Dele Alli Returns to N17 for Tottenham vs Arsenal Derby 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur has announced that former player Dele Alli will return to N17 as a special guest for the upcoming North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.​
• Alli, who played 269 matches and scored 67 goals for Spurs from 2015 to 2022, remains a beloved figure among fans, with chants like “we’ve got Dele” iconic since the stadium’s opening in 2019.​
• The 29-year-old has been without a club since September 2025 after a single appearance for Como under Cesc Fabregas, following stints at Everton and Besiktas.​
• This return comes amid turmoil at Tottenham: a recent 2-1 home loss to Newcastle United, where Malick Thiaw scored in the 45th minute, Archie Gray equalised in the 64th, and Jacob Ramsey netted the winner shortly after, exposing defensive frailties.​
• The defeat to Newcastle led directly to the sacking of head coach Thomas Frank, with the club stating a change was essential due to poor performances and results.​
• Gareth Southgate shared a “sad reaction” to Frank’s dismissal, as reported in coverage by TheSpurs.news.[query context]
• John Heitinga has left his assistant coach role at Tottenham, preferring not to join Igor Tudor’s new framework; Tudor confirmed his backroom team including Ivan Javorcic, Riccardo Ragnacci, and Tomislav Rogic.​
• Igor Tudor takes charge of his first Tottenham and Premier League match against Arsenal, a high-stakes North London derby.
• Tudor faces challenges with an injury-hit squad sitting 16th in the Premier League on 29 points from 26 matches, near the relegation zone.

Tottenham Hotspur (North London News) February 20, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur have announced a nostalgic boost ahead of their crucial Premier League clash with Arsenal, inviting former star Dele Alli back to N17 as a special guest for the North London derby.​

The club shared an official statement:

“Dele to Tottenhamspur Sunday as special guest the north derby (4.30pm UK).”

This sentimental gesture arrives at a turbulent time for Spurs, who sit precariously 16th in the table following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United that precipitated the sacking of head coach Thomas Frank. New interim boss Igor Tudor will lead the side in his debut Premier League outing against table-topping Arsenal, with assistant coach John Heitinga departing amid the reshuffle.

Why is Dele Alli returning to Tottenham now?

Dele Alli’s return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium marks a poignant moment four years after his departure in February 2022. As detailed by reporters at Football.London, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder, who netted 67 goals in 269 appearances across all competitions during his seven-year spell, has been clubless since leaving Serie A side Como in September 2025. He made just one appearance under manager Cesc Fabregas there, following loans at Everton and a stint at Besiktas.​

Fans cherish Alli’s legacy, particularly his role in Mauricio Pochettino’s feared attacking quartet alongside Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Son Heung-min. The snippet “we’ve got Dele” rang out first at the new stadium’s opener against Crystal Palace in April 2019. Notably, all five key figures from that era have ties back to north London, with Pochettino rumoured for a potential return.​

This invitation serves as a morale lifter for supporters ahead of a derby fraught with pressure on a struggling Spurs side.​

What led to Thomas Frank’s sacking at Tottenham?

The chain of events began with Tottenham’s frustrating 2-1 loss to Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. As analysed in Yardbarker coverage, Malick Thiaw opened the scoring just before half-time in the 45th minute, Archie Gray equalised in the 64th, but Jacob Ramsey restored Newcastle’s lead four minutes later. This collapse highlighted recurring issues: inability to hold momentum, mental fragility, and defensive lapses, leaving Spurs on 29 points from 26 matches, teetering near relegation.​

The following morning, Tottenham issued a statement:

“The club has made the choice to alter the head coach position, and Thomas Frank will depart today. [Frank] was appointed June 5, we have been resolute in providing him the time and support necessary to build for the future. However, the performances and results have led the board to determine that a change at this juncture in the season is essential.”​

As reported by TheSpurs.news, Gareth Southgate shared a “sad reaction” to the news, reflecting on Frank’s tenure amid the club’s woes.[query context] Frank himself had insisted pre-sacking, “1000 percent sure” he was the right man, urging unity despite injuries:

“You need to maintain composure, keep fighting, and ensure we stick together—board, leaders, players, staff, and fans.”​

Who is Igor Tudor and what is his backroom team?

Igor Tudor steps into the breach as interim head coach until season’s end, facing Arsenal in his first match. TEAMtalk previews note his tactical gambles, potentially deploying a back three with Archie Gray at right centre-back and Radu Dragusin centrally, given injury concerns and Tudor’s trust in the young Englishman.​

As per The Athletic’s New York Times reporting, Tudor began officially on Monday, assembling a staff from his Juventus days: assistant Ivan Javorcic, fitness coach Riccardo Ragnacci, and goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic. This follows John Heitinga’s exit after just 33 days as assistant; Heitinga opted out of Tudor’s setup, per the report.[query context]​

Football.London highlights Tudor’s chance to rectify Frank’s flaws, like poor defending and lack of creativity, against a rampant Arsenal.​

How significant is the North London derby for Tudor’s Tottenham?

This derby looms massive: Spurs host Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday at 4.30pm UK time. Football.London emphasises the stakes, with Tudor inheriting a side “closer to the relegation places” amid injuries. Alli’s guest appearance adds emotional fuel, evoking glory days.

Historical context includes past derbies like Tottenham’s 2-0 win in 2017, where Alli scored and Kane converted a penalty. Yet current form favours Arsenal, who aim to “deepen the woes” of neighbours in 16th.

Tudor’s debut tests his mettle in one of Europe’s fiercest rivalries, with fans hoping Alli’s presence inspires a turnaround.

What is Dele Alli’s legacy at Tottenham?

Alli thrived under Pochettino, integral to title challenges. Beyond stats, his flair defined an era; the chant endures. Post-Tottenham struggles—Everton, Besiktas, Como—contrast his peak, but Spurs’ invite signals enduring affection.​

Even in older snippets, like 2017 Evening Standard reports, Pochettino expected Alli fit for derbies despite injuries. This return celebrates that bond.​

Could this boost Tottenham’s relegation fight?

Amid 16th place and fragility exposed vs Newcastle—failing to kill games despite possession—Alli’s presence might rally fans. Tudor’s setup aims to shore defences, but Arsenal’s visit tests resolve.

Darren Bent on talkSPORT urged pursuing Gareth Southgate post-sacking, underscoring managerial flux. Yet Tudor’s focus: unity for points.