London Derby
The North London derby is always of special significance to both Arsenal and Tottenham. However, in recent years, Arsenal has been a clear advantage.
Tottenham's most recent victory against their arch-rivals took place in May 2023, when they defeated Arsenal 3-0 to almost certainly secure a Champions League spot.
It sounds ambitious, but for Tottenham at this time, just "appearing" in the true sense is already a minimum requirement. In the away match to Emirates in November last year, Spurs almost completely "disappeared". It was a forgettable performance, when Eberechi Eze - a player who once rejected Tottenham to join Arsenal in the summer of 2025 - scored a hat-trick against the "Roosters".
In the past, weaker Tottenham teams still came to Emirates and created commendable performances. This derby did not need more spice, but Arsenal's recent slip-up against Wolves has questioned the "Gunners"' championship race, and at the same time opened up some hope for Spurs.
If Tottenham can close the match with a positive spirit, fighting from the first to the last minute, Igor Tudor's army will receive great support from the stands. A starting point in the right direction is paramount.
Turn your home field into a support
Tottenham is the only team that has not won any matches in the Premier League in 2026. Their only home win since the opening of the season was against Brentford on December 6. The achievement of two wins, 4 draws and 7 defeats at Tottenham Hotspur is unacceptable.
In recent seasons, Spurs fans have suffered too much disappointment. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is considered one of the most impressive buildings in the world, but it is time for fans to enjoy the feeling of victory at their own home ground.
Tottenham has lost 45 matches at their new home ground. This number is almost equivalent to Arsenal, who only lost more than 4 matches at the Emirates, even though they have used that stadium for 13 years longer than Tottenham. There is no match more suitable than the North London derby to evoke that familiar feeling.
Managing forces is a matter of survival
Keeping the squad healthy is easier said than done, especially in the context of an increasingly harsh schedule. Tottenham is still fighting in the Champions League, a factor that can become a dangerous distraction.
Concerns about Kudus and Pedro Porro being overexploited soon became a reality when both were injured. Rodrigo Bentancur, a player who was prioritized over Joao Palhinha, who had just returned from an ACL injury, had to rest for almost the entire season due to other problems.
Coach Ange Postecoglou was previously criticized for his long injury list, which is said to be a consequence of high-intensity competition philosophy. However, the situation this season is not better at all, even more serious.
Another injury for Dominic Solanke - who missed most of the season due to an ankle problem - could be disastrous. If it helps Randal Kolo Muani regain his form from Juventus and Richarlison fully recover, Tudor will have more room to rotate the attack.
Must end the habit of losing matches
No one likes defeat, but at Tottenham, losing has become too familiar and that needs to end.
Last season, the bottom 3 teams were almost certain to be relegated from February, helping Postecoglou's Tottenham focus on the Europa League. This season is completely different when the risk of relegation is real.
Spurs fans were not as entertained as expected and gave much criticism to the playing style under Frank. When asked about the demands from the audience, Tudor frankly said that the style requirements are only suitable in the pre-season period, and currently the club is in an emergency situation.
This view was agreed upon at the press conference. Tottenham at this time does not need to play beautifully, they need to stop losing and start winning. A hard-fought victory is enough to bring great value.
Solidarity with fans
If Tottenham meets the above 4 factors, they will not only soothe dissatisfaction but also be able to reconnect with fans.
This season has witnessed many unsightly images between players and spectators, typically the match against Bournemouth, when Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven had to be escorted off the field. The tension is also clearly shown in the reaction of the away team's fans in the match against Burnley.
Fans were impressed with Igor Tudor's debut press conference. A few days later, images of the whole team and the new coach having dinner at Muswell Hill spread on social networks, recalling memories of the Mauricio Pochettino era - something that had not appeared for many years.
Spurs fans have opposing views on Postecoglou: the person who cherishes the first title after 17 years, another part cannot accept 17th place in the rankings. With Frank, cohesion has never really formed.
Now, it's all in the past. All eyes are on Tudor. And the North London derby could be where things start over.
