The latest iteration of the North London Derby ended in a bruising defeat for Tottenham Hotspur, and Jamie Redknapp has sounded a relegation warning to them.
The latest iteration of the North London Derby ended in a bruising defeat for Tottenham Hotspur, and Jamie Redknapp has sounded a relegation warning to them.
Spurs hosted the clash but were unable to use their home advantage to silence the Gunners in the stands and on the pitch. Mikel Arteta's men controlled the game from start to finish, and the match ended 4 - 1 in favour of the visiting Arsenal.
Striker Viktor Gyökeres and midfielder Eberechi Eze both got braces in the match, while Randal Kolo Muani got the host's only goal of the game. Granted, Spurs were a depleted side going into the game as 11 of their players were unavailable for selection due to injury and card suspension, but it was a defeat that exposed some deep-seated issues with their football so far this season.
It did not help that it was the first game under Igor Tudor, who was appointed to replace Thomas Frank, following the Dane’s recent sacking over poor results. Spurs are now just four points above the relegation zone, while their city rivals have strengthened their lead at the top of the table.
Speaking on the outcome of the match, Redknapp made it clear that Spurs are risking being relegated for the first time in a while if they do not find a way out of the rut they are in.
“Even when they equalised, you just felt there was control about this Arsenal side,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports. “I thought it was a complete mismatch. They were different leagues.
“Arsenal were so in control, so classy. They had a threat on the counterattack, on the break, when they were having to maybe suffer a little bit. But they were so much better than Tottenham.
“It was like two different leagues. If Tottenham aren't careful, they might be in a different league next season. They can't carry on performing like this.
“They [Spurs] have not had a [league] win in 2026. But Arsenal, the way they played, the way that they defended at times, and then Gyokeres leading that line, Eze was wonderful.
“It was a brilliant, brilliant performance from them.
“I think you've also got to remember that save. David Raya makes a save at 3-1. If that had gone in, then who knows? Because of the ghost of what happened in midweek against Wolves, it might have just put a little bit of pressure on them.
“But that's what you need your 'keeper' to step up to. [He] made a mistake earlier in the week but showed great character today. Arsenal are fantastic; just too good for Tottenham.”
