Tottenham Hotspur head into the North London Derby knowing that this match at the Emirates Stadium could define the early part of their season. It is a huge moment for Thomas Frank, who will be experiencing his first taste of one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.
Arsenal remain unbeaten at home and sit at the top of the Premier League, making this an even greater challenge for a Spurs side trying to gain momentum. Tottenham have managed just one away win against Arsenal in their last 32 attempts, a record that speaks for itself.
If Frank wants to write his name into club history, his team must deliver something special, and that begins with making brave decisions in his starting lineup.
One of the toughest decisions involves Brennan Johnson, whose form has taken a worrying dip in recent weeks. The winger was one of Tottenham’s most dangerous players last season, but his influence has faded dramatically.
He has scored only twice in the league this campaign, and his last goal came months ago in the win over Manchester City. Despite being given chances to rediscover his spark, he has failed to take them. Against Manchester United before the international break, he produced another disappointing display, going nine league games without a goal.
His numbers from that match underlined his struggles. Johnson completed only half of his attempted dribbles, connected with just one of his five crosses, and did not register a single shot on goal.
Even more concerning was the number of times he lost possession 18 in total, the highest of any Tottenham player that day. In a derby as intense as this one, Spurs cannot afford to carry a forward who is not making an impact. For the sake of balance, energy, and attacking threat, Frank must remove him from the starting eleven.
Tottenham do, however, have several players pushing hard for a bigger role. Mathys Tel made a strong case after coming off the bench against Manchester United and scoring within minutes.
Wilson Odobert also impressed by providing the late assist for Richarlison’s equaliser. Both players have shown hunger, directness, and urgency traits needed in big games. But while they deserve consideration, there is one player who stands above all others when it comes to replacing Johnson.
Mohammed Kudus should return to the lineup without question. Signed from West Ham United in the summer for £55 million, Kudus has quickly become one of the most important attacking players in the squad.
An analyst even described him as “world-class,” and it’s hard to argue against that assessment given his influence. Although he has missed the last two matches through a minor injury, he is now fit again and ready to play. His return could transform Tottenham’s attack at the Emirates.
Kudus has already created four assists this season, the most of any Spurs player, and one of the highest tallies in the entire Premier League. His combination of power, pace, confidence, and creativity makes him a constant threat.
Analysts have compared him to Bukayo Saka because of his ability to glide past opponents and decide games in the final third. Tottenham have missed that spark in recent weeks, and Kudus is the player most capable of delivering it on derby day.
His record against Arsenal also stands out. He has faced the Gunners four times and lost only once, scoring against them in the Carabao Cup during his West Ham days. When he is in full flow, he is almost impossible to contain, and Arsenal’s defenders will know how dangerous he can be.
Below is a table highlighting some of Kudus’ key Premier League statistics this season, along with his ranking within the Spurs squad.
| Statistic | Tally | Spurs Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.39 | 3rd |
| Expected Assists (xA) | 1.26 | 1st |
| Assists | 4 | 1st |
| Big Chances Created | 2 | 1st |
| Key Passes per Game | 1.9 | 1st |
| Dribbles Completed per Game | 3.6 | 1st |
These numbers paint a very clear picture. Kudus creates opportunities, beats defenders with ease, and gives Spurs a cutting edge that Johnson has not been able to provide this season.
In a match where small details will decide the outcome, Tottenham need their most explosive players on the pitch, and Kudus falls firmly into that category.
Thomas Frank needs to trust him in this moment. Starting Kudus at the Emirates offers Tottenham their best chance of hurting Arsenal’s defence. His pace and sharp movement could unsettle a backline that has looked dominant at home, and his ability to create something out of nothing is exactly what Spurs require in a match of this magnitude.
Tottenham supporters know how important this fixture is. It is not just a game, but a battle for pride, bragging rights, and a statement of intent in the Premier League.
If Spurs want to break their long run of frustration away at Arsenal, they must put their most decisive players on the pitch. And right now, Mohammed Kudus is the man who can turn the tide in their favour.
