Tottenham’s Rebuild: Can They Catch Up to Arsenal’s Rise? | OneFootball

Tottenham vs Arsenal: Timing and the Battle for North London Supremacy

North London derbies have long been a highlight of the Premier League calendar, but the ongoing rivalry between Tottenham and Arsenal has become less about current form and more about the timing of their respective rebuilds. In the past decade, both clubs have seen cycles of success and struggle, shaped by strategic decisions, managerial changes, and youthful talent. The current moment sees Arsenal with the upper hand, but for how long?

Spurs and Arsenal: A Tale of Peaks and Valleys

In May 2022, Tottenham’s victory over Arsenal appeared to signal a new era of Spurs dominance. Antonio Conte’s experienced side, led by Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, delivered a 3-0 win, securing Champions League qualification while leaving Arsenal’s young side to reflect on their inexperience. Yet, two years later, it’s clear that the match was more of a finale for Tottenham’s golden generation rather than the beginning of sustained success.

Conte’s tactical triumph masked underlying issues, particularly the aging squad that would soon falter. Spurs’ failure to refresh key areas during the latter half of the 2010s caught up with them. Meanwhile, Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, had started a long-term project aimed at rebuilding with youth, a gamble that has since paid off. Arsenal have finished well above Spurs in the last two seasons, signalling the beginning of a new cycle in north London.

The Role of Youth in Football’s Cycles

The story of the past decade between these clubs can be summarised by one word: timing. When Mauricio Pochettino arrived at Tottenham in 2014, he built a team around young, hungry players like Harry Kane and Dele Alli. That squad peaked between 2016 and 2018, with Spurs finishing ahead of Arsenal for several consecutive seasons. However, the failure to rejuvenate the squad during its prime led to an inevitable decline.

Arsenal, on the other hand, were slower to respond. After Arsène Wenger’s departure, they experimented under Unai Emery before fully committing to a youth-driven strategy with Arteta. The integration of players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard has allowed Arsenal to grow together, following a path similar to the one Spurs took under Pochettino.

Photo: IMAGO

Postecoglou’s New Era: The Tottenham Rebuild

Now, it’s Tottenham’s turn to rebuild. Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in 2023 marked a clear shift towards youth, much like Arteta’s strategy at Arsenal. The sale of Harry Kane and the sidelining of veterans like Eric Dier signalled the start of a new cycle. Fresh faces such as Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie are part of a younger, hungrier squad, reminiscent of the early days of Pochettino’s tenure.

Postecoglou has acknowledged the importance of building a team that can grow over several seasons. The current Spurs squad, one of the youngest in the Premier League, is designed to peak in the coming years, just as Arteta’s Arsenal has done. This season, Spurs may still be too inexperienced to truly challenge Arsenal, but history suggests that their time will come.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Dominate North London?

As Arsenal’s stars enter their prime and Spurs begin a new cycle, the balance of power in north London remains fluid. Arteta’s side is well-positioned to compete for major honours in the short term, having already proven their ability to challenge the Premier League’s elite. However, with Postecoglou overseeing a long-term project at Tottenham, this rivalry is far from over.