Gary Neville has referred to it as his favourite game of football, and the North London Derby rarely fails to deliver in excitement. Last season’s games were both thrillers, with nine goals between both matches as Spurs held Arsenal at the Emirates during some brilliant early season form before Mikel Arteta’s men clung on for a nervy 3-2 success away from home having led 3-0 at half time.
Spurs have not been as quick out the gate this term, claiming four points from their first three matches and suffering a 2-1 defeat at St James’s Park against Newcastle last time out. Arsenal also dropped points, succumbing to a frustrating draw with Brighton after Declan Rice’s controversial red card. The market is tight, but the Gunners are narrow favourites at 7/5 with Midnite, while Spurs are 41/20 with Unibet. The draw could also prove an appealing option at 11/4 with the likes of BetVictor and BetGoodwin.
North London Derby Tips
Tip #1 – Gabriel Magalhaes to Score Any Time @ 12/1 with bet365
A repeat of 2023/24’s dramatic ties between these sides could well be forthcoming. Arsenal’s lack of Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice could mean Arteta sets up with a sturdier foundation than would otherwise be the case, though if Jorginho slots in alongside Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz plays in the number 8 role, they have sufficient cover to allow their wide players to enjoy as much freedom as ever.
Corners and crosses remain a weak link defensively for Tottenham though, and should the Gunners find chance creation an issue, they can always fall back on Gabriel Magalhaes’ ability to pop up with a goal from set pieces. Bet365 are currently huge outliers on the odds for him to score any time, with their 12/1 at least two points bigger than elsewhere. This could well prove a misstep from them, as Arsenal scored a league-high 20 goals from set pieces last season.
Tip #2 – Arsenal to Win 2-1 @ 9/1 with bet365 and StarSports
With Arsenal undoubtedly weakened by their absentees, Spurs will fancy their chances of at least getting on the scoresheet, and they may also enjoy the majority of possession. Their passing accuracy has actually surpassed Arsenal’s so far this term, but despite a 4-0 win over Everton on matchday two, the theme of their opening games has been wastefulness. They will rue dropped points against Leicester and a defeat to Newcastle, neither of which should have occurred.
That said, they have just one win in seven North London Derbies, losing five, and have lost their previous two at home to Arteta’s side as well. There are doubts about Micky Van De Ven, who may join Dominic Solanke and Yves Bissouma on the physio table for the second week in a row, Solanke being another big miss regarding finishing chances. An even tie is expected, and it should be full throttle, though Arsenal may have the culture and nous to see it through.
Spurs Performances So Far
Tottenham fans will be disappointed more with their results than their performances so far in 2024/25. Profligacy cost them against Newcastle, while they faded against Leicester from a promising position, although they showed signs of progressing back to their best with their 4-0 thumping of Everton.
Spurs Results So Far
Newcastle 2-1 Spurs
Spurs 4-0 Everton
Leicester 1-1 Spurs
Arsenal Performances So Far
Arsenal have mostly bubbled under so far this season, cosily beating Wolves before an impressive and battling success at Villa Park by the same 2-0 scoreline. They may have wished they’d pressed the accelerator earlier when on top against Brighton, with their 1-1 draw owing largely to their one-man deficit for most of the second half.
Arsenal Results So Far
Arsenal 1-1 Brighton
Aston Villa 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Wolves