Arsenal has emphatically re-announced their credentials as the team to beat in the 2026 Premier League title race following a dominant 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur. In a high-stakes North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side produced a masterclass of controlled aggression and clinical finishing. The result, combined with Manchester City’s winless streak, has shifted the momentum firmly back to the Gunners as they look to secure the championship. With the Arsenal vs Tottenham 2026 clash proving pivotal, the league table has taken a dramatic turn.

North London Is Red: Arsenal Dominates Derby Day

The atmosphere in North London was electric, but it was the visitors who silenced the home crowd early on. Arsenal, looking to bounce back from a challenging festive period, started with high intensity. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring in the 12th minute, cutting in from the right to curl a trademark finish past the Spurs keeper. It was a statement of intent that set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Tottenham attempted to rally, with Dominic Solanke causing trouble for the Arsenal backline, eventually equalizing just before halftime. However, the Gunners emerged from the break with renewed purpose. Gabriel Martinelli restored the lead in the 55th minute, finishing a sweeping counter-attack orchestrated by Martin Ødegaard. A late header from William Saliba sealed the 3-1 win, ensuring the Arsenal vs Spurs results favored the red half of London once again. The victory not only secures bragging rights but also serves as a critical morale booster for the squad.

Manchester City’s Stumble Opens the Door

While Arsenal celebrated, the mood in Manchester has grown increasingly tense. The Premier League table 2026 reflects a surprising dip in form for the defending champions. Manchester City is currently enduring a shock three-match winless streak, having been held to frustrating draws by Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton since the turn of the year.

City's inability to convert dominance into three points has allowed Arsenal to capitalize significantly. According to the latest standings, Arsenal now sits top of the table with 49 points (15-4-2), opening a six-point gap over Manchester City, who sit on 43 points. Aston Villa remains in the mix on 43 points, while Liverpool trails in fourth. This stumble from Pep Guardiola’s men has reignited the belief that the 2025/26 season could finally be the year the Premier League trophy returns to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta: "We Showed Great Character"

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta Arsenal news outlets reported the manager was full of praise for his team's resilience. "To come here and play with that personality is not easy," Arteta stated. "We knew the context of the week, with City dropping points, and the pressure was on us to respond. The boys showed incredible character today. We are back in the hunt, and we are hungry."

Key Performances

The North London Derby highlights reel will heavily feature captain Martin Ødegaard, whose vision unlocked the Spurs defense repeatedly. Additionally, the defensive partnership of Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães looked imperious, neutralizing Tottenham’s attacks for much of the second half. This defensive solidity will be crucial as the season enters its decisive phase.

Looking Ahead: The Path to the Title

With the Premier League title race heating up, every match becomes a final. Arsenal's victory has put destiny back in their own hands. The upcoming fixtures will test their consistency, but the psychological boost of winning a derby away from home cannot be overstated. For Tottenham, the defeat is a blow to their top-four aspirations, leaving them languishing in mid-table.

As the table stands in mid-January 2026, the question is no longer if Arsenal can challenge, but if anyone can stop them. With City faltering and the Gunners firing on all cylinders, the next few weeks will define the season.