Spurs vs Arsenal: 3 key battles in a must-win NLD for the faltering Gunners

There are battles to face both on the pitch and off it as Arsenal make the trip to arch rivals Spurs on Sunday.

The NLD is always a big date and it bears great significance for each team this weekend; the Gunners need three points to keep any title dreams in their own hands while their hosts want to end a recent slump via a debut Igor Tudor win.

On-field trials are nothing compared to the mental one Arsenal have after a disastrous draw against Wolves in midweek. Fears abound that the leaders will ‘bottle’ the title once more, so what could be a better way to silence the critics than to claim victory in the NLD?

Three key individual battles that will decide who comes out on top in the North London Derby

So much is at stake for this match, and here are three individual battles that might decide who takes all the glory.

#1: Viktor Gyokeres vs Radu Dragusin

Cristian Romero still has three more games to sit out so Radu Dragusin will keep his place in the team for this clash.

Though not as hot-headed as his teammate, Dragusin is also, perhaps, not quite as strong at the back either, and that could help Arsenal to gain a foothold. The Romanian looked poor versus Newcastle in Spurs, last league match and might still lack sharpness after a year on the sidelines with that dreadful ACL injury.

It could be music to the ears of Viktor Gyokeres. Of course, Kai Havertz could be back in the fold but one can expect the Swede to start from the off here in order to ease the former back in gently. His willingness to run himself into the ground may serve the Gunners well, while his big frame will help to try to turn Dragusin and get in behind a porous home defence.

A few goals against a dispirited Spurs would also not go amiss, especially after two difficult away trips for Gyokeres in the past week.

Both players need a big performance – one can only hope that recent goal-scoring exploits will grant Gyokeres the self-belief to come out on top.   

#2: Bukayo Saka vs Conor Gallagher

Imagine this as a midfield battle just a few weeks ago!

Conor Gallagher only joined Spurs last month, and who knows what Arsenal might face, given there is a new man in the home dugout?

However, Tudor often uses a high-energy approach with focus on winning back possession as quickly as possible; that sounds ideal for Gallagher. His tireless work off the ball may well be a feature of this derby as the Gunners will likely have most of the possession and will have to avoid any traps that the home team might set.

Combine the new manager bounce with the poor quality Arsenal showed on Wednesday and it could be curtains in the title race.

But Bukayo Saka will give them food for thought too. The Hale End man has played in midfield since his return from injury and scored from that central position at Molineux, his first goal for the club in 15 games across all competitions.

Saka offers good ball security – invaluable, you would think, against a Tudor side – and knows how to draw fouls, something he can use to his advantage if Gallagher gets overzealous. It could also lead to set pieces in good positions and that might be all Arsenal need to get their noses in front in this huge match.

His new contract and pay rise reflect a superstar status, so he must show that he is worth each penny of it here.

#3: Gabriel vs Dominic Solanke

This one does not bode as well for Arsenal.

Gabriel is enjoying a fine season overall but he has looked out of sorts lately and was involved in the mix-up which cost the Gunners so dearly versus Wolves – even if David Raya definitely shoulders the most blame.

He is always good for duels though and is never usually one to ghost a derby; Gabriel scored the only goal when they last met at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, while he caused Dominic Solanke to convert into his own net at the Emirates back in January 2025.

However, the Englishman has been sharp since his return from injury, dragging his team back into the game against Manchester City earlier this month. He presents a tough task for Arsenal as he hounds defenders, is skilful under pressure and often shows a clinical touch when given a sight of goal – not ideal for a Gunners team low on confidence.

Their respective playing styles and the sense of occasion means neither man will be given an inch in this battle. For the sake of their faltering title charge, it is imperative for Arsenal that Gabriel comes out best.