In the heart of North London, the storied North London Derby returns this weekend with Tottenham Hotspur hosting Arsenal in a Premier League clash that carries high stakes for both sides. The match, set for Sunday, February 22, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, kicks off at 4:30 p.m. GMT, translating to 11:30 a.m. ET or 8:30 a.m. PT for viewers in the United States and Canada. For those in Australia, it will be a late-night affair starting at 3:30 a.m. AEDT on Monday morning. This fixture, always one of the league's most intense rivalries, takes on added urgency amid Tottenham's fight against relegation and Arsenal's push to stay in the title conversation.
Tottenham enters the game under new interim management, with Igor Tudor stepping in as boss following the sacking of Thomas Frank late last week. According to reports from CNET, this will be Tudor's first home match in charge, described as a "baptism of fire" as he seeks a vital win against their bitter local rivals. The Croatian, formerly with Juventus, has been tasked with halting a worrying slide that has left the Spurs in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone heading into the weekend. The Lilywhites' recent form has been dismal, prompting the club to make a change in leadership to inject fresh energy into the squad.
Across the divide, Arsenal arrives wounded after a frustrating 2-2 draw against bottom-of-the-table Wolves on Wednesday. The Gunners had led by two goals but conceded late, a result that has ramped up scrutiny on manager Mikel Arteta and his players. CNET notes that this stumble has intensified questions about whether the pressure of the title race is beginning to weigh on the team, making this derby an already high-stakes encounter in the capital. Arsenal, who have been frontrunners for much of the season, cannot afford further slip-ups if they hope to challenge for the Premier League crown.
The North London Derby has long been a fixture defined by passion and history, dating back to the clubs' first competitive meeting in 1919. Tottenham and Arsenal, separated by just a few miles in the city, have clashed 182 times in all competitions, with Arsenal holding a slight edge in league encounters. Recent years have seen the rivalry intensify under the guidance of Arteta and Tottenham's previous managers, with games often featuring dramatic moments and fierce competition. This edition, however, feels particularly pivotal given the contrasting fortunes of the two teams.
For Tottenham, the appointment of Tudor represents a bold move by the club's hierarchy. The 46-year-old tactician brings experience from successful stints at clubs like Udinese and Hellas Verona, where he earned a reputation for defensive solidity and counter-attacking flair. Sources indicate that his interim role is aimed at steadying the ship, with the Spurs' defense having leaked goals at an alarming rate this season. Players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison will be crucial in providing the attacking threat needed to overcome Arsenal's resilient backline.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to their star performers to rebound. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have been instrumental in the Gunners' campaign, but the draw against Wolves exposed vulnerabilities in maintaining leads. Arteta, who has transformed Arsenal from relegation battlers to title contenders since taking over in 2019, faces a test of his squad's mentality. "The pressure of the title race isn't getting to them," CNET reports in framing Arsenal's mindset, though the midweek result suggests otherwise, adding layers of intrigue to the matchup.
Fans around the world are gearing up to watch this pivotal game, with broadcast options varying by region. In the United States, the derby will air on the USA Network, accessible through live TV streaming services without the need for traditional cable. Sling TV's Blue plan, priced at $46 a month, includes USA Network along with over 40 channels such as ESPN and FS1, making it a popular choice for soccer enthusiasts. For those seeking more comprehensive packages, YouTube TV or DirecTV's MySports bundle offer alternatives, though at a higher cost.
Travelers abroad hoping to catch the action may turn to a VPN to access their home streams securely. CNET highlights that services like ExpressVPN, starting at $3.49 a month on a two-year plan, provide encryption to protect against throttling and enhance privacy on public Wi-Fi. However, users are advised to review streaming platforms' terms, as some restrict VPN use for region-locked content. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a risk-free trial for Premier League followers on the move.
In the United Kingdom, where the match holds particular significance, Sky Sports holds exclusive rights, broadcasting the game on its Main Event channel. Subscribers with Sky Sports in their TV package can stream via the Sky Go app, while cord-cutters have the option of Now Sports. This standalone service provides day passes for £15 or monthly plans from £35, allowing flexible access to the clash without long-term commitments.
Canadian viewers have Fubo as their primary destination, with the platform securing exclusive streaming rights to every Premier League match this season. The service is currently offering its package for CA$27 in the first month, rising to CA$31.50 thereafter, providing a cost-effective way to follow the league's action, including this high-profile derby.
Australians tuning in will rely on Stan Sport, which is airing all 380 Premier League games live. The add-on costs AU$20 a month on top of a base Stan subscription starting at AU$12, and a seven-day free trial is available for new users. Beyond the Premier League, the package includes Champions League, Europa League, international rugby, and Formula E, broadening its appeal for sports fans Down Under.
The broader implications of this match extend beyond the immediate result. For Tottenham, a victory could provide a much-needed boost in morale and points, potentially kickstarting a climb away from danger under Tudor's guidance. A loss, however, might deepen the crisis and raise questions about the squad's capabilities. Arsenal, on the other hand, needs the three points to keep pace with leaders Manchester City and Liverpool, whose consistent form has set a high bar in the title race.
Looking ahead, the Premier League schedule intensifies post-derby, with both teams facing tough assignments in the coming weeks. Tottenham travels to face a mid-table rival next, while Arsenal hosts a top-six challenger. The outcome on Sunday could shape narratives around managerial stability, transfer window priorities, and even European qualification hopes as the season progresses into its final third.
As the whistle approaches, anticipation builds among supporters who view the North London Derby as more than just a game—it's a battle for local bragging rights and seasonal momentum. With Tudor making his mark and Arteta under the microscope, this encounter promises drama befitting its historic status. Fans worldwide, from London locals to early risers in Sydney, will be glued to their screens, ready to witness what could be a turning point for either side.