Arsenal or Tottenham : Paul Merson predicts who’s going to win the North London Derby -You Won’t Believe What He Said
The first North London Derby of 2025 is upon us, as Arsenal welcome their fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium. Both clubs find themselves in urgent need of results, though their recent trajectories paint contrasting pictures.
Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are coming off back-to-back defeats in cup competitions, while Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs have enjoyed a brighter week, securing notable victories in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. Yet, despite Tottenham’s cup successes, they remain a distant tenth in the Premier League table, a stark 16 points behind their neighbors, who currently sit second.
However, as history has shown, form and league positions rarely dictate the outcome of this historic rivalry. The unpredictable nature of the North London Derby ensures that all bets are off, making Wednesday night’s clash an unmissable spectacle for fans and neutrals alike.
Paul Merson Predicts Arsenal Triumph
Tottenham’s recent confidence boost, following their impressive Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool—arguably the best team in the world—and a hard-fought win against Tamworth, offers them a glimmer of hope. Conversely, Arsenal’s morale may have taken a hit after their dominant displays against Newcastle United and Manchester United in the same week ended in frustrating defeats.
Despite these contrasting fortunes, former Arsenal star and pundit Paul Merson believes the Gunners will emerge victorious at the Emirates. Writing for Sportskeeda, Merson expressed doubts over Tottenham’s consistency and predicted that Arsenal would prevail.
“I expect them to beat Tottenham, but they desperately need a new centre-forward,” Merson commented. “Spurs are too up and down, and I just don’t see how they can win here.”
The pundit also highlighted the importance of silverware for Postecoglou’s tenure, noting that even an eighth-place league finish would be acceptable if Spurs secure the Carabao Cup. “A trophy would keep Ange in the job. If they finish eighth in the Premier League and win the Carabao Cup, where they have a 1-0 advantage ahead of the semi-final second leg at Anfield, that’s still good in my opinion. Some top teams could finish in the top four this season and not have a trophy. And this is Spurs, by the way—they’ve never won anything!”
Tottenham’s Dismal Record at the Emirates
The Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s home since 2006, has not been a happy hunting ground for Tottenham. In 22 visits across all competitions, Spurs have managed just two victories, with the Gunners triumphing on 13 occasions.
Memorable clashes have peppered the fixture’s history, but Tottenham’s inability to consistently perform at the Emirates is a glaring blemish on their record. This historical dominance makes Arsenal the favorites for Wednesday’s encounter, despite their recent struggles.
Key Tactical Battle: Arsenal’s Attack vs Postecoglou’s High Line
While Tottenham’s recent resurgence might worry Arteta, Postecoglou’s expansive system could play into Arsenal’s hands. Spurs’ high defensive line may leave gaps for the Gunners’ creative forces to exploit, particularly Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian playmaker thrives in situations where he is afforded space and time in the final third, and Arsenal will look to maximize his influence.
Postecoglou, however, will be equally aware of Arsenal’s vulnerabilities, particularly in defense. The lack of a clinical centre-forward, as Merson pointed out, remains a concern for the Gunners, and Spurs will look to capitalize on any missed opportunities.
The Stakes Are Sky-High
For Arsenal, a victory would help them consolidate their position as Manchester City’s closest challengers in the title race. For Tottenham, a positive result could reignite their stuttering league campaign and provide a morale boost ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.
The North London Derby is more than just a football match—it’s a battle of pride, history, and bragging rights. As the two clubs prepare to lock horns, one thing is certain: Wednesday night at the Emirates will be electric.
