FOOTBALL
Posted on February 21, 2026 8:00 pm | Updated on February 21, 2026 12:00 pm
The Premier League title race is getting very exciting. Arsenal were leading comfortably, but now they are slipping. Manchester City are closing behind. This weekend brings the North London derby and predictions on the points table as Arsenal battles Tottenham on Sunday.
Current Title Race Standings
After 27 games, Arsenal sit top with 58 points. They have won 17, drawn 7 and lost 3. Manchester City are second with 53 points from 26 games. That means Manchester City are only five points behind and have one game in hand. If City win their extra match, the gap becomes just two points. Arsenal have dropped points recently. They drew 2-2 with Wolves after leading 2-0 and drew with Brentford before that. These slips have given Manchester City real hope.
Why the North London Derby Matters So Much
The derby is always loud and full of passion. Arsenal play at home at the Emirates Stadium, but Tottenham hate losing to their big rivals. Spurs have shown they can win big games even when not favourites. Arsenal look tired and nervous after their recent draws. Their attack is strong with players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, but the defence has made mistakes. Tottenham, on the other hand, are fighting for a top-four spot or European football. They play with speed and fight hard in every derby.
History helps Tottenham too. They have beaten Arsenal in the last few seasons at times when no one expected it. The crowd at the Emirates will be loud, but Spurs fans travel in big numbers and create noise too. One mistake from Arsenal could be enough for Spurs to score on the counter-attack.
'Hopefully we can replicate what we did at the Emirates' 🙌
David Raya has NEVER lost a North London derby and wants to continue that streak.
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Weekend Predictions Across the League
Manchester City should beat Newcastle at home. They are in good form and have Erling Haaland firing again. That win would take City to 56 points. Other big games with Liverpool look strong against mid-table sides, while Chelsea should win away. Aston Villa and Manchester United could draw in a tight match. But the biggest game is the North London derby. The score predictions are going to be hard to guess. Moreover, it is going to be a rough and tight 90 minutes for Arsenal.
What a Tottenham Win Would Do to the Title Race
If Spurs beat Arsenal, Arsenal stay on 58 points but after 28 games. City, with a win, go to 56 points after 27 games. The gap shrinks to two points and City have played one game less. Arsenal would feel huge pressure. Their fans would worry about another late collapse like in past seasons. City would smell blood and push even harder.
Guardiola’s men have the experience to win titles from behind. Arsenal have young players who might feel the nerves. One bad result in the derby could change every predictions in the title race. Many experts think Tottenham can cause a huge shock and beat Arsenal. That result would shake the whole title fight.
Final Thoughts
This weekend is massive for the Premier League with so much on the line especially for the Mikel Arteta‘s men. The North London derby could decide if the title race stays close or if Arsenal pull away again. Tottenham have nothing to lose and everything to gain by spoiling Arsenal’s party.
This weekend’s North London derby could shake the entire Premier League title race. Arsenal have looked nervous after recent draws, while Tottenham arrive full of fight and ready to spoil the party. A Spurs victory would slash the gap to Manchester City to just two points and pile huge pressure on the Gunners.
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