Arsenal head into the derby full of momentum, having won all three of their summer matches so far. Their latest victory was a thrilling 3-2 comeback against Newcastle United, a match that had just about everything.
Anthony Elanga gave the Magpies an early lead, but Mikel Merino equalised against his former club and an unfortunate own goal from Alex Murphy flipped the game in Arsenal’s favor. Jacob Murphy later leveled the score with a superb low drive, only for Arsenal to win it late from the penalty spot, calmly converted by captain Martin Ødegaard after 15-year-old Max Dowman earned the foul.
Dowman, who has impressed against the likes of AC Milan and Newcastle despite his young age, has become the name on every Arsenal fan’s lips. With new signings grabbing headlines, it's the teenager who has stolen much of the spotlight.
Adding in a behind-closed-doors win over Watford, the Gunners are now a perfect 3-0 this summer and will wrap up their Far East tour before hosting Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao at the Emirates.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have had a rockier road under new boss Thomas Frank. After starting strong with a 2-0 win over Reading, Spurs fielded two separate lineups in matches against Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town on July 26. Both games ended without a win, including a 2-2 draw in which Pape Sarr netted twice, followed by a goalless stalemate in front of 10,000 fans at Kenilworth Road.
Off the pitch, Spurs also took a hit with Morgan Gibbs-White committing his future to Nottingham Forest, dashing any transfer hopes. But with three more friendlies scheduled in three different countries, including a clash with Newcastle in South Korea and a much-anticipated meeting with Harry Kane and Bayern Munich in the Telekom Cup, there’s still time for Frank’s squad to build form and confidence.
For now, though, their focus is squarely on Arsenal. The Lilywhites haven't beaten their rivals in a competitive match since the 2021–22 Premier League season and are looking to end a three-match losing streak in head-to-head clashes. Whether it’s pre-season or not, pride is always on the line when these two sides meet.
