Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur endured contrasting fortunes this term in the Premier League, and both sides will be looking forward to the 2025/26 season for different reasons.
The Gunners finished second for the third successive campaign, continuing their 21-year wait for a Premier League title. Always a bridesmaid, never the bride.
Pundits and fans expected Arsenal to prevent Manchester City from winning a fifth league title on the trot, but Liverpool toppled both and claimed the trophy.
Meanwhile, Tottenham recorded one of the worst seasons in their history, finishing in 17th position on the league table, just one place clear of the relegation zone as they sank to chthonic levels.
It was their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era and their worst in any top-flight season since 1976/77, when they were last relegated.
The disappointment left such a bitter taste that the Spurs hierarchy decided to part ways with manager Ange Postecoglou despite the Europa League win and push for a rebuild with Thomas Frank.
As both clubs reset and prepare for a new chapter, the North London Derby takes on even more weight.
Beyond pride, it could prove crucial in defining their respective trajectories, and in this article, we explore how this iconic rivalry might shape up in the season ahead.
How did their seasons go?
Arsenal wilted away during the Premier League run-in, drawing several matches they should have put in the win column. Their inconsistency cost them the title again.
Injuries played a part in derailing the Gunners, but manager Mikel Arteta did not help with his decision to keep a small, close-knit squad.
Talisman Bukayo Saka was missing from the frontlines for almost three months, and the Spanish tactician had failed to bring in a top-class back-up, leaving the team handicapped.
Arsenal should also have signed a striker to replace the oft-injured Gabriel Jesus last summer, but their failure to do the needful forced Arteta to turn to profligate Kai Havertz.
Thankfully, the Gunners have realised their mistakes and are pushing to add firepower in attack and reinforcement in other areas as they prepare for a make-or-break season.
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Elsewhere, much lower on the table, Tottenham were playing out a cataclysmic campaign. Again, injuries destabilised the team, but it was no excuse for the shambolic showings.
Tottenham were an attacking force thanks to Postecoglou’s all-hell-break-loose football, but they shipped goals and chances far too easily.
Only the three relegated teams and Wolverhampton Wanderers conceded more goals in the Premier League this season than Spurs (63). Only the bottom three allowed more expected goals (64.4 xG).
Their 22 defeats are the most by any team that has ever avoided relegation in the Premier League.
The final tally of 38 points was their lowest in the Premier League era. In four previous seasons, that total would have seen them relegated. In three others, they would have survived only on goal difference.
Spurs cut ties with Postecoglou and hired Frank to lead them back to the upper echelon of the Premier League. Fans are hopeful!
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How the transfer market is shaping up ahead of the 2025/26 season
Surprisingly, Arsenal have spent the summer transfer window shoring up areas like midfield with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard while pursuing Kepa Arrizabalaga, a back-up keeper.
Arsenal also want to tie up a deal for promising Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera as they look to strengthen an already meaty rearguard.
However, many expected Arsenal to be moving mountains to bring in a lethal striker who can spearhead them to the promised land. They need a top centre-forward to lead the line.
Also, they could use reinforcement for both flanks. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are serviceable players on the left, but they need an upgrade. They need a reliable alternative to Saka.
On the other side of town, Tottenham faced disappointment as they aimed to strengthen the attack, missing out on Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, now of Manchester United.
They refused to pursue AFC Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo because of his price tag and continue to drag their feet over a move for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.
More importantly, Spurs need a defensive midfielder to plug the hole in the engine room.
Their centre is a soft underbelly and is crying out for an anchor to add steel and protect that defence. Worryingly, they are not linked to anyone.
Speaking of the defence, Cristian Romero is poised to leave this summer, and they will need a replacement for the rugged Argentine international.
If either side is to meet its lofty goals or avoid disaster next season, the coming weeks in the transfer window will be pivotal.
Arsenal vs Tottenham ahead of 2025/26
Arsenal did the Premier League double over Tottenham for the fifth time, beating Spurs home and away to maintain their dominance over their arch-rivals.
The Gunners went to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and came away with a win while making a statement.
Arsenal proved difficult to break down and scored through a trademark set-piece, finished by defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arteta’s side claimed bragging rights again at the Emirates Stadium, fighting back from an early setback. Tottenham legend and talisman Son Heung-min scored the opener, but Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory.
Again, set-pieces proved crucial as they forced Dominic Solanke to put the ball in his net. Minutes later, Leandro Trossard turned things around.
Arsenal continue to get the better of Tottenham in their meetings. The Gunners are unbeaten in six matches against the Europa League champions, claiming five wins (D1).
The last time Tottenham beat their arch-nemesis was back in May 2022. Spurs have won only two of the previous ten North London derbies (D1, L7), and they must be desperate to end that abhorrent record.
The stakes will be sky-high when these two collide. In a Premier League era where margins are razor-thin, derby results could tilt the entire trajectory of a season for glory or calamity.
With both clubs on diverging paths, the 2025/26 North London Derby will be about more than local bragging rights. It could have a massive effect on their seasons and potentially the Premier League title.
