Gunners Gearing Up for North London Derby, Liverpool Stunned at Anfield, and Sheffield Braces for Steel City Clash
As the Premier League roars back into action following the international break, all eyes are fixed on the weekend's blockbuster matchups. The North London Derby takes center stage as Arsenal prepares to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, defending champions Liverpool suffered a shocking defeat at home, and Sheffield is buzzing with anticipation for the Steel City Derby.
Arsenal v Tottenham: A Derby Day Showdown
Arsenal welcomes Tottenham to the Emirates, aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners have an impressive record against their North London rivals, remaining unbeaten in their last six Premier League encounters, winning five. Historically, Arsenal has dominated at home, losing only one of their last 32 Premier League home games against Tottenham.
However, Tottenham, under the guidance of Thomas Frank, has been a force to reckon with this season, especially on the road. Spurs are the only team still unbeaten away from home in the Premier League, securing 13 points from a possible 15. They also boast the joint-most goals scored (12) and the fewest conceded (3) away from home. Frank has received a boost with the return of eight injured players to training, including key players like Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, and Pape Matar Sarr. Arsenal, however, has injury concerns, but their "enviable strength in depth" should help them. Mikel Merino is likely to lead the line for Arsenal.
Both teams rely heavily on set-pieces, making this a potentially decisive factor in the derby. Arsenal has scored the most goals from corners this season (8), while Tottenham is second with 6. Arsenal has scored more goals from set pieces than any other Premier League team (10), while no side has conceded fewer set-piece goals than Spurs (2).
Liverpool's Anfield Nightmare
In a stunning turn of events, Liverpool suffered a heavy 0-3 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest. This marks Liverpool's sixth defeat in their last seven Premier League matches, leaving the defending champions in 11th place in the league standings. Nottingham Forest, under Sean Dyche, displayed a brilliant performance, securing back-to-back wins. Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White were the goalscorers for Forest. This was also Forest's first win at Anfield since 1969. Liverpool's attack looked lackluster, and they now sit 11 points adrift of the league leaders.
Sheffield Derby: A City Divided
Sheffield is buzzing with anticipation as Sheffield Wednesday prepares to host Sheffield United in the Steel City Derby. The match is scheduled for today, November 23, 2025. This derby carries significant weight, with both teams struggling in the Championship. Sheffield Wednesday is currently at the bottom of the league, facing a high probability of relegation, while Sheffield United is also in the relegation zone.
Sheffield Wednesday has not won in the last six derbies. The Owls have also failed to score in the last five derbies. Sheffield United won both meetings last season 1-0. Despite Sheffield United's struggles, new manager Chris Wilder remains optimistic. The signing of Patrick Bamford could provide a boost to their attack.
