Arsenal Dominate Tottenham in North London Derby, Strengthening Title Bid

Arsenal secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in a fiercely contested North London derby. The win propels Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top of the Premier League, reigniting their championship aspirations. Key performances from Eberechi Eze, with two goals and the impactful presence of assistant coach Gabriel Heinze, were central to the Gunners’ success.

Heinze’s Motivational Impact

Prior to the match, Gabriel Heinze delivered a rousing team talk, gathering the defensive unit to instill a sense of determination. His experience as a player and coach brought added energy to the Arsenal squad. This emotional boost translated onto the pitch, where Arsenal displayed a dominant and resolute performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Eze Shines in North London Clash

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound in the penalty area. He doubled his tally in the second half, extending Arsenal’s lead following a play initiated by Bukayo Saka. Eze’s performance underscored his growing influence within the team, building on a previous hat-trick against Spurs. Heinze visibly celebrated Eze’s goals with enthusiasm, sharing the moment with the coaching staff.

Gyökeres Seals the Victory

Tottenham briefly leveled the score through Randal Kolo Muani in the 34th minute. However, Arsenal responded swiftly, and decisively. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice – once early in the second half and again in the closing stages – to secure a comfortable victory for the Gunners.

Arteta Praises Team’s Character

Mikel Arteta expressed his pride in Arsenal’s response following a 2-2 draw against Wolves. According to ESPN, Arteta stated the team “showed what we’re made of” and admitted he was “ashamed” by the previous result. He emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency, acknowledging the emotional rollercoaster of a Premier League season.

Heinze’s Role in Arsenal’s Coaching Setup

Gabriel Heinze joined Arsenal’s coaching staff in July 2025, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Velez, Atlanta United, and Newell’s Traditional Boys. He opted to join Arteta’s team as an assistant coach, working alongside Albert Stuivenberg, Nico Jover, and Iñaki Cana, seeking a new challenge at the highest level of European football.

Premier League Implications

This victory was crucial for Arsenal, who had faced pressure following two consecutive draws. The win moved them to 61 points, extending their lead over Manchester City, despite having played one game more. For Tottenham, the defeat represents a setback, leaving them just four points above the relegation zone. Igor Tudor, in his interim role as manager, has yet to reverse the team’s negative trend.

Mikel Arteta’s FULL post-match interview is available on YouTube.