The era of Thomas Frank has officially been consigned to the history books, and a new, unpredictable chapter is beginning at Tottenham Hotspur. Igor Tudor has been brought in as the man to steady a ship that has been veering dangerously off course.
Currently sitting in 16th place, the North London side is staring down the barrel of a genuine relegation battle—a reality that seemed impossible at the start of the campaign. To save their season, Spurs must find a way to win again, starting with rediscovering the home form that has eluded them for far too long.
The timing of this managerial shift is a true trial by fire. This Sunday, Tudor leads his team into the North London derby against an Arsenal side that, while not at their absolute peak, remains a formidable obstacle. The statistics tell a grim story of Tottenham’s decline over the last twelve months.
Compared to this time last season, the club has fewer wins, more draws, and a significantly lower goal tally. They have slipped from a respectable 12th place down to the depths of 16th, and the defensive frailties that plagued the previous regime haven’t disappeared.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the weekend is how Tudor will set up his team. He is well-known for favoring a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system that requires high energy and tactical discipline. While some fans might worry it feels a bit too much like the rigid systems of the past, Tudor is an adaptable coach.
Because key defenders like Cristian Romero and Kevin Danso are unavailable, we are likely to see a makeshift backline. Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin will likely be tasked with holding the center, supported by Pedro Porro and Djed Spence, who has been filling in admirably on the left.
The midfield battle will be where the game is won or lost. With Joao Palhinha acting as the defensive anchor, the focus shifts to Conor Gallagher. Since his £35 million move from Atletico Madrid in January, the England international has yet to truly stamp his authority on the team.
This derby is the perfect stage for him to prove his worth. His high-energy style is exactly what Spurs need to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm and win the physical duels in the center of the pitch. Beside him, we might see the youthful energy of Pape Sarr or Archie Gray, both of whom have shown they aren’t afraid of the big occasion.
Further forward, there is a sense of renewed hope for Randal Kolo Muani. The Frenchman had a successful stint under Tudor at Juventus last year, and that existing relationship could be the spark he needs to find his scoring boots in London.
However, the most vital component of the Tottenham attack is undoubtedly Dominic Solanke. Since his big-money move from Bournemouth, Solanke’s impact has been hampered by persistent injuries. Now that he is back to full fitness, he looks like a man on a mission.
Interestingly, a strong case can be made that Solanke is currently the best striker in North London. While Arsenal spent heavily on Viktor Gyokeres last summer, the Swedish forward has often looked like the weak link in Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing machine.
Solanke, described by many as a “pressing monster,” offers a level of intelligence and movement that Gyokeres often lacks. He isn’t just a target man; he is a multi-faceted forward who can link play and produce moments of magic out of nowhere. If you were to place Solanke at the tip of the Arsenal system, they might find themselves in a much stronger position in the title race.
For Tottenham fans, this “Super Sunday” is approached with a mix of nerves and cautious excitement. The rivalry is as bitter as ever, but Arsenal’s recent laboured draw against Wolves suggests they are beatable.
If Tudor can refine his system and convince his players to fight for the badge, they have the individual quality to pull off a shock result. The predicted lineup features a blend of grit and flair, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal and a front three of Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, and Solanke.
Ultimately, this match isn’t just about three points or local bragging rights; it’s about a club trying to find its soul again. Tudor has a chance to come flying out of the gates and immediately distance himself from the frustrations of the previous months.
If he gets his tactics right and Solanke finds the space to move around the area, the new manager could start his tenure with a result that will be remembered for years to come.
