Toby Alderweireld’s late header gave Tottenham victory in a tightly-contested north London derby.
There was an eerie atmosphere behind closed doors in the vast Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but this was still a fiercely-competitive derby in the traditions of this great rivalry as Spurs and Arsenal battle for a place in Europe next season.
Arsenal took the lead after 16 minutes when Alexandre Lacazette’s rising drive flashed past Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris but Jose Mourinho’s side were level within three minutes when Son Heung-min took advantage of slack defending by Sead Kolasinac and David Luiz to score with a deft chip.
Both sides had chances to force victory with Ben Davies denied when his 30-yard drive was brilliantly turned on to the bar by Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez in the first half while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also struck the frame of the goal after the break.
Arsenal had the greater share of possession but it was Spurs who struck decisively nine minutes from time when Alderweireld glanced in Son’s corner, securing a win that leaves them in eighth place, two points ahead of the Gunners.
Spurs show grit to secure vital win
Mourinho was feeling the pressure to produce a big result after recent poor performances – and this will do the trick nicely with victory against Spurs’ greatest rivals.
Spurs may not have had the greater share of possession and territory but they always carried a threat against an Arsenal side that was energetic and positive but looked vulnerable at the back – although keeper Martinez was excellent.
Mourinho’s side dug deep and struck just as the game looked to be heading for stalemate to get three points to keep Spurs right in the hunt for a place in Europe next season.
The result will also lift spirits after the recent loss at Sheffield United and the poor display in the draw at struggling Bournemouth.
For any faults this Spurs side have, and they are nowhere near the effervescent outfit that reached last season’s Champions League final, they still carry serious menace in the shape of Son, who scored one goal and created another, and Harry Kane.
There is still much for Mourinho to do but a win over Arsenal has never done any harm to Tottenham’s morale.
Arsenal pay for old failings
There was much to admire about Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal here but the bottom line is they were undone once more by old failings which their manager will be desperate to cure.
Arsenal were positive, energetic and dangerous, moving the ball quickly and looking to create chances for a potent strike pair of Lacazette and Aubameyang.
And yet it was the defensive frailties that characterise their play that allowed Spurs through the door and to the win.
Lacazette’s brilliant finish gave Arsenal the early advantage but, at a time when Arteta would have been looking for them to consolidate, they quickly ushered Spurs back in when confused defending gave Son the opportunity to chip Martinez for the equaliser.
And when they had enough control to think they would earn at least a point, Arsenal were undone by a routine set piece as Alderweireld glanced in Son’s corner.
It was something of the same old story – although Arteta will surely be aware of what needs fixing when he finally gets down to the serious alterations to the team he inherited.
Man of the match – Son Heung-Min (Spurs)
Spurs still in fight for Europa League – Mourinho
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho: “During the game nobody thought about it, even myself I didn’t, but Arsenal had 48 hours more than us to rest, so it was hard. But it came from their hearts this effort, this battle.
“Even in the last minutes of the game after 2-1, zero problems, everything under control, so we are happy.
“We are happy because we made the fans happy, we are happy because we are still in the fight to win a Europa League position.”
Jose loves playing Arsenal at home – the stats
- Tottenham (W4 D2) have gone unbeaten in six consecutive home league games against Arsenal for the first time since January 1968 (nine games).
- Tottenham’s 2-1 victory against Arsenal was the 10th time either side has come from behind to win this fixture in the Premier League (Tottenham 4, Arsenal 6).
- Arteta is the first Arsenal manager to lose his first north London derby in the Premier League since Bruce Rioch in November 1995.
- Spurs manager Mourinho has never lost a home game against Arsenal, winning six and drawing four of his 10 matches to date.
- Only West Ham (24) have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League this season than Arsenal (21).
- Lacazette became the first Arsenal player to score home and away against Spurs in a single Premier League season since Per Mertesacker in 2012-13.
- Son has scored 13 goals in all competitions at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, more than any other player (Kane has 12).
- Son is the first Tottenham player to both score and assist in a Premier League game versus Arsenal since Emmanuel Adebayor in February 2012.
What next?
Tottenham visit Newcastle on Wednesday (18:00 BST), while Arsenal host champions Liverpool later that day (20:15).
RUAN-Badkid.96 is a Nigerian recording artist whose music refuses to live inside a single genre. Blending Afrobeat, Afrofusion, trap, hip-hop, melodic rap, R&B, and global influences, he creates records that move effortlessly between raw street energy, soulful storytelling, and infectious melodies. Whether delivering hard-hitting bars, emotional love songs, or rhythm-driven African records, his sound is defined by authenticity rather than limitation.
Inspired by both African culture and international music, RUAN-Badkid.96 embraces the confidence and ambition of global hip-hop while staying deeply connected to his roots. His lyrics explore love, heartbreak, betrayal, friendship, social injustice, hope, and the everyday realities of life. He doesn’t create music to follow trends, he creates music to reflect truth, emotion, and human experience.
Behind his fearless image is an artist who believes in kindness, equality, justice, and genuine human connection. His appearance may be intimidating, but his message is rooted in compassion and authenticity. Every record carries a piece of his journey, proving that strength and vulnerability can exist in the same voice.
For RUAN-Badkid.96, music is more than entertainment, it’s a language, a testimony, and a lifelong mission to connect with people through honesty, versatility, and unforgettable sound.
Entertainment Gists
Meet the Man Who Turned Hype Into a Science: Emmy Blaq, Nigeria’s G.O.A.T. of Hype
If you have ever been at a Nigerian event and found yourself on your feet before the main act even stepped on stage, there is a good chance a hype man was responsible. But not just any hype man. Emmy Blaq, born Ikechukwu Emmanuel Chima and raised in Auchi, Edo State, has spent the last few years quietly becoming the most talked-about name in that profession, and the Nigerian press has taken notice. Punch, Vanguard, The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, and Independent Newspaper have all sat down with him, and every conversation leads back to the same thing: this man does not just make noise; he makes moments.
What makes Emmy Blaq different is the journey behind the energy. Before the stages, the collaborations with Waje on her “Waje 2.0” album, DJ Consequence, and DJ Kaywise on the massively streamed “Joor Party Mix” series, he was repairing generators, cutting hair, and sewing clothes in Auchi. His first professional hype gig happened at a local fast food spot called Valchi, and the crowd response that night changed everything. He told The Nation directly: “My passion for entertainment and desire to make people happy led me into the craft.” Punch also captured his bigger mission when he said that hype men deserve more than what they currently earn, a statement that sparked a real conversation across Nigerian entertainment circles.
With over 1.7 million TikTok followers, 23.6 million TikTok likes, a viral “Wife Material” challenge that landed on Pulse Nigeria’s top ten social media moments of 2021, and an international performance at the Cameroon International Music Festival that Cameroonian media described as electrifying, Emmy Blaq is not building toward something. He is already there. The G.O.A.T. of Hype is not a title he gave himself and hoped would stick. It is one the rooms keep confirming every single time he grabs the mic.
MANAGER PROFILE
Uncle Wisdom is a Lagos-based music executive and visionary leader known for blending structure, strategy, and creativity in artist management. With a background in Mathematics and Statistics from UNICROSS formerly, Cross River University Of Technology. He brings analytical precision into talent development, positioning artists for both creative excellence and commercial success.
CAREER JOURNEY
Began his career in 2017 as an event coordinator for Eksu Olofofo, where he gained foundational experience in live events and audience engagement. By 2018, he transitioned into full-time artist management, driven by a clear goal to build a more structured and results-oriented system within the music industry.
In 2019, Started working as a road manager for Barry Jhay, gaining hands-on experience in touring, logistics, and artist operations, a refined career and mental awareness coach . He was also instrumental behind Barry Jhay’s 2025 sold-out homecoming concert, a key moment that fueled momentum for a successful UK tour, including sold-out shows in London and Birmingham.
PHLOX MGMT
Founded from the ground up, Phlox Mgmt is a forward-thinking management company focused on Career coaching, A&R, artist development, and strategic positioning. The company is built on a clear philosophy:
Develop the sound. Define the brand. Position the artist to win.
Phlox Mgmt has connections with @Roadgod_of Roadgod Agency and connects artists with top-tier producers, engineers, and creatives, ensuring a refined sound and strong market presence. The company continues to grow as a trusted platform for emerging and established talent.
INDUSTRY NETWORK & COLLABORATIONS
Uncle Wisdom has built valuable relationships across the industry, working with and alongside talents such as:
Barry Jhay • Asake • Ceeza Milli • Berri Tiga • Laime • Spellz • and many others
LEADERSHIP APPROACH
John Wisdom operates with a long-term vision, focusing on structure, consistency, and execution. His approach goes beyond traditional management he builds systems around artists that support sustainable growth, strong branding, and global competitiveness.
CONTACT & SOCIALS
Instagram & X: @Johnwisdm @phlox_mgmt
TikTok: @unclewisdom7
Email: phloxentertainment@gmail.com
Phone: 08038448478 | 09015668027
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