And Chelsea, who introduced the Arsenal target Mykhailo Mudryk at half-time, are leading Crystal Palace 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
There have been fun and games in the second half at St James’ Park. John Brewin is watching that one.
No, you’re the favourite
Team news
Dejan Kulusevski returns from injury for Spurs, but there’s still no Rodrigo Bentancur. That means Pape Sarr will make his full Premier League debut in midfield. There are three changes from the 4-0 win at Crystal Palace 11 days ago: Kulusevski, Sarr and Ryan Sessegnon replace Bryan Gil, Oliver Skipp and Ivan Perisic. Richarlison is also back among the substitutes.
Arsenal are unchanged from their last league game, the frustrating 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle.
Age is what you make it. Spurs are one of the oldest teams in the Premier League; Arsenal are the youngest. When they last met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May, Spurs were too mature, too streetwise, too much for an emotionally ragged Arsenal. But this season Arsenal have been fresher, hungrier and more vibrant, most notably when they hammered Spurs 3-1 at the Emirates in October.
The contrast in age profile – and style of play – are among the reasons why today’s north London derby is more mouthwatering than most. Another is that Harry Kane is one away from joining Jimmy Greaves as Spurs’ all-time leading goalscorer. But the big reason is the context: Arsenal have the chance to go eight points clear of an unfocussed Manchester City, while also denting Spurs’ hopes of reaching the Champions League and keeping Antonio Conte.
Spurs started the season excellently, in terms of results if not always performances, but they’ve lost their way since that trip to the Emirates in October. Going into that game they had 17 points from seven games; since then they’ve taken 16 from 11. And their home form has gone to seed, with three defeats in the last four games.
For richer and poorer, nothing changes the mood in north London quite like the result of the derby. Defeat in October blew Spurs off course; a win today could get their season back on track.
