Title Tension Rises: Arteta Confident, Tudor Defiant Ahead Of Crucial Arsenal-Tottenham Clash

Mikel Arteta has reaffirmed that Arsenal remain firmly on track in their quest for silverware, dismissing concerns about a potential wobble following their late draw at Wolves.

The Gunners conceded deep into stoppage time at Molineux on Wednesday, a setback that allowed Manchester City to close the gap in the title race. Despite this, Arsenal still lead Pep Guardiola’s side by five points and know that victories in all remaining fixtures would secure their first Premier League title since 2004.

With a crucial trip to the Etihad looming in April, the margins are tight. Arsenal could see their lead reduced to just two points ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham if City beat Newcastle.

Some critics have suggested the Wolves draw highlights Arsenal’s struggle to close out the league, but Arteta remained confident, pointing to the team’s continued progress in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League.

“No, because everybody has their own opinion, and their perspective is the right one,” Arteta said.

“We have clear instructions for ourselves. We have to live in the present. What we achieved in the past is important, but the present is what matters—and it’s looking good. We are where we want to be in every competition, but there is still a lot to play for, and we need to keep earning it as we have done over the last seven or eight months.”

Arteta acknowledged the immediate frustration after Wolves but emphasized the need to channel that emotion into action.

“The first reaction is pain, and then it’s, ‘OK, what can I do about it?’ That’s it. Now we have to perform on the pitch. The words are clear.”

He also downplayed a social media post from Wolves mocking Arsenal, instead highlighting praise from Wolves manager Rob Edwards.

“I focus on what Rob said in his press conference before the game. He told me he thinks we are the best team in the league by far,” Arteta explained. “That matters far more than any posts I don’t even read.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham boss Igor Tudor is preparing for his first north London derby under high-pressure circumstances. Spurs sit 16th, five points above the relegation zone, following a turbulent period that led to the dismissal of former manager Thomas Frank. Tudor’s immediate challenge is to steady a side that has won only two of their last 17 league matches.

When asked about survival, Tudor was resolute.

“100%,” he said. “I’m here to work, not to enjoy. Enjoyment comes later. My focus is on building a team that looks after each other. That’s the foundation. Once that’s in place, the quality will come. This squad has potential and legs to run.”

Tudor faces an even bigger test against league leaders Arsenal, with Spurs battling an injury crisis.

“It’s a rare situation,” he said. “We have 10 injuries and trained with just 13 players. The challenge is huge, but the first priority is mentality—becoming a team that fights, runs, and suffers when needed. That’s where success begins.”