Tottenham 1-4 Arsenal: Gunners pass derby test of nerve as title race hots up
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Arsenal delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the north London derby, showcasing their composure under pressure and tightening their grip on the Premier League title race. This win not only addressed doubts about their ability to handle high-stakes matches but also extended their lead at the top of the table to five points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The performance highlighted Arsenal's maturity and ruthlessness, with key contributions from players like Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres, while Mikel Arteta praised the team's "outstanding" display.
The derby took on added significance due to recent events at Tottenham, including the sacking of manager Thomas Frank and the appointment of Igor Tudor. Despite efforts to rally their fans, Spurs struggled against an Arsenal side that appeared calm and composed. The match also marked a stark contrast in form, with Arsenal demonstrating why they are serious contenders for the title, while Tottenham's poor performance raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Arsenal's win further solidified their position as title favorites, especially after Manchester City's narrow victory over Newcastle United earlier in the weekend. With key fixtures ahead, including matches against Chelsea and Brighton, Arsenal will need to maintain their momentum. Meanwhile, Manchester City remains a strong contender, with upcoming games against West Ham and Chelsea that could influence the title race.
The psychological edge gained from this derby win could prove crucial as Arsenal prepares for their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on March 22 and the potential title-deciding clash at the Etihad Stadium in April. For now, Arsenal's ability to handle pressure and secure a commanding victory over their rivals has silenced critics and reignited the debate about whether this
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026