Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head in the first North London derby of the Premier League season today.
It’s a feud that has been filled with flashpoints in the Premier League era, as the two jostle for North London supremacy. Ahead of their clash at the Emirates, we’ve picked our Combined XI from the two squads on show.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – North London Derby Combined XI
Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal
Has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe at Arsenal. Other than the occasional spectacular save, Raya rarely finds himself in the headlines – a good sign for a goalkeeper. He has been an ever-reliable presence behind the league’s best defence.
No goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than David Raya (7) in Europe’s top five leagues this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/6nR1OBfWYr
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 20, 2025
Right-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal
So, so consistent. Jurrien Timber has barely put a foot wrong since joining Arsenal, recovering from an ACL injury sustained on debut to nail down the right-back position. He’s strong in duels, adaptable, and oozes cool in possession.
Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal
It’s perhaps no coincidence that Arsenal’s emergence as the league’s best defence coincided with William Saliba’s introduction to the team.
Across three seasons, he’s helped Arsenal to the Premier League’s best defensive record and earned consecutive PFA Team of the Year inclusions. Arsenal need the Frenchman at his best to combat the loss of the injured Gabriel.
Centre-back: Micky van de Ven – Tottenham
A freakish athlete, Micky van de Ven continues to grow at Tottenham. This season, he’s taken on the captaincy in the absence of centre-back partner Cristian Romero and has been a standout in Spurs’ season to date.
His stunning solo goal against Copenhagen this month was a moment few, if any other, centre-backs are capable of.
Micky van de Ven from his own half 🤯#UCL pic.twitter.com/IHBk2muSL9
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 10, 2025
Left-back: Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal
Riccardo Calafiori has seen off competition from Myles Lewis-Skelly to become Mikel Arteta’s main man at left-back.
There’s a lot to like about the Italian, who combines defensive awareness with a desire to roam forward and impact games. Arsenal will hope his patchy injury record can be put behind him.
Only three players have had 5+ shots with their right-foot, 5+ shots with their left-foot and 5+ headed shots in the Premier League this season.
◉ Igor Thiago
◉ Jean-Philippe Mateta
◉ Riccardo CalafioriThe triple threats. 📐 pic.twitter.com/RgllPVzZXG
— Squawka (@Squawka) November 17, 2025
Midfield: Martin Zubimendi – Arsenal
In search of a midfield conductor in the summer, Arsenal landed at Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard was courted by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid – and it’s clear to see why. Not just easy on the eye in possession, he’s helped unlock those further ahead of him.
Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal
Arguably, the heartbeat of the Arsenal team. Since his high-profile move across the capital from West Ham, Rice has added increased strings to his bow. Alongside his drive and duel-winning, the 26-year-old offers goal threat and dangerous delivery from set-pieces.
Goals ✅
Assists ✅
Vital tackles ✅
Visionary passing ✅Declan Rice makes things happen for @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/APs73x38I8
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 19, 2025
Midfield: Eberechi Eze – Arsenal
Eberechi Eze looked set to sign for Spurs in the summer, but late interest from Arsenal saw the Gunners win the race. He’s still settling into life at the Emirates, but there have been glimpses of the match-winner who shone so brightly at Crystal Palace.
Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
Arsenal are close to agreeing a new long-term deal with Bukayo Saka in what will be huge news for the Gunners. The 24-year-old has become the poster boy for Arsenal under Arteta, a Hale End graduate who has risen to the top. Though injuries have impacted 2025 for Saka, he’s unquestionably among Europe’s best right-wingers right now.
Left-wing: Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham
The summer signing has hit the ground running at Tottenham, scoring once and providing four assists in the Premier League so far this season.
No player has completed more successful dribbles than Kudus (34), who is a joy to watch at his best.
Forward: Viktor Gyokeres – Arsenal
Arsenal needed a centre-forward in the summer, and Viktor Gyokeres has stepped into the role. Though critics have questioned his influence, a record of six goals in 13 starts is a respectable return for the new arrival.
He should get better and better, as he adapts to Arsenal – and Arsenal adapt to him.
Read – Eight unforgettable North London Derby moments
See more – Five of the best North London derby goals in the Premier League era
