Lead — On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal dismantled local rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 as Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres each scored twice to revive the Gunners’ title bid. The victory pushed Arsenal further clear at the top of the table, extending their advantage to five points over second-place Manchester City (who have played one fewer game). Spurs scored through Randal Kolo Muani but remain mired in a difficult season and sit on 29 points, four clear of 18th-place West Ham United.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal defeated Tottenham 4-1 on February 22, 2026 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; Eze (32′, 61′) and Gyokeres (47′, 90+5′) each scored braces.
- Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani pulled Spurs level at 1-1 with a 34′ finish; Spurs finished the match on 29 points, four above the relegation zone.
- Arsenal’s win increased their lead to five points over Manchester City, who have a game in hand in the title race.
- Bukayo Saka was substituted late with a precaution after a tackle; goalkeeper David Raya made a key save to deny a potential Spurs goal.
- Igor Tudor’s Spurs continue to contend with a deep injury list and suspension issues; Arsenal face selection questions over how to blend Eze, Gyokeres, Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
Background
Saturday’s North London derby arrived with contrasting stakes. Arsenal came into the fixture under pressure after a mixed recent run, having won two of their previous seven Premier League matches and dropping points late against Wolves midweek. The Gunners needed a response to steady their title challenge and reassert control at the top.
Tottenham, meanwhile, were navigating turmoil of their own. Thomas Frank had been dismissed following a poor run and Igor Tudor arrived as interim manager with a long injury list — several senior players were unavailable and captain Cristian Romero was suspended. Spurs approached the game searching for momentum to pull away from the relegation scrap.
Main Event
The match began with intensity from both sides under clear skies at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Arsenal opened the scoring through Eberechi Eze in the 32nd minute after a sustained attacking spell. Tottenham answered almost immediately: Randal Kolo Muani latched onto a turnover and finished in the 34th minute to level.
The second half swung in Arsenal’s favour when Viktor Gyokeres restored the lead with a composed finish in the 47th minute. Arsenal maintained pressure; David Raya produced a crucial late save to deny Spurs and preserve the two-goal cushion on several occasions. Eze doubled his tally in the 61st minute when he reacted quickest after a saved effort, restoring a comfortable margin for the visitors.
Tensions rose late as Spurs pressed for a way back, with a succession of set-piece threats and counterattacks, but Arsenal held firm. Gyokeres capped the evening in stoppage time with a powerful finish (90+5′) to complete his brace and seal the 4-1 final score.
Analysis & Implications
Tactically, Arsenal’s win highlights how quickly a high-performing front line can change a tight title race. Eze’s positioning and quick reactions, combined with Gyokeres’ directness and finishing, gave Arsenal a balanced threat both in transition and from sustained possession. The result reduces immediate pressure on Mikel Arteta while posing a selection puzzle: whether to field Odegaard with Eze, Saka and Gyokeres together in the coming weeks.
For Spurs, the result underscores the fragility created by injuries and suspension. Igor Tudor’s preferred pressing and man-oriented approach was undermined by limited options and a lack of continuity in personnel. The narrow cushion above the relegation zone (29 points, four clear of 18th) means each remaining fixture will carry significant consequence.
On the title race, Arsenal gaining five points over Manchester City (with City having played one fewer match) is meaningful but not decisive. Fixture congestion and player availability for both top teams will be decisive in the run-in; Arsenal must now manage rotation, injuries and discipline to convert this momentum into sustained results.
Comparison & Data
| Scorer | Minute |
|---|---|
| Eberechi Eze (Arsenal) | 32′, 61′ |
| Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) | 47′, 90+5′ |
| Randal Kolo Muani (Tottenham) | 34′ |
The scoring timeline shows Arsenal’s control after half-time, with the decisive second-half goal arriving immediately after the break (47′) and a late insurance goal in stoppage time. That pattern—early second-half breakthrough and late consolidation—is a tactical marker for how Arteta’s side can manage tight high-stakes matches.
Reactions & Quotes
Post-match reaction mixed reflection and praise across media and the stands. Reporters and observers highlighted the individual performances that swung the game.
“What a first half from Randal Kolo Muani.”
Joe Prince-Wright (NBC Sports reporter)
“A Haaland-esque goal from Gyokeres to complete his brace.”
Nick Mendola (NBC Sports live reporter)
“Arsenal’s front four looked threatening when they combined; selection will be the next big conversation for Arteta.”
Post-match analysis (media consensus)
Unconfirmed
- Whether Mikel Arteta will regularly select a front four of Ødegaard, Eze, Saka and Gyokeres together remains unconfirmed and will depend on fitness and tactical balance.
- Bukayo Saka’s late substitution was precautionary; the full extent of any knock has not been publicly confirmed by the club at the time of this report.
- Longer-term impact of Tottenham’s injury crisis on squad depth and Tudor’s preferred system requires further matches for clearer assessment.
Bottom Line
Arsenal’s 4-1 victory in the North London derby was emphatic and timely, handing the Gunners breathing room in a tight title race while posing fresh selection questions for Mikel Arteta. The two-goal cushion established after half-time and the late Gyokeres finish underlined Arsenal’s ability to both break down an organized opponent and close out games.
For Tottenham, the result is a reminder that interim management and an extensive injury list make recovery an uphill task; points remain precious and small margins will decide their fate. The coming weeks—with congested fixtures for top clubs and a battle for survival at the lower end—will determine whether this match is a turning point for either side.