Arsenal cut the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a dominant victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby. The Gunners overturned a deficit to win the match 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium but their composure and control of possession isn’t reflected in the scoreline.
The hosts started the match in quick fashion, winning a series of set pieces and whipping crosses into the penalty area. They should have been clear of the visitors, but it was Tottenham who struck first.
Son Heung-Min volleyed a dropping ball from a corner towards goal and a deflection took it past David Raya in the 25th minute.
Arsenal didn’t panic. A four-minute salvo saw them first level the match through a deflected header from Gabriel, who met Declan Rice’s corner kick to give Arsenal another goal from a set piece, then go ahead courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s individual brilliance.
Mikel Arteta’s men then managed the rest of the game and took all three points.
Relive the Premier League action from the Emirates below:
Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE
- How Arsenal’s horror week set up vital derby win over Tottenham
- Arsenal defeat Tottenham in the Premier League | Live on TNT Sports
- 44' GOAL! Trossard send Arsenal into the lead (ARS 2-1 TOT)
- 40' GOAL! Gabriel heads in equaliser from a set piece (ARS 1-1 TOT)
- 25' GOAL! Son scores the opener for Spurs (ARS 0-1 TOT)
- 23' CHANCE! Kuluesevski should score from a corner (ARS 0-0 TOT)
- 3' CHANCE! Sterling is free in the box but can't lift one over Kinsky (ARS 0-0 TOT)
Arsenal FC 2 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur FC
Declan Rice speaking to TNT Sports:
22:36 , Mike Jones"You can tell that tonight meant more than anything. From the first minute, the first half was pure domination. We showed the intent, the pressure, the desire, you could tell it was a derby. I think we were probably unlucky that we didn't score 10 tonight. That is the feeling.
"You don't need a message. When you play Spurs you know what it means to the fans. As a player if you can't get up for Spurs then you shouldn't be playing football. You need to have that fire in your belly.
"In the second half the game got stretched. They maybe could have scored a couple but we could have got another five or six - that is the disappointing thing.
"The three points is the most important thing. Hopefully now we can go on a run because this is the most important part of the season."
How Arsenal’s horror week set up vital derby win over Tottenham
22:35 , Mike JonesA spell that has seen Arsenal all but eliminated from both domestic cups may have still revitalised their title challenge. The worst week of Mikel Arteta’s season so far ends with the best possible result, which was a home win over Tottenham Hotspur.
That was admittedly half a Tottenham Hotspur, given the injuries that Ange Postecoglou has suffered that might make even Arteta sympathise. The Spaniard won’t really care, though, given this 2-1 comeback served to cut Liverpool’s lead to a mere four points, albeit with a game more played.
How Arsenal’s horror week set up vital derby win over Tottenham
More from Ange Postecoglou:
22:24 , Mike Jones"Yeah we could have got something but that is kind of irrelevant to the point that we were nowhere near the levels we needed to be at today.
"In the first half we were way too passive and let Arsenal get into a rhythm. We hung in there, we hung in there the whole game really. Second half was a bit better but nowhere near the level it needed to be.
"We needed something. The fact we went out in the first half in such a big game and were so passive, it was unacceptable. And we paid a price for it.
"When we play well and take the game to teams then we are at our best and we didn't do that today."
'This is what we needed' admits Trossard
22:21 , Mike JonesArsenal forward Leandro Trossard gave his post-match reaction saying: "This is what we needed. We all know that we have to win these games against Spurs. You can see what it means to the fans, they are buzzing. It is a great night for us.
"We want to win every game, especially these derby games. We were up for it today and managed to take three points.
"It is an amazing feeling [to score], especially when it ends up being the winner as well. I am just happy for everyone. We work so hard day in and day out. Now we need to look forward and build on it.
"The hardest thing in football is to get the ball in the net. I think that we could have scored more today as well but obviously we are happy with the three points.
"We always want to put pressure on them [Liverpool] but we can only look at ourselves. Try to win every game starting today. We need to look forward, take all the positives and enjoy this win."
'Very disappointing' says Son
22:17 , Mike JonesTottenham captain Son Heung-min told TNT Sports: "Very disappointing. This game means a lot to the club and fans. Conceding goals like this is more painful.
"The manager is right. We were too passive. We always want to press and play high up as possible. In the first half we were way too passive. Second half was a little better. The first half was not good enough.
"It's up to the players as well. You have to listen to what we want to do. I think we were not disciplined enough.
"We have to do better in every aspect. When you look at table it's not good enough."
'Nowhere near good enough' says Postecoglou
22:11 , Mike JonesTottenham boss Ange Postecoglou told TNT Sports after the game: "Nowhere near good enough, especially in the first half. We were too passive. We let Arsenal dictate the game. Second half was a little better not nowhere near good enough. Not acceptable.
"Ultimately the responsibilty lies with me and how I prepare the players.
"I'm more interested in how we play and we were not anywhere near the levels today.
"Go back to work and prepare for a tough game.
"Of course they [defeats] hurt me. Not acceptable. Too many losses this year. Too many games getting away from us. It needs to stop.
"No other way of looking at it. If you give up now, there's no point. Right now we have a big game against Everton this weekned. That's our focus."
Arsenal claim victory in north London derby
22:06 , Mike JonesArsenal claim a much-needed victory at home against Spurs.
Just look at what it means to Mikel Arteta and his men:
FT Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
22:01 , Mike JonesArsenal cut the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool with a dominant victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby. The Gunners overturned a deficit to win the match 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium but their composure and control of possession isn’t reflected in the scoreline.
The hosts started the match in quick fashion, winning a series of set pieces and whipping crosses into the penalty area. They should have been clear of the visitors, but it was Tottenham who struck first.
Son Heung-Min volleyed a dropping ball from a corner towards goal and a deflection took it past David Raya in the 25th minute.
Arsenal didn’t panic. A four-minute salvo saw them first level the match through a deflected header from Gabriel, who met Declan Rice’s corner kick to give Arsenal another goal from a set piece, then go ahead courtesy of Leandro Trossard’s individual brilliance.
Mikel Arteta’s men then managed the rest of the game and took all three points.
FT Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
22:01 , Mike JonesArsenal are now up to second in the Premier League table and are just four points behind Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s men still have a game in hand, which is the Merseyside derby, but two draws in a row may point to Liverpool hitting a stumbling run of form.
Arsenal are on the way up and continue to impress.
Full-time! Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:55 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: The whistle goes to end a second half less thrilling than the first.
Arsenal did the damage in the opening 45 minutes and overturned Son Heung-Min’s opener to clinch a crucial three points.
With Liverpool dropping points in a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, Arsenal’s title hopes are massively alive.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:51 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play. Can Spurs get an equaliser?
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:47 , Mike Jones86 mins: Tottenham wins themselves a corner and James Maddison lifts it into the box. Lucas Bergvall gets closest to the ball but can’t win it.
Instead Arsenal clear and kick start a counter attack.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:44 , Mike Jones83 mins: Chance!
Odegaard feed the ball to Martinelli who then sends it out wide to Kieran Tierney.
Tierney’s threaded pass into the box finds Odgaard, who has continued his run, but the Arsenal captain curls his shot wide of the target.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:40 , Mike Jones80 mins: Into the final 10 minutes of the game at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have the lead and don’t seem likely to give it up. Spurs are in dire need of inspiration. Will they get some?
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:36 , Mike Jones76 mins: Tottenham are desperately defending.
Somehow they keep out another wave of attacks from Arsenal with Martinelli’s blazing shot the final action before Spurs hook the ball clear.
How can the visitors assert some control?
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:32 , Mike Jones73 mins: Tottenham need a spark from somewhere.
It’s all too comfortable for Arsenal who are controlling possession and are quick to defend if they lose the ball in midfield.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:29 , Mike Jones70 mins: Gabriel Martinelli goes on a fine run into the box but gets forced out wide and can’t threaten the goal.
The substitute will want to impress Mikel Arteta at the end of this game.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:26 , Mike Jones67 mins: Slick play from Spurs sees them sweep the ball out to the right then a series of one-touch passes sends it back inside.
Kulusevski makes a run into the box as the ball comes to Maddison.
He tries to shoot but doesn’t get a good connection and floats the ball into the hands of Raya.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:24 , Mike Jones63 mins: Despite the attacking reinforcements for Spurs the visitors haven’t managed to wrestle the momentum away from the Gunners.
Arsenal win another corner and Rice delivers it. This one comes to the near post but Pedro Porro is there to clear.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:19 , Mike Jones60 mins: Arsenal are having a great time.
Sterling sends the ball into the box and finds Trossard in space. He touches the ball down the scuffs his effort.
Spence then attempts to head it away but Trossard brings the clearance under control then totally misses the ball with a second attempt at a shot!
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:16 , Mike Jones57 mins: Close!
Havertz has another chance to score for Arsenal and meets Thomas Partey’s cross this time.
But, the effort is soft and gets whipped straight at Antonin Kinsky.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:13 , Mike Jones54 mins: Martin Odegaard delivers a fine corner kick into the box and picks out Kai Havertz.
Havertz nods the header over the crossbar. Arsenal want more goals.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:10 , Mike Jones51 mins: Just to update you, Arsenal’s first goal has been changed to a Dominic Solanke own goal now.
Spurs get themselves up the pitch and find Son. He’s got space on the edge of the box and looks to place a shot in the far bottom corner.
The ball starts to curl but hits Solanke and bobbles out of play.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:07 , Mike Jones48 mins: With Spurs effectively going all out in attack there’s going to be plenty of space in midfield for Arsenal.
Raheem Sterling flies through the middle of the pitch and slips a pass to Leandro Trossard.
Trossard’s pass into the box is then swept away but the defence.
Second half! Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:04 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou makes a couple of changes at the break with James Maddison and Brennan Johnson coming on to replace Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.
It’s an attacking move from the Spurs boss.
Arsenal get the ball rolling once more at the Emirates Stadium.
HT Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
21:01 , Mike JonesLeandro Trossard (42) has now scored more Premier League goals than Mikel Arteta (41) did during his playing career.
HT Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
20:57 , Mike JonesArsenal took four shots in the first half with just one of them on target.
Gabriel’s goal was deflected in off Dominic Solanke.
In comparison, Tottenham had two shots, both on target. One was stopped by David Raya, the other went in.
HT Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
20:53 , Mike JonesSome photos to sum up the first half:
Half-time! Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
20:49 , Mike Jones45+4 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
Tottenham took the lead but Arsenal have been the better team by a long way. Ange Postecoglou needs to come up with some answers or else his team will fall further behind in this derby.
Lots at stake for the second 45 minutes but so far so good for Arsenal.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham (Leandro Trossard, 44')
20:45 , Mike JonesWhat a turnaround.
Leandro Trossard is fed the ball and spins towards goal after Thomas Partey recovered the ball in midfield.
Trossard drives up the pitch then smokes a shot from the left side of the box.
Antonin Kinsky gets a hand to the ball but can’t keep it out.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Tottenham (Gabriel, 40')
20:41 , Mike JonesThat;s a good goal, and classic Arsenal.
Declan Rice whips a cross into the box and finds Gabriel over by the far post.
The Arsenal centre-back gets a head to the ball and nods it into Dominic Solanke’s chest which, in turn, puts the ball past Antonin Kinsky.
The Gunners are level.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
20:38 , Mike Jones37 mins: Raheem Sterling looks to nudge the ball past Djed Spence and sprint in behind the left-back.
Spence is rapid though and sends Sterling to the byline and the ball is run out of play.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
20:34 , Mike Jones34 mins: Dejan Kulusevski comes in from the wrong side and clatters Martin Odegaard to the ground.
Arsenal are awarded yet another set piece and the captain stands over it with Declan Rice.
Odegaard lifts the ball over to the far side but Yves Bissouma is there to nod it behind.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
20:32 , Mike Jones31 mins: Porro is back on his feet and is stretching out the right side of his groin. The defender looks like he’ll continue.
Arsenal are attempting to get back into this game. They send the ball into the penalty area once more but Radu Dragusin clears it away this time.
Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham
20:31 , Mike Jones28 mins: Pedro Porro is turned inside out by Leandro Trossard on Arsenal’s left wing.
Trossard’s cross is dealt with but Porro is left in a heap on the deck and needs some treatment from the medical team after getting himself in a twist.
This will be a worry for Ange Postecoglou.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Tottenham (Heung-Min Son, 25')
20:26 , Mike JonesTottenham take the lead!
They’ve absorbed a lot of pressure but win themselves a corner. It’s played short and then whipped into the penalty area.
The initial header comes out to the edge of the box where Heung-Min Son waits for the ball to drop.
He strikes a side-footed effort towards goal and the shot takes a big deflection off William Saliba.
David Raya is caught offguard and the ball finishes in the back of the net.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:23 , Mike Jones23 mins: Close!
Kinsky is almost caught on the ball again but manages to work it up the pitch to Djed Spence.
Spence drives to the edge of the box and crosses with the outside of his right foot.
Dominic Solanke is bombing in near the back post but Gabriel lunges ahead of him and pokes it behind for a corner.
Chance! From the set piece the ball bounces down for Dejan Kulusevski who pings a shot towards the near post only for David Raya to palm it behind.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:20 , Mike Jones20 mins: Antonin Kinksy is almost embarrassed by Kai Havertz after dallying too long on the ball.
The Arsenal forward almost nicks the ball away from the goalkeeper but somehow Kinsky manages to smother it again and avoid an awful mistake.
The fans jeer at him as his next goal kick is booted as far down the pitch as possible.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:17 , Mike Jones17 mins: Another free kick is delivered into the Tottenham box.
Kinsky is determined again to get to the aerial ball but Radu Dragusin gets there first and nods it out of the penalty box.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:13 , Mike Jones14 mins: Close!
Odegaard floats an incredible pass over to the left side of the box where Declan Rice is free.
Rice controls the ball the pokes it to Leandro Trossard whose effort is blocked by the closest defender.
He needs to do better there. Tottenham are under serious pressure here.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:11 , Mike Jones11 mins: With Arsenal’s big threat coming from set pieces, Tottenham are giving up quite a few.
The hosts win a corner after Antonin Kinsky comes off his line to punch clear a cross from a free kick.
The corner is lifted into the far post where Gabriel rises to meet it. He nods the ball down and Leandro Trossard’s effort is blocked.
A second corner in successive is delivered by Declan Rice but Kinsky is confident enough to punch this one away as well.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:08 , Mike Jones8 mins: Martin Odegaard collects the ball on the right wing and drives towards the box. He slips a pass into the area that comes to the feet of Raheem Sterling.
Sterling looks for the cross but Archie Gray is on hand to turn the ball behind for a corner.
Arsenal then play the set piece short and try to get into the box from a better angle. Pedro Porro deals with this attempt at crossing the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:05 , Mike Jones6 mins: Arsenal win themselves a corner and Declan Rice is on set piece duty once again.
He lifts the ball over to the far post where Leandro Trossard is waiting.
The ball goes over his head though and out for a goal kick.
The Gunners are seeing the better of their opponents in these early stages.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: Chance!
Raheem Sterling makes a fine run into the box as Myles Lewis-Skelly threads a superb pass into him.
The winger skips inside of Djed Spence but fails to lift a shot over Antonin Kinsky.
The ball comes loose and Spurs do well to get it away.
Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:02 , Mike Jones2 mins: Arsenal win a free kick early in the game, out on the right wing.
Declan Rice swings in a decent cross which skims the top of Lucas Bergvall’s head and drops to Radu Dragusin.
Spurs hook the ball clear.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Tottenham
20:01 , Mike JonesTottenham get the ball rolling at the Emirates Stadium. They send it long down the left side and recover the ball high up the pitch.
Arsenal defend strongly and Djed Spence, sprinting up from left-back, is forced to retreat.
Arsenal vs Tottenham
19:55 , Mike JonesAll three of the earlier Premier League kick offs remain goalless after almost 30 minutes.
Arsenal vs Tottenham is the last of tonight’s top-flight games to get underway. The players are waiting in the tunnel ahead of what should be a fascinating north London derby.
Kick off is up next...
Kulusevski has an eye for goal
19:50 , Mike JonesDejan Kulusevski’s tally of eight goals in all competitions is the same as he managed across the whole of last season. Will he be the key to Tottenham’s success tonight?
Arsenal’s creator
19:45 , Mike JonesMartin Odegaard created 10 chances in their FA Cup tie with Manchester United, the highest tally in a game by a Premier League player across all competitions this season.
The Gunners will need their captain to fire once again this evening if they hope to overcome Tottenham.
Solanke strikes first
19:40 , Mike JonesOnly Erling Haaland, with 14, has scored the opening goal in more top-flight appearances than Dominic Solanke’s 11 since the start of last season.
Arsenal and Tottenham prepare to renew bitter rivalry but face the same big problem
19:35 , Mike JonesAs Marcus Rashford looks beyond Tottenham Hotspur’s interest and to European clubs, Arsenal have found they can no longer look as far as the summer. Mikel Arteta has been in discussion with the club hierarchy about bringing forward plans for a “project attacker”, with their hands finally forced by Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury.
Some at the club would have said they should have had such a player in place before this season. Arteta wants a physically imposing forward who can grow, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson all raised, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko the ideal profile.
Arsenal and Tottenham prepare to renew bitter rivalry but face the same big problem
Expect goals in tonight’s derby
19:30 , Mike JonesArsenal have conceded a league-high 28% of their goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season (five of 18). In comparison, Tottenham have scored 11 goals in this time period, more than any other side.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side have had a greater expected goals total than their opponents in 25 of their 30 matches in all competitions this season, including 18 of the last 19.
Crazy stats for Spurs
19:25 , Mike JonesTottenham have 15 fewer points than at this stage last season, despite scoring the same number of goals and conceding just one more.
Their run of 101 top-flight games without a 0-0 draw is the second longest in Premier League history after Manchester United’s 114 between May 1999 and May 2002.
Spurs on a shocking run
19:20 , Mike JonesTottenham’s only win in their past eight league matches was 5-0 at bottom side Southampton. They also recorded two draws, five defeats in that run.
Since the start of December, only Leicester and Southampton have earned fewer points than the five by Spurs. However, Tottenham have kept back-to-back clean sheets in all competitions for only the second time this season so there maybe signs of a turnaround.
Arteta demands ‘best atmosphere ever’ at Arsenal for north London derby
19:15 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta has demanded that Arsenal supporters create the most hostile atmosphere ever seen inside the Emirates Stadium for his side’s pivotal north London derby against Tottenham on Wednesday.
The Gunners will welcome their arch-rivals to the Emirates off the back of two consecutive home defeats – against Newcastle in the opening leg of their semi-final Carabao Cup tie and an FA Cup third-round penalty shootout exit at the hands of Manchester United – which leaves their season hanging in the balance.
A number of disgruntled supporters were seen immediately heading for the exit after Johsua Zirkzee struck the winning spot-kick for United. There were also swathes of empty seats long before the final whistle of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat by the Magpies just five days earlier.
Mikel Arteta demands ‘best atmosphere ever’ at Arsenal for north London derby
Fortress Emirates
19:10 , Mike JonesArsenal are unbeaten in their last 12 league matches at the Emirates (nine wins, three draws) and are the only side yet to lose at home in the top flight this season.
They are aiming to keep a clean sheet in five straight home league games for the first time since December 2013 to February 2014 and can complete a Premier League double over Tottenham for the fifth time.
Tottenham’s terrible record
19:05 , Mike JonesSpurs have won just two of their 32 Premier League away fixtures against Arsenal (12 drawa, 18 defeats), and none of the last 13 since a 3-2 victory in November 2010.
Ange Postecoglou’s side haven’t kept a clean sheet in 25 away league games against the Gunners since a 0-0 draw in November 1998 when Espen Baardsen was in goal for the visitors.
Expect goals tonight.
Arsenal vs Tottenham
19:00 , Mike JonesArsenal have won six of their last eight league games against Tottenham with one draw and one defeat in that run. The Gunners could win three consecutive top-flight north London derbies for the first time since a run of five from 1987 to 1989.
Dominic Solanke has exceeded expectations – with more to come
18:55 , Mike JonesAnge Postecoglou has lavished praise on Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke for exceeding his expectations, but does feel more is to come from the £65million signing.
Solanke was linked with a move to Arsenal during 2024 but joined Spurs in August and has scored 11 times for his new club.
The ex-Bournemouth striker has also provided six assists and quickly become an integral figure, especially during an injury-ravaged period where his contributions have kept Postecoglou’s men on track for cup success despite inconsistent Premier League form.
Ange Postecoglou: Dominic Solanke has exceeded expectations – with more to come
Tottenham line-up versus Arsenal
18:48 , Mike JonesTottenham XI: Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son
Team news is in! 🫡
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 15, 2025
🔢 @krakenfx pic.twitter.com/EVzWmRit6m
Arsenal line-up vs Tottenham
18:46 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 15, 2025
🤝 Timber at right-back
⚓️ Rice anchors the midfield
⚡️ Trossard and Sterling on the wings
Seize the opportunity and fight for the badge, Gunners ✊
Postecoglou issues injury update after Tamworth win
18:40 , Mike JonesTottenham edged through their FA Cup third round tie with a 3-0 victory over Tamworth but needed extra-time to secure the goals they required to win the game.
Speaking yesterday, Ange Postecoglou provided an update on the toll that match took on his players saying: “It takes a fair bit out of the players, so we’ve had to do some extra recovery and we won’t train until this afternoon to give the boys a chance to recover.
“The only one who picked up an injury was Timo (Werner). He picked up a hamstring injury and we are waiting on the results of that scan. Everyone else, apart from being sore, pulled through okay. In terms of incoming, Richarlison is available.”
‘We have to start winning games'
18:35 , Mike JonesOver on the Spurs side of things Ange Postecoglou says he is well aware of what the north London derby means to the club and the fans and hopes to impress them tonight.
The Tottenham boss spoke before the game saying: “I felt [the derby] was intense from the moment I arrived but at the same time I’ve never tried to be disingenuous about this stuff and say ‘this means the world to me’ when I’ve literally just arrived.
“But you get the context of the game and what it means to the club and supporters and what it means for our season.
“It’s like being up in Glasgow, you’re well aware of what it means and the ramifications of both the positive and negative. I’ve been on it for the first game.
“This year is as big as they ever come, especially for us and our season. We have to start winning games in the league and this is no better place to start.”
Gabriel Jesus injury doesn’t change Arsenal’s transfer plans
18:30 , Mike JonesSpeaking on possible January transfers, Mikel Arteta said: “My answer doesn’t change, it remains the same - we are actively looking in the market to improve the squad, and that’s been the same since day one. It would be naive not to do that because it is always an opportunity to evolve the team and improve the squad, especially with the circumstances. So yes, we are looking and we are trying and let’s see what we are able to do.
“When you have to recruit a player, there are three parties and you have to agree to that. We have our limitations like any other club, so we can do what we can do.
“We plan our squad and we have our limits to do what we want to do, and that’s it. So the fact that I love our players a lot doesn’t mean we’re doing nothing about improving - I am not that stubborn.
“We all want the same, so we use every opportunity to improve the squad daily, and when the market comes in and we can do that too, we’ll make sure that we have the best resources and the best capacities to compete in the manner we want.”
Gabriel Jesus suffers ACL injury with Arsenal striker set to miss rest of the season
18:25 , Mike JonesArsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with Mikel Arteta admitting he is “very worried” for the Brazilian.
Jesus was taken off on a stretcher during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday and an ACL injury has been confirmed after seeing a specialist.
The serious knee injury will see the 27-year-old ruled out for a significant spell in the latest blow to the Gunners this season ahead of Wednesday’s north London derby.
Gabriel Jesus suffers ACL injury with Arsenal striker set to miss rest of the season
Arteta on ‘worrying’ about Jesus
18:20 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta also touched on the injury to Gabriel Jesus and spoke to the media before it was confirmed that the striker had injured his ACL.
“It’s not looking good at all, but we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon,” the Arsenal manager said before the results of a scan were known.
“We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried today.”
Jesus is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
Arteta provides injury updates for Calafiori and Jorginho
18:15 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal manager spoke to the media ahead of tonight’s game and said: “His [Riccardo Calafiori] thing is not much, but again, we need another day or two.
“We’ve been playing every three days and 24 hours becomes really important because they are not long-term injuries, in that case for example. We will have more understanding this afternoon.
“He [Jorginho] was cramping when we were playing extra-time, Jurrien [Timber] was exactly the same, so we had a few players struggling to finish the game. He’s fine.”
Arteta on social media abuse sent to Havertz’s wife
18:10 , Mike Jones“It‘s incredible, honestly,” Mikel Arteta said when asked for his thoughts on Kai Havertz’s wife receiving abuse through social media after her husband had a poor outing against Man Utd in the FA Cup.
The Gunners boss added: “We really have to do something about it, because accepting that and hiding this has terrible consequences. It’s something we have to eradicate from the game because it’s so cynical and dependent to a result of an action. There is no other industry like this.
“When we played Ipswich on December 27, we won 1-0 and Kai Havertz scored. The whole stadium after that is singing the ‘Waka, Waka’ (his chant). That was 20 days ago. Where is the perspective?
“We are all responsible. You guys (the media) are responsible, everybody is responsible for the narrative and how we talk. We cannot look somewhere else. That’s a really serious matter. It affects me. It affects him and everybody that is in the industry.
“We can accept it and say ‘that’s our job’, but there are certain limits and the line has to be drawn. We put a lot of attention on technology and what is next in football. What is next in football is that this should be prohibited. It cannot happen. That’s it.”
Mikel Arteta speaks out after Kai Havertz’s wife abused by social media trolls
18:05 , Mike JonesMikel Arteta has condemned the social media trolls who directed abuse at the wife of Arsenal forward Kai Havertz.
The German international’s pregnant wife, Sophia, was targeted in the wake of the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, sharing two posts featuring abhorrent messages.
She described one message as “shocking” and urged her half-a-million followers to be “more respectful”.
Mikel Arteta speaks out after Kai Havertz’s wife abused by social media trolls
Arsenal vs Tottenham prediction
18:00 , Mike JonesNorth London derbies have a reputation as being some of the most entertaining matches in the league, and these two usually serve up fireworks in some form, but this may be the match where fans are reminded about the gap between the two sides as Arsenal’s defensive quality shines through.
Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham.
Early Spurs team news
17:55 , Mike JonesFor Spurs, the only new injury concern after the win over Tamworth regards Timo Werner, who will miss this game with a hamstring issue.
Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined alongside Guigliemo Vicario, while Rodrigo Bentancur is expected back soon after his concussion.
Richarlison is in line to be included in the squad, and while Ben Davies is close to a return, it is not yet known if he’ll be available.
Predicted Tottenham XI: Kinsky; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Sarr, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son.
Arsenal early team news
17:50 , Mike JonesArsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury with the Brazilian expected to be sidelined for a significant spell.
Mikel Arteta said in his press conference that that Jurrien Timber and Jorginho were both fine after experiencing cramp in the match against Manchester United.
Arteta also confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori’s injury is not long-term, though he will miss this match alongside Ethan Nwaneri, who is still a few weeks away from a return.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Trossard, Havertz, Martinelli.
How can I watch the game?
17:45 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 6.30pm GMT.
Subscribers can stream via discovery+.
When is Arsenal vs Tottenham?
17:40 , Mike JonesArsenal vs Tottenham is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 15 January at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Tottenham
17:35 , Mike JonesArsenal face Tottenham Hotspur in a north London derby in the Premier League as the hosts look to keep up their chase on Liverpool at the top of the table.
The Gunners’ season is in danger of petering out after losses in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup last week, and they need three points tonight to stay within touching distance of Arne Slot’s side.
Spurs travel to face their rivals amid some poor form in the league, and though the win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup will have restored some confidence, their 11th-placed position in the table is indicative of a side who have struggled against the league’s best teams.
However, all form tends to go out the window in these derbies, so both sides will be hopeful of taking three points tonight.
Arsenal vs Tottenham LIVE
14:35 , Mike JonesGood evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s north London derby in the Premier League.
Tottenham travel across the capital to face Arsenal at the Emirates, with plenty more than three points on the line as the Gunners chase Liverpool and Spurs try and salvage their league campaign.
We’ll have all the latest build-up and team news right here.
