfortune about Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's own goal but the bigger picture is that Spurs have a problem defending corners, whereas set pieces are one of Arsenal's strengths.

GGGOOOOAAALLLL!!!! Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal | Hojbjerg OG, 15'

14:18 , Marc Mayo

THE GUNNERS LEAD!

A corner from Arsenal’s right sees Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg head past his own goalkeeper.

Advantage to the Gunners as another set-piece comes off! Ben White’s run to the near post caused all kinds of problems.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 14 mins

14:15 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal have the ball in the net yet Martin Odegaard is offside for his dart in behind. Kai Havertz eventually scores with the flag up.

Tottenham reporter Dan Kilpatrick:

Given Spurs haven't played for two weeks, they have started well, controlling the ball and pushing forward. You wonder if Mikel Arteta has prepared his side to counter-punch more often than usual.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 12 mins

14:13 , Marc Mayo

Nothing comes from the free-kick, straight into the wall, before Takehiro Tomiyasu surrenders the ball.

Leandro Trossard is then next go give it away and James Maddison soon shoots over the bar.

There’s plenty to be hopeful about in this start for Tottenham.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 10 mins

14:11 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Partey wins a foul from a drag-back by James Maddison and Arsenal have a good spot for a free-kick 22 or so yards out.

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

A ball comes to David Raya and he stops it, before motioning with his hands to calm down. All a bit hectic so far, which is probably how Spurs want it.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 9 mins

14:10 , Marc Mayo

Timo Werner gets running at his man down the Tottenham left and clips a cross straight at David Raya.

Energetic start from Spurs, with their fans at full volume, with Arsenal compact off the ball looking to give no space away.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 6 mins

14:07 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Partey caught in possession in his own half by Rodrigo Bentancur and Spurs have their first proper attack of the day.

Advantage is played as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is chopped but they don’t take advantage of it, with a sloppy pass through to David Raya.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 4 mins

14:05 , Marc Mayo

Martin Odegaard the first Arsenal player to breach the Tottenham box but there’s little support for the club captain, who eventually sees a pass cut out.

Tottenham 0-0 Arsenal | 2 mins

14:03 , Marc Mayo

Some off the ball furore in front of the home fans as Takehiro Tomiyasu bundles Dejan Kulusevski after the Swede offloads a pass.

Big-game atmosphere ratcheted up to the max for the home side.

Tottenham vs Arsenal | Kick-off!

14:01 , Marc Mayo

Both teams in their home kits this afternoon and after huddles for both teams it’s Spurs to get the ball rolling.

Time for the north London derby!

Arsenal reporter Simon Collings:

What an atmosphere here. Genuinely not a better stadium around than this one.

Here come the teams

13:57 , Marc Mayo

Heung-min Son and Martin Odegaard lead out the two teams as a packed Tottenham Hotspur Stadium greets Tottenham and Arsenal.

Michael Oliver has the whistle

13:55 , Marc Mayo

Today’s referee is Michael Oliver, who is a Newcastle fan which as we all now know means he may well want revenge for Mikel Arteta’s anger at VAR for Anthony Gordon’s goal at St. James’ Park in November... ready the club statement, Gooners!

North London derby coming up!

13:51 , Marc Mayo

Spurs have come out on top in just one of the last six north London derbies... but have won eight of their last nine home league games.

Arsenal can't afford slip-ups in the title race... but haven't lost a league away game in 2024.

Ange Postecoglou gives his view of the derby

13:49 , Marc Mayo

Not long to wait until kick-off and Ange Postecoglou has spoken to Sky Sports in the tunnel.

He says: “Very good opponent, lot on the line but it’s something we need to embrace and we’ll rely on what’s been good for us this year.

“If you want to be a club that’s challenging for things, all games are going to be big. You take that on board and there isn’t a footballer that doesn’t want to play big games.

“It’s kinda weird to train for two weeks [without a game] this time of year and hopefully we’ll get some reward for that today.

“[Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg] brings some experience and experience of the big occasion, he’s trained really well this last two weeks.

“Sort of similar [decision between Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski], Deki’s been good for us and he’s trained really well and played in these games before.”

Why today's north London derby should be a classic

13:45 , Marc Mayo

It is 20 years this week since Arsenal's 'Invincibles' won the league at White Hart Lane, crowning one of the finest campaigns in English top-flight history in the sweetest way possible.

Mikel Arteta's side cannot do the same at Tottenham's new home on Sunday but the latest edition of the north London derby could be the most significant in a title race since, and an Arsenal win would maintain their hopes of a first championship since 2004, even if Manchester City remain firm favourites.

For both clubs, a fixture which is always more important than any other is charged with even greater jeopardy than usual this weekend. Both have the chance to make it a memorable occasion, maybe even one for the ages, albeit for very contrasting reasons.

Read Dan’s full preview for the north London derby!

Tottenham ready to take on 'one of world's best'

13:41 , Marc Mayo

Heung-min Son says Tottenham must hold their nerve and stick to their high-risk, attacking football in this crunch north London derby.

"We're still a little bit inexperienced because we're building a young team, some of them are in their first season in the Premier League," Son said. "So look, we can test ourselves against one of the biggest teams in Europe and the Premier League. But also in the world.

"So I think it's very important the way we play: stick to our [style of] play, stick to our game. I think it's a very, very good test. As I said, it's against one of the best teams in the world so it's perfect [for us]. You want to always have good competition and you always want to face the best teams in the world."

Mikel Arteta speaks ahead of the derby

13:37 , Marc Mayo

Some final pre-match thoughts from the Arsenal manager.

“Absolutely [this is a beautiful challenge], against a very strong opponent in a very difficult ground,” he tells Sky Sports.

“This is where we have to stand up and make it happen.

“We’re in a good moment, we’re in rhythm, we had a few days to prepare and there’s a lot at stake so we’re fully ready.

“[Thomas Partey] is a really important player,we’ve missed him for many months. He’s in great shape.”

How the table stands

13:34 , Marc Mayo

Just a reminder that Arsenal hold a one-point lead over Man City going into today’s games.

They are also eight goals better off in terms of goal difference, but have played a game more. Liverpool are two points back.

Tottenham are six points clear of Manchester United in fifth, with a seven-point deficit to Aston Villa. But they have three games in hand with goal difference pretty tight between the two.

Tottenham vs Arsenal | Countdown to kick-off

13:30 , Marc Mayo

Just half an hour to wait now as the warm-ups get underway in Tottenham!

Mikel Arteta 'loves' busy schedule

13:25 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta says he “loves” the fact Arsenal have had a packed schedule ahead of the north London derby.

“I love the fact that we played four games,” said Arteta. “We had some great experiences.

“It’s been a really demanding week. We had some great results in the last two. That’s boosted the confidence of everybody. We’re in a good place.

“What I can tell you is the boys are going to be fully ready on Sunday to go to play against a great opponent, that is going to make things very difficult for us and we are going to have to be very good to beat them.”

Tottenham will get nowhere 'peering over the back fence'

13:19 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou says he is not motivated by ending Arsenal's title challenge in this crunch north London derby.

Asked if he would feel personal satisfaction at denting Arsenal's title prospects, Postecoglou said: "Not in terms of that as a motivation, no.

"I want to win and I understand the importance of winning against your traditional rival. I’ve just come down from Glasgow - I’ve got a fair idea about what derbies mean to supporters.

"I never believe your motivation should revolve around the demise of somebody else. Your motivation should be about yourself. I want to win because I want us to achieve something.

“I want us to progress. I want us to be in a position fighting for the title. That’s what drives me, not the demise.”

Thoughts from both camps

13:14 , Marc Mayo

Martin Odegaard and Guglielmo Vicario have just given their pre-match thoughts to Sky Sports.

“Good, we feel good, all really excited,” says Arsenal skipper Odegaard. “It’s a special game and we’re ready to go.

“You have to control your emotions, stay focused and locked in. Today is the same mindset, it’s three points.”

Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario insists today is not about ending the Gunners’ title hopes.

He says: “It’s very important to feel the support from our fans, to push ourselves but it’s not about stopping Arsenal it’s about concentrating on ourselves and what we have to do.

“We want to win this game, it’s more crucial for us. and our future.

“I have to help my team in the build-up and pressing high, nothing changes as always.”

Spurs bench Brennan Johnson

13:09 , Marc Mayo

Dejan Kulusevski is preferred to Brennan Johnson in Spurs’ attack with Timo Werner on the opposite flank and Heung-min Son up top.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gets the nod in midfield and Ben Davies replaces the injured Destiny Udogie at left-back.

Unchanged XI from Arsenal

13:06 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard and Takehiro Tomiyasu all keep their places after the 5-0 win over Chelsea.

No Jurrien Timber, he’s back playing for the U21s today.

Tottenham starting line-up

13:03 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison, Werner; Son

Subs: Austin, Royal, Dragusin, Bissouma, Sarr, Lo Celso, Gil, Johnson, Richarlison

Arsenal starting line-up

13:00 , Marc Mayo

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Trossard

Subs: Ramsdale, Jesus, Martinelli, Jorginho, Vieira, Zinchenko, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Kiwior

Team news up next!

12:54 , Marc Mayo

Any moment now we’ll have the confirmed line-ups for both Tottenham and Arsenal.

We know that Jurrien Timber will NOT be in the Gunners squad, he’s continuing his recovery from a serious knee injury with a runout for the Under-21s at Liverpool this afternoon.

Key derby factors: Does Ange Postecoglou experiment?

12:50 , Marc Mayo

The loss of Destiny Udogie, who has had surgery on a muscular injury, has also given Postecoglou a headache at left-back.

Udogie’s absence is a major blow, given Arsenal’s threat down the right flank in Bukayo Saka and Ben White, who scored twice against Chelsea.

Ben Davies is the obviously replacement for the Italian, but is not blessed with pace and is less effective at ball-carrying and inverting into midfield.

Postecoglou could opt to experiment by bringing Radu Dragusin into a lop-sided back-three and moving Micky van de Ven to the left, helping to contain Saka and White but potentially leaving Spurs more open in the middle.

Mikel Arteta reveals Arsene Wenger advice

12:42 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta has been picking the brains of Arsene Wenger to help Arsenal get over the line in the title race.

Wenger won three League titles during his 22 years with Arsenal and, ahead of a crucial north London derby against Tottenham, Arteta has recalled listening to his old manager’s words of wisdom.

“I have spoken to him a few times,” said Arteta. “There were certain topics about how they won it and the later stages.

“He used to talk about that when I was a player. It is always there, in the hard drive.

“For this time of the season, at the end it is about finding a way to win the game. And that is it. You can do it in various ways when you look at how they won the titles. “

Read the full story!

Derby rewind: Arsenal's win in N17 last season

12:36 , Marc Mayo

This 2-0 victory was their first on Spurs soil in the league for seven years...

Creator-in-chief Martin Odegaard hopes to make Tottenham sick of the sight of him

12:30 , Marc Mayo

It says a lot about Martin Odegaard's powers of recovery that he spent the night before Arsenal's last visit to Tottenham being sick — but you would never have known it.

Less than 24 hours after he had been struck down by illness, Odegaard roused himself from his sickbed to score and lead the Gunners to their first win at Spurs in the Premier League since 2014.

The Arsenal captain will be hoping for more of the same on Sunday, albeit with a better night's sleep beforehand.

Read the full story!

Derby rewind: Harry Kane's stunner

12:25 , Marc Mayo

Way back in March 2016, Harry Kane curled this beauty past David Ospina to put Spurs ahead at White Hart Lane. The match ended up 2-2 following Alexis Sanchez’s equaliser 14 minutes after this strike.

Head-to-head record

12:18 , Marc Mayo

Spurs have won just one of the last six derbies, losing four.

Tottenham wins: 67

Draw: 55

Arsenal wins: 86

Spurs are in the house

12:11 , Marc Mayo

Smart attire for the hosts today with Richarlison, Brennan Johnson and James Maddison among those spotted heading into the stadium.

Key derby factors: Thomas Partey pushing to start

12:05 , Marc Mayo

Thomas Partey started only a second game this year in the thrashing of Chelsea, and his progressive passing and dynamism helped Arsenal to a five-goal stroll.

His performance leaves Arteta with a decision to make, with Jorginho Arsenal’s other option to partner Declan Rice in midfield.

The Italian is an experienced head who helps Arsenal to control big games, but he may not be suited to a chaotic end-to-end derby.

It is unclear if Partey is ready to start another game so quickly following his hamstring injury.

North London derby: Countdown to kick-off

12:00 , Marc Mayo

We are now only two hours away from Tottenham and Arsenal facing off!

Team news is due at 1pm BST.

Arsenal warned Tottenham are their only hope

11:52 , Marc Mayo

The Premier League title race increasingly appears to be a straight showdown between Arsenal and Manchester City, but it is Tottenham who will have a decisive say, according to Jamie Redknapp.

Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand, which is a potentially tricky test away to Tottenham in the final week of the season.

“Tottenham have a massive part to play don’t they?” Redknapp said.

“They’ve obviously going to play Arsenal on Sunday which is going to be a huge game. We’ve only got to look at [Liverpool’s defeat to Everton]… with derby matches anything is possible.”

Read the full story!

Key derby factors: Dejan Kulusevski or Brennan Johnson?

11:42 , Marc Mayo

Mikel Arteta’s decision at left-back is made even harder because it is not clear who Ange Postecoglou will start on the right of Spurs’ front three.

Brennan Johnson has started the last three games after turning the tide against Luton last month, but Spurs looked desperately short of guile and a player capable of holding up the ball in the 4-0 defeat at Newcastle.

Dejan Kulusevski could therefore return to the XI on Sunday, which would leave Johnson as a potentially dangerous impact sub.

Postecoglou also faces a decision over whether to recall Richarlison if he is fit enough and move Heung-min Son to the left.

Tottenham ponder new plan to stop Bukayo Saka

11:35 , Marc Mayo

By the time Tottenham host Arsenal in Sunday’s crunch north London derby, Mikel Arteta’s side will have played four times since their rivals’ last fixture — the 4-0 defeat at Newcastle on April 13.

So there is a certain irony that Spurs have still managed to pick up more injuries than Arsenal in the past fortnight, after news over the weekend that Destiny Udogie will miss the rest of the season following surgery on his left quadriceps.

Udogie will be a real miss against an Arsenal side who tend to funnel their attacks down the right, through Ben White and Bukayo Saka.

Udogie was outstanding in the reverse fixture in September, maturely handling Saka as Arsenal twice threw away leads to draw 2-2.

When Udogie was booked after just 15 minutes for a shove on the England winger, it looked like he could face a torrid afternoon, but he barely put another foot wrong, showing Saka down the line at every opportunity and helping to frustrate Arsenal’s most dangerous player.

Read the full story!

Nihal Arthanayake column

11:26 , Marc Mayo

TV and radio presenter, and Spurs fan, Nihal Arthanayake has penned his latest Standard Sport column ahead of the north London derby.

He discusses just how important it would be to Tottenham supporters if they can upset Arsenal’s title chances.

Read the full story!

Key derby factors: Arsenal’s left-back worry

11:15 , Marc Mayo

Left-back has quickly become Arsenal’s Achilles heel.

Jakub Kiwior’s limitations in the role were exposed in Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw in London, when he was hooked at half-time. Oleksandr Zinchenko can invert into midfield but did not fare much better than Kiwior in the home defeat by Aston Villa.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is Mikel Arteta’s steadiest option, but the question is whether he is fit enough to start twice in a week after Tuesday’s demolition of Chelsea?

Latest odds

11:07 , Marc Mayo

Tottenham: 17/5

Draw: 16/5

Arsenal: 8/11

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

North London derby score prediction

10:59 , Marc Mayo

Spurs will solely miss Udogie, and a possible Porro absence is equally as damaging, against an Arsenal side brimming with confidence and gunning for the title.

Ange Postecoglou almost had the Gunners’ number in the reverse fixture, drawing 2-2 at the Emirates, but this is a completely different test in the season run-in and Spurs will need the likes of James Maddison to rediscover his form to have a chance of taking points off the league leaders.

Arsenal to win, 3-1.

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