Mikel Arteta has issued a rallying call to his Arsenal players ahead of their crucial North London Derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur away at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 22, 2026.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano through his official X account, Arteta urged his team to rise to the occasion following a frustrating result. After Arsenal squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Wolves, the Gunners boss expressed disappointment in the second-half performance but framed the upcoming derby as the ideal opportunity for redemption.
“You have to stand up when they have a moment of difficulty,” Arteta said, referring to both his team’s own struggles and the pressure on opponents. He added, “You have the perfect game against Spurs away to go and show how much we want it and how good we are. That’s it. That’s what we have to do. Talk on the pitch.”

The comments highlight Arteta’s demand for resilience and character in a fixture renowned for its intensity and rivalry. With Arsenal looking to bounce back and maintain their Premier League ambitions, the Spaniard emphasized action over words—letting performances do the talking in one of English football’s fiercest derbies.
This high-stakes encounter comes at a pivotal time, offering Arsenal the chance to demonstrate their title credentials while capitalizing on any Tottenham vulnerabilities.

