Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal’s “cathartic” 4-1 victory over Tottenham, claiming the dominant derby win helped the Premier League leaders move past the “shame” of their midweek slip-up
Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham as a vital “cathartic release” following a hellish 72 hours for the Premier League leaders.
BOUNCING BACK WITH A BIG WIN. pic.twitter.com/gmXcunGGwy
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2026
After dropping points in a frustrating midweek draw, Arsenal responded in the best possible fashion by tearing their North London rivals apart on their own turf. The win not only provided bragging rights but also restored Arsenal’s five-point cushion at the top of the table, keeping the pressure firmly on Manchester City.
The heroics came courtesy of doubles from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, who spearheaded a ruthless attacking display. This clinical performance was exactly what Arteta needed after the “devastation” of blowing a two-goal lead against bottom-of-the-table Wolves just days prior. That draw had handed the title’s destiny back to Manchester City, leaving the Arsenal squad feeling angry, upset, and according to Arteta, even ashamed of their lack of composure.
Arteta admitted that lifting the players’ spirits after the Wolves result was an immense challenge for his coaching staff. He noted that when football is your passion rather than just a job, results like that weigh heavy on the soul. However, the staff successfully channeled that frustration into motivation, firing up the team so effectively that they dominated Spurs for the second time this season, following a similar 4-1 win back in November.
Dominance in the derby 💫
Highlights from our huge win against Tottenham are live 📺 pic.twitter.com/UpVKcHrf7k
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2026
Reflecting on the emotional turnaround, Arteta expressed his pride in how the group handled the immense pressure. He remarked that there was “no explanation” for the draw against Wolves, which made the need to stand up and prove their character even more pressing. By coming together and showing their quality on the pitch, the players proved they could handle the heat of a title race that many feared they were starting to lose.
The victory also marked Arsenal’s biggest away win against Tottenham in the league since 1978. It also signaled a rare seasonal “double,” as the Gunners became the first Arsenal side since the 1934-35 season to win both North London derbies by three or more goals.
For Tottenham, the afternoon was a nightmare start for interim boss Igor Tudor, who was appointed to replace Thomas Frank. Tudor inherited a squad riddled with injuries and struggling with a massive crisis of confidence. The defeat left Tottenham just four points above the relegation zone, facing the very real and bleak possibility of dropping out of the top flight for the first time since the late 1970s.
Tudor was honest in his assessment, admitting that there was a “big gap” between his struggling side and an Arsenal team he considers one of the best in the world. He noted that the lack of confidence within the Tottenham locker room was clear for all to see. The new manager urged his players to look in the mirror and be humble as they prepare for a difficult fight to maintain their Premier League status.
As the title race enters its final stretch, this result serves as a statement of intent from Arteta’s men. While critics have questioned if Arsenal would “choke” under the pressure as they have in previous seasons, this victory provided much-needed evidence of their mental resilience. The “rollercoaster” of the Premier League continues, but for now, the red half of North London is riding high.
