Key Points
- Arsenal secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, February 21, 2026.
- Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres each scored two goals for Arsenal, with Eze finding pockets of space in front of the Spurs defence and Gyokeres exploiting the created room.
- This result marks Arsenal winning both north London derbies this season by the same 4-1 scoreline, restoring their five-point lead at the Premier League summit.
- Tottenham’s interim manager Igor Tudor suffered a loss in his first game in charge, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring Spurs’ only goal to level temporarily.​
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres’ “outstanding” and “incredible” performance, noting his brace and overall display in the derby.​
- Pundit Danny Murphy highlighted how Arsenal attacked from every angle, unlike past games where stopping Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard sufficed, crediting Eze’s role in creating space for Gyokeres.​
- Gyokeres started strongly, creating an early chance and outpacing Radu Dragusin; his goals lifted a weight off his shoulders, marking one of his best games for Arsenal.​
- Eze’s influence allowed Gyokeres more room, with both players shining against a Tottenham side that struggled tactically.
- The win reasserts Arsenal’s title credentials following a recent setback against Wolves.​
- Fan reactions and pundit breakdowns, including from Adam Hunt, Nigel Reo-Coker, and Troy Deeney on CBS Sports Golazo, described the match as Arsenal “destroying” Tottenham.​
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (North London News) February 23, 2026 – Arsenal delivered a dominant performance in the north London derby, defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 with braces from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, restoring their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
- Key Points
- What Made Arsenal’s Attack So Overwhelming?
- How Did Viktor Gyokeres Shine in the Derby?
- What Role Did Eberechi Eze Play?
- Why Couldn’t Tottenham Stop the Gunners?
- How Did the Match Unfold?
- What Are the Broader Implications for the Title Race?
- Fan and Pundit Reactions?
- Manager Perspectives?
- Player Impacts Beyond the Scorers?
The Gunners showcased a multifaceted attacking display that overwhelmed Spurs, as noted across multiple reports from the match.​​
This victory, Arsenal’s second 4-1 win over their rivals this season, came under the lights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, solidifying Mikel Arteta’s side as title frontrunners.
What Made Arsenal’s Attack So Overwhelming?
In previous Arsenal matches, opposing teams focused primarily on neutralising Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, compressing play in their zones to limit threats, believing they could handle play elsewhere on the pitch, as explained by MOTD pundit Danny Murphy of BBC Sport.​
However, on Sunday, Arsenal attacked from every angle in the end, with Eberechi Eze particularly adept at getting on the ball in pockets of space in front of the Tottenham defence, according to Danny Murphy of BBC Sport.​
That movement from Eze helped Viktor Gyokeres, creating more room for the Swedish striker, who had started well anyway and fashioned a great early chance for himself.​
How Did Viktor Gyokeres Shine in the Derby?
Gyokeres exploited a yard of pace on Radu Dragusin, who is not the quickest defender, staying on the left side and playing him nicely, reminiscent of his Sporting days where he often cut inside from that flank—something not seen enough this season, per Danny Murphy of BBC Sport.​
When he got his first goal, it was like the weight had been lifted off his shoulders; some Arsenal fans not yet convinced by him will now be more on his side after he scored twice against Spurs with top-quality finishes.​
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Gyokeres’ “outstanding” and “incredible” performance post-match, as reported by BBC Sport, highlighting his brace in the 4-1 win that sent Arsenal five points clear.​
This was arguably one of Gyokeres’ best games in an Arsenal shirt, especially doing it in a north London derby, which will do him the world of good, according to Danny Murphy of BBC Sport.​
The Evening Standard live updates confirmed Gyokeres’ second goal in the 90+5th minute, sealing the game as Arsenal wrapped up victory.​
What Role Did Eberechi Eze Play?
Eberechi Eze was pivotal, scoring twice and shining in the derby, as per ESPN Africa reports on the match.​
His ability to find space directly benefited Gyokeres, turning the game into a second-half demolition for the Gunners, according to The Athletic’s live blog.​
CBS Sports Golazo analysts Adam Hunt, Nigel Reo-Coker, and Troy Deeney broke down how Eze and Gyokeres got the job done, with Eze’s goals contributing to Arsenal “destroying” Tottenham in the 199th north London derby.​
Why Couldn’t Tottenham Stop the Gunners?
Tottenham levelled through Randal Kolo Muani in interim manager Igor Tudor’s first game, but could not cope with Arsenal’s multi-angled assault, as detailed in Yahoo Sports coverage.​
Spurs’ tactical weakness was exploited, with Danny Murphy of BBC Sport noting that while they might condense play against Saka and Odegaard in the past, Arsenal’s spread attack proved too much.​
The National News reported Arteta praising his side’s “outstanding” reaction after a prior Wolves setback, thumping Tottenham to reassert title credentials.​
How Did the Match Unfold?
Full-time saw Arsenal win 4-1, with Eze and Gyokeres each at the double, per Evening Standard live updates.​
Gyokeres struck in the 90+5th to confirm the scoreline, as fans reacted to the Gunners restoring their lead.​
Premier League leaders Arsenal went five points clear, having won both derbies this season by identical margins.
What Are the Broader Implications for the Title Race?
This result puts Arsenal five points clear at the Premier League summit, as confirmed by multiple sources including ESPN and The National.
Mikel Arteta’s men responded outstandingly post-Wolves, thumping Spurs and boosting Gyokeres’ confidence among fans.
Pundits on CBS Sports Golazo noted North London is red once again after the 199th derby.​
Fan and Pundit Reactions?
Evening Standard captured fan thoughts and reactions throughout, celebrating the 4-1 triumph.​
CBS Sports Golazo’s panel, including Nigel Reo-Coker and Troy Deeney, dissected the derby from every angle, praising Eze and Gyokeres.​
Danny Murphy’s analysis in BBC Sport went viral, explaining the tactical shift that left Spurs unable to keep Arsenal out.​
Arsenal fans unconvinced by Gyokeres previously are now more supportive after his derby heroics, as per pundit views.​
Manager Perspectives?
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta called Gyokeres’ display “exceptional,” per BBC Sport video coverage.​
No direct quotes from Tudor yet, but the loss marks a tough start for Spurs’ interim boss.​
Arteta’s praise underscores the “outstanding reaction” from his squad, as reported by The National News.​
Player Impacts Beyond the Scorers?
While Eze and Gyokeres dominated headlines, the team effort involved Saka and Odegaard still posing threats, but the spread play was key, per BBC analysis.​
Dragusin’s lack of pace was exposed by Gyokeres, highlighting defensive frailties for Tottenham.​
Kolo Muani’s goal offered brief hope, but Arsenal’s quality prevailed.​
This comprehensive coverage draws from reports by Danny Murphy (BBC Sport), Evening Standard live team, ESPN Africa, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, CBS Sports Golazo (Adam Hunt, Nigel Reo-Coker, Troy Deeney), The National News, and Premier League official snippets where relevant, ensuring full attribution.​
The match’s intensity, with Arsenal’s tactical evolution under Arteta, positions them strongly for the run-in, while Tottenham face questions under new management.Â
