Tudor hails Arsenal as world’s best after Tottenham reality check

Tottenham suffer heavy derby defeat in Igor Tudor first match in charge
Arsenal extend lead at the top with dominant display
Spurs boss calls for mindset change as relegation battle looms

Igor Tudor described Arsenal as the best team in the world after Tottenham were comprehensively beaten 4-1 in the north London derby, admitting his new side were given a harsh but necessary reality check.

Two goals each from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres ensured a comfortable victory for the Premier League leaders, with Randal Kolo Muani briefly raising Spurs hopes through a first half equaliser. However, Arsenal’s control and quality after the break underlined the growing gap between the sides.

Tudor, taking charge of Tottenham for the first time following the dismissal of Thomas Frank, said his players had simply been outmatched.

“Arsenal are probably the best team in the world at this moment,” Tudor said. “If we thought today that being a derby would give us something extra, the reality is that there are things you cannot change in three or four training sessions. It is impossible.

“This was not the perfect opponent for a first game, but it shows me the level. There is a big gap between the two teams. Too much Arsenal for us. But it is good to understand where we are and what needs to change.”

Tottenham now face a daunting challenge to avoid relegation, with 11 league games remaining and no league victories recorded so far in 2026. Tudor said confidence within the squad is low, particularly without the ball.

“Without the ball, the lack of confidence is very clear,” he said. “I am sad and angry, but it is important to look in the mirror. I saw will and passion, so I am not angry about effort, but about what we are not able to do right now.”

Spurs briefly thought they had equalised for a second time when Kolo Muani scored early in the second half, only for the goal to be disallowed for a push on Gabriel. Despite the decision appearing marginal, Tudor refused to criticise the officials.

“Touching players in the box is always about referees,” he said. “They make decisions as they see them.”

For Arsenal, the result strengthens their position at the top of the table and continues a dominant recent run in the derby. For Tottenham, it marks the scale of the task facing Tudor as he attempts to stabilise a struggling side and restore belief in the closing months of the season.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.