Key Points
- Declan Rice revealed Bukayo Saka’s message upon his Arsenal arrival: “You can’t lose derbies here to Spurs. For the fan base, everyone, the players, the staff – that’s the game you can’t lose.”
- Arsenal drew 2-2 with bottom-placed Wolves on 18 February 2026, squandering a two-goal lead with goals from Bukayo Saka (4′) and Piero Hincapie (55′), before Hugo Bueno and debutant Tom Edozie (94′) equalised.
- The Gunners lead the Premier League with 58 points from 27 matches, five points clear of Manchester City (who have a game in hand).
- Arsenal unbeaten in competitive meetings against Tottenham since 2022, extending to seven matches including a double in 2022-23 and a win in November 2025.
- Rice, unbeaten vs Spurs since joining Arsenal in 2023 (last loss as West Ham captain in 2022-23), called the derby the “perfect game” to respond.
- Tottenham, 13th with 25 points from 18 matches, five points above relegation zone (above West Ham on 14 from 19), face Arsenal under new interim boss Igor Tudor after Thomas Frank’s departure.
- Spurs missing 12 players, Tudor may opt for back three in his first game.
- Rice told The Sun Arsenal held a “serious” team meeting post-Wolves, stressing “nobody is going to hand us the title” and mentality remains strong with only three losses all season.
- North London derby head-to-head: Arsenal 90 wins, Tottenham 67, 55 draws from 212 meetings as of February 2026.
- Arsenal face packed schedule: Tottenham (h for Spurs), then Chelsea, Brighton, FA Cup vs Mansfield, Carabao Cup final vs Man City late March.
(North London News) February 21, 2026 – Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has disclosed a pointed reminder from teammate Bukayo Saka about the intensity of the north London derby ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Gunners, reeling from a frustrating 2-2 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday, view the fixture as the ideal stage to reaffirm their title credentials under manager Mikel Arteta.
What Did Bukayo Saka Tell Declan Rice About the Derby?
As reported in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Declan Rice recounted Saka’s words from when he first signed for Arsenal in 2023: “You can’t lose derbies here to Spurs. For the fan base, everyone, the players, the staff – that’s the game you can’t lose.” Rice, the 27-year-old England international, emphasised the fixture’s weight, stating it applies to “everyone involved”. This cheeky yet stern advice underscores the rivalry’s ferocity, with Rice yet to taste defeat against Spurs in an Arsenal shirt – his last loss came captaining West Ham in a 2-0 reverse during the 2022-23 season.
Why Is Arsenal Under Pressure After Wolves?
Arsenal dominated early at Molineux, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Saka’s header from Rice’s lofted pass – his first goal in 16 games amid a new five-year contract. Piero Hincapie doubled the advantage in the 55th minute, lifting the ball over Jose Sa after a Gabriel pass. However, Hugo Bueno curled in a stunner for Wolves, and teenager Tom Edozie, on debut, deflected off Riccardo Calafiori into the net in the 94th minute for a “brutal stoppage-time equaliser”. As detailed by Reuters, this “sloppy” implosion against the league-bottom side with just 10 points from 27 games plunged Arsenal’s title hopes into doubt.
In The Sun interview, Rice revealed the squad’s reaction:
“We had a serious talk among ourselves after the Wolves match, recognising we had let ourselves and the supporters down after being in such a favourable position.”
He added,
“Letting it slip does not reflect the standards we have set for ourselves this season. We held a team meeting and are prepared to bounce back.”
Daily Mail reported Rice warning,
“We’re not going to be given it; we need to fight to win it, earn it, and be prepared for any challenges that come our way.”
How Does Arsenal Stand in the Title Race?
Arsenal top the Premier League with 58 points from 27 matches (14 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses in league per partial standings), five points ahead of Manchester City – who could cut it to two if they beat Newcastle on Saturday, as City have played one fewer. Rice dismissed mentality doubts: “We believe we possess a squad capable of winning every match; the mindset and mentality are in place. Consider this season; we’ve lost just three matches in total.” The Gunners seek their first title since 2003-04, having finished second recently amid scrutiny.
Players received a day off post-Wolves to regroup, per Daily Mail. Rice told The Sun,
“North London is the game to do that. It’s a huge match, one that will be pivotal for our season. There’s still a long way to go, and a lot to feel optimistic about. We are having a fantastic season, and we must not let external distractions affect that. Our mentality has been remarkable all season, and we will not allow anything to hinder our progress.”
What Is Tottenham’s Situation Under Igor Tudor?
Tottenham languish in 13th with 25 points from 18 matches (7 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses), four points above 18th-placed West Ham (14 from 19) and precariously placed. New interim head coach Igor Tudor, dubbed the “firefighter” after Thomas Frank’s earlier departure this month, faces a baptism of fire. Sky Sports notes Spurs are “missing 12 players” including key absentees, prompting Tudor to consider a back three in his debut. Their next six: Arsenal (h), Fulham (a), Crystal Palace (h).
Spurs lost 2-1 at home to Newcastle last time out. Earlier this season, Arsenal thrashed them convincingly, highlighted by Eberechi Eze’s hat-trick – though context suggests a league derby win.
What Is Arsenal’s Unbeaten Record Against Spurs?
Arsenal have not lost competitively to Tottenham since 2022, now seven matches unbeaten including the 2022-23 double and November 2025 victory – prolonging dominance. Overall head-to-head from 212 meetings: Arsenal 90 wins, Tottenham 67, 55 draws as of 19 February 2026. Sports Mole highlighted the November 2025 win sufficed to extend the run, post a four-goal Emirates thriller in September 2023 where Arsenal led twice but drew.
Harry Kane holds Spurs’ scoring record vs Arsenal with 14 goals; Arsenal’s joint-top are Emmanuel Adebayor, Alan Sunderland, Robert Pires (8 each). David O’Leary’s 35 appearances lead for Arsenal; Gary Mabbutt/Steve Perryman (31) for Spurs.
When Is the North London Derby and What Lies Ahead?
The clash kicks off Sunday, 22 February 2026, at 4:30pm at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, live on Sky Sports. Arteta stressed focus: “emphasising the importance of showcasing the team’s character and determination.” Post-derby, Arsenal face Chelsea, Brighton, FA Cup vs Mansfield Town, and Carabao Cup final vs Man City late March – potential for “multiple trophies”.
Rice views it as the “perfect game” to get back on track, echoing Saka’s mantra amid wobbles. Mirror reported Rice’s “telling message” and “firm meeting” post-Wolves, rallying for battle. Pain in the Arsenal noted Rice pointing to the derby to “reignite” the title charge. Social media buzz, like DailyAFC on X, amplified: “Declan Rice: ‘The North London Derby is the perfect game to respond… I remember Bukayo Saka saying: You can’t lose derbies here to Spurs’.”
This derby carries high stakes: Arsenal’s title push vs Tottenham’s survival scrap under Tudor. With Rice’s words ringing true, Sunday could define trajectories. Neutral observers eye if Gunners’ mentality holds or if Spurs’ woes deepen.
