Arteta's Tactical Masterclass: Arsenal Dismantles Tottenham Following Line-up Adjustment

LONDON – A swift tactical adjustment from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, prompted by Tottenham Hotspur’s unexpected team selection, paved the way for a dominant 4-1 victory in the North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The Gunners capitalized on Tottenham’s unfamiliar formation, exploiting vulnerabilities to secure a comprehensive win.

The derby clash saw Tottenham manager Thomas Frank deviate from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, opting instead for a more defensive 3-4-2-1 setup. This tactical shift saw the Spurs defense morph into a five-man backline, with Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence operating as full-backs, a strategy rarely employed by Frank during his tenure at the club. The decision was a surprise, given Tottenham’s recent form and Frank’s consistent use of a four-man defense throughout the season.

Arteta, upon receiving the team sheets prior to kickoff, recognized the potential weaknesses in Tottenham’s altered structure. Reacting decisively, the Arsenal manager recalibrated his team’s attacking strategy, focusing on penetrating the Tottenham defense through central areas. This adjustment proved crucial, as Arsenal’s midfielders and forwards were able to exploit the spaces left by Tottenham’s wing-backs, who were often caught too high up the pitch.

"We prepared (for a five-back formation), and obviously, we didn’t know," Arteta stated in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. "Once we got the line-up, we made the decisions that we had to make straight away, and then the players executed it in an exceptional way."

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Arteta emphasized the importance of understanding the opponent’s intentions and simplifying the game plan for his players. "We tried to understand the way they were thinking and what we believed they were going to do. Our job is to prepare and then simplify the game plan as much as possible. Then the players have to perform at their best, and they obviously did that today," he added.

Arsenal’s tactical flexibility has been a hallmark of their season thus far. Arteta has shown a willingness to adapt his team’s approach based on the opposition, often making subtle tweaks to his formation and personnel to exploit specific weaknesses. This adaptability has been a key factor in Arsenal’s strong start to the campaign, which has seen them emerge as genuine title contenders.

The first half saw Arsenal establish a commanding 2-0 lead. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring with a well-placed finish, followed by a goal from Eberechi Eze, who continued his impressive form with another standout performance. The two goals showcased Arsenal’s attacking prowess, with both strikes originating from intricate passing moves through the center of the pitch.

Eze, in particular, has been a revelation for Arsenal this season. The attacking midfielder has consistently delivered goals and assists, becoming a vital cog in Arteta’s attacking machine. His ability to create chances and find the back of the net has made him a constant threat to opposition defenses.

Arsenal continued their dominance in the second half, extending their lead to 3-0 early on, with Eze completing his brace. Tottenham managed to pull a goal back through Richarlison, offering a glimmer of hope for a comeback. However, Eze extinguished any lingering doubts with a well-taken goal to complete his hat-trick, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 victory for Arsenal.

Eze’s hat-trick was a testament to his individual brilliance and Arsenal’s overall attacking fluidity. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement were too much for the Tottenham defense to handle, highlighting the effectiveness of Arteta’s tactical adjustments.

The victory solidified Arsenal’s position in the upper echelons of the Premier League table, further boosting their confidence as they continue their pursuit of silverware. The Gunners have displayed a consistent level of performance throughout the season, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity.

Tottenham, on the other hand, were left to rue their tactical gamble. Frank’s decision to switch to a three-man defense backfired, leaving his team vulnerable to Arsenal’s attacking onslaught. The Spurs struggled to contain Arsenal’s midfielders and forwards, and their own attacking threat was largely nullified.

The defeat raised questions about Frank’s tactical decision-making, particularly in high-pressure derby matches. Some critics argued that he should have stuck with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which has brought Tottenham success in recent weeks.

Looking ahead, Arsenal will face a tough test against Manchester City in their next Premier League fixture. The match will be a crucial encounter in the title race, with both teams vying for supremacy. Arteta will need to carefully analyze City’s strengths and weaknesses and devise a tactical plan to counter their threat.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will look to bounce back from their derby defeat when they take on Liverpool at Anfield. The Spurs will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to stand any chance of securing a positive result against the Reds.

Arsenal’s recent form has been impressive, with the Gunners winning their last five Premier League matches. Their attacking statistics are particularly noteworthy, with the team having scored an average of three goals per game during this period. Defensively, Arsenal have also been solid, conceding just two goals in their last five outings.

Tottenham’s form has been more inconsistent, with the Spurs having won two, drawn one, and lost two of their last five Premier League matches. Their attacking output has been decent, but their defensive record has been a cause for concern, with the team having conceded an average of two goals per game in their last five fixtures.

Historically, the North London Derby has been a fiercely contested affair, with both Arsenal and Tottenham boasting a rich history of success. Arsenal have traditionally held the upper hand in the derby, but Tottenham have enjoyed periods of dominance in recent years. The rivalry between the two clubs is one of the most intense in English football, and matches between them are always highly anticipated.

The win against Tottenham marked Arsenal’s 10th victory in the Premier League this season, further solidifying their position as a top contender. The Gunners have shown remarkable consistency throughout the campaign, displaying a blend of tactical astuteness and individual brilliance.

Tottenham, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance, with their form fluctuating throughout the season. The defeat against Arsenal was a setback for their aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League, and they will need to improve their consistency if they are to achieve their goals.

The match was also notable for the impressive performances of several individual players. In addition to Eze’s hat-trick, Trossard and Martin Odegaard also shone for Arsenal, while Richarlison was Tottenham’s standout performer.

The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium was electric, with both sets of fans creating a cauldron of noise. The Arsenal supporters were in full voice throughout the match, cheering on their team and celebrating their dominant victory. The Tottenham fans, despite the defeat, remained vocal in their support of their team.

The referee for the match was Michael Oliver, who officiated the game fairly and decisively. Oliver issued three yellow cards during the match, two to Arsenal players and one to a Tottenham player.

In conclusion, Arsenal’s comprehensive 4-1 victory over Tottenham was a testament to Arteta’s tactical acumen and his team’s ability to execute his plans effectively. The Gunners capitalized on Tottenham’s unfamiliar formation, exploiting vulnerabilities to secure a dominant win and solidify their position as genuine title contenders. Tottenham, on the other hand, were left to rue their tactical gamble and will need to bounce back quickly if they are to maintain their aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League. The North London Derby once again delivered a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the passion and intensity that makes English football so captivating.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.