Arsenal Fans Have Already Inspired Igor Tudor's First Tottenham Team Talk Ahead of North London Derby

Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a pivotal North London Derby against Arsenal on February 22, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with new manager Igor Tudor preparing for his first match in charge. Spurs fans, frustrated by recent poor form under Thomas Frank—including a winless streak in seven league games and sitting just five points above relegation—are pinning hopes on Tudor's arrival to ignite change[5][4].

The article highlights how Arsenal fans have inadvertently motivated Tudor through their taunting chants and social media jabs, labeling Spurs as perennial underachievers chasing "St Totteringham’s Day"—the moment Arsenal mathematically secure a higher league finish. With Arsenal atop the Premier League on 56 points and Tottenham capped at a maximum of 68 even with wins, a Gunners victory could shatter records for the earliest such dominance[4]. Tudor, known for his aggressive 3-4-2-1 system and direct style, has reportedly drawn inspiration from this banter to fire up his squad, emphasizing fight and intensity lacking in recent displays[5].

Arsenal's recent supremacy is stark: unbeaten in six derbies since 2021 (five wins, one draw), including a 4-1 thrashing on November 23, 2025, boosting their historical edge to 85 wins against Tottenham's 61[1][3]. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, dominated the reverse fixture with goals from Leandro Trossard and others, extending their streak[1]. Tottenham hopes hinge on potential returns of Pedro Porro and Richarlison, though likely from the bench, as Tudor seeks to instill passion against a rampant rival eyeing the title[5][6].

Fans anticipate Tudor to unleash "all guns blazing" tactics, countering Arsenal's tactical edge and restoring derby pride amid a century-old rivalry defined by North London's borough divide—Islington for Arsenal, Haringey for Spurs[3]. The match's stakes are sky-high, with Spurs desperate to avoid humiliation and Arsenal poised for history[4].

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