Tottenham fans may feel disappointed with Harry Redknapp’s Arsenal vs Spurs derby prediction
Tottenham Hotspur may currently occupy fifth place in the Premier League standings, but their position is more precarious than it looks on paper. A tight cluster of teams in mid-table means just three points separate Spurs from 13th-placed Everton, perfectly illustrating how relentless and unpredictable this season has been.
In such a congested table, even a minor dip in form could see Tottenham slide rapidly into the bottom half. And with a tough run of fixtures ahead, there is little room for complacency. That reality becomes even starker when considering their next league outing—one of the biggest challenges any Tottenham side can face.
Harry Redknapp backs Arsenal ahead of huge north London derby
The stage is set for the first north London derby of the season, as Spurs make the short journey to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. It is a match that always carries enormous emotional and competitive weight, but this time the stakes feel even higher. Not only are local bragging rights on the line, but both sides are fighting to solidify their positions at opposite ends of the table.
Arsenal sit at the summit of the Premier League heading into the weekend, holding an eight-point advantage over Tottenham. That gap has created real urgency for Thomas Frank’s side, who cannot afford to let their rivals pull any further away if they want to stay in touch with the top four.
Spurs fans will travel to the Emirates hoping their team can deliver a statement victory, yet not everyone shares that optimism. Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has given his verdict on the derby—and his prediction will not thrill the Spurs faithful.
Speaking to Bet Victor, Redknapp reflected on recent performances from both clubs. He acknowledged Arsenal’s stumble away at Sunderland but insisted it was only a minor setback:
> “A fascinating one. Arsenal drew at Sunderland but these things happen, and they were going to drop points at some point. I know they have some tricky games coming up and they picked up an injury or two during the international break, but I am not overly concerned. This squad should be big enough to make things work.”
Turning his attention to Tottenham, Redknapp admitted he was underwhelmed by their 2-2 draw with Manchester United:
> “Spurs drew against United but I cannot say I was overly impressed. I think Spurs are superb defensively—they’ve got some top players back there, as good as anyone in the league. Going forward though, they just seem to lack ideas and a bit of creativity.”
Despite acknowledging Tottenham’s ability to thrive in high-stakes matches—highlighting their impressive victory at the Etihad earlier in the season—Redknapp ultimately believes Arsenal hold the advantage:
> “Spurs suit these types of games, we saw them go to the Etihad and win earlier this season. They will frustrate Arsenal, but I still have to lean towards Arsenal.”
Strong Spurs away form vs. a miserable Emirates record
There is no denying that Tottenham have looked far more comfortable and cohesive on their travels this season. Frank’s side are unbeaten away from home in the Premier League, and no club has collected more points on the road. That resilience has become a defining feature of their campaign and will need to be on full display again when they step onto the Emirates turf.
However, history paints a much gloomier picture. For all their impressive recent away form, Tottenham’s visits to Arsenal have been consistently painful affairs. Spurs have failed to win on any of their last ten trips across north London, and their overall record at the Emirates in modern times remains one of their most troubling hoodoos.
The struggles extend beyond just venue. Tottenham are winless in their last six league meetings with the Gunners, giving Thomas Frank several tactical and psychological barriers to overcome ahead of Sunday evening’s showdown.
With the Premier League table so tightly packed and a massive derby looming, Spurs find themselves at a crossroads. A victory could reinvigorate their top-four challenge and deliver a huge morale boost. A defeat, however, risks dragging them into a crowded mid-table battle at the worst possible time.
One thing is certain: this north London derby feels bigger than ever, and its consequences could shape the next phase of Tottenham’s season.