Arsenal back on track with big derby win; Real Madrid's shock loss; more - ESPN

ESPN

by Gabriele Marcotti

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Arsenal secured a crucial 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby, maintaining their lead at the top of the Premier League table. This win came despite recent setbacks against Brentford and Wolves, showcasing Arsenal's ability to stick to their tried-and-true tactics under manager Mikel Arteta. The match saw Bukayo Saka returning to his wing position and Eberechi Eze slotting in as the attacking midfield pivot, allowing Arsenal to dominate possession and exploit Tottenham's vulnerabilities. A standout moment was Viktor Gyökeres' stunning strike early in the second half, which set the tone for Arsenal's comprehensive victory. Meanwhile, Real Madrid suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Osasuna, dropping them behind Barcelona in the LaLiga standings. This loss marked yet another stumble for manager Alvaro Arbeloa, who continues to grapple with finding the right tactics and team composition. The result adds pressure on Barcelona, who comfortably defeated Levante despite Lamine Yamal's controversial outburst late in the match. With this win, Barcelona extends their lead over Real Madrid, further complicating Los Blancos' title hopes. The outcome of these matches highlights the high stakes of the current Premier League and LaLiga seasons. Arsenal's resilience under pressure reinforces their status as serious contenders for the Premier League title, while Real Madrid's inconsistency raises questions about their ability to challenge Barcelona this season. Meanwhile, Manchester City and other top clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain remain key players to watch as the competition heats up. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these developments will shape the rest of the season, with each match potentially altering the title race dynamics.

Verticals

sports

Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026