Tottenham interim head coach Igor Tudor has stressed his focus on improving standards as the team prepares to host Arsenal in the North London derby on Sunday. Despite a lengthy injury list, Tudor remains confident that Spurs will avoid relegation. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, described his side's current position across competitions as 'beautiful' despite a recent draw against Wolves.
Tottenham Hotspur face Arsenal in the Premier League's North London derby on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. local time, with interim head coach Igor Tudor entering his first match in charge. Appointed last Saturday following Thomas Frank's sacking on February 11, Tudor inherits a side in 16th place, five points above the relegation zone and without a league win in eight matches. Arsenal, leading the table by five points over Manchester City despite playing one more game, thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in their November encounter.
Tudor addressed a significant injury crisis in his first press conference, noting 10 players sidelined and only 13 available for training this week. 'Probably none of the current absentees will be back,' he said. One positive is forward Dominic Solanke's return to training after an illness affecting his throat. Tudor downplayed league standings, insisting success stems from daily efforts rather than end-of-season goals. 'I’m not here to enjoy, I’m here to work,' he stated. 'Tottenham will 100% be a Premier League club next season.' He emphasized instilling clarity on values and playing style for the players.
Arsenal drew 2-2 at Wolves on Wednesday, squandering a 2-0 lead with a late equalizer. Manager Mikel Arteta dismissed the setback, saying, 'The present is beautiful, we are exactly where we want to be in every competition.' The Gunners are in the EFL Cup final against City, the FA Cup fifth round, and the Champions League last 16. Arteta acknowledged facing a new Tottenham manager for the seventh time this season but focused on adaptation: 'We cannot wait to play. We have to show up on Sunday.' He has not seen a Wolves social media video mocking Arsenal's injury time tactics, preferring praise from Wolves manager Rob Edwards, who called Arsenal the league's best team.
The derby arrives amid Tottenham's struggles and Arsenal's title push, with both managers urging focus on the immediate challenge.