EPISODE · Feb 23, 2026 · 1H 19M
E173: "Domination Derby: Arsenal Destroy Spurs 4-1 Away from Home as Eze Delivers, Raya Recovers and the Premier League Lead Returns to Five Points"
from The Non-Negotiables: Arsenal Podcast · host The NN Pod
Domination Derby: Arsenal Destroy Spurs 4-1 Away from Home as Eze Delivers, Raya Recovers and the Premier League Lead Returns to Five PointsArsenal respond in the only way that matters.After pressure built following Manchester City’s win, the North London Derby became more than just another fixture — it became a test of control, intent and composure. And from the opening minutes, Arsenal delivered one of the most dominant performances ever seen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.We break down the starting XI decisions, the absence of key names, and the early intensity that set the tone. The discussion then moves into the opening goal — Saka’s persistence, Eze’s sharp finish — and the familiar frustration of conceding immediately after taking the lead.There’s an honest assessment of Declan Rice’s error, David Raya’s positioning, and whether Arsenal are gifting opponents moments rather than being broken down. But this episode isn’t about collapse — it’s about response.We analyse Raya’s in-game recovery, Gyökeres’ growing confidence in front of goal, and the structural adjustments that kept Arsenal on the front foot instead of retreating into caution. Timber’s contribution, Mosquera’s composure, and the subtle tactical shifts in midfield all come under the microscope.Eze’s performance is given full attention — his decision-making, positioning, and the wider question of how Arteta has finally unlocked his best role. We also examine the ongoing Trossard debate and what Odegaard’s return could mean ahead of Chelsea.The numbers tell their own story: territorial dominance, touches in the box, xG control. But the episode goes deeper than the stats — into mentality, game management, and the standards required in a title race.Part Two features the Matchweek 27 whip-around, where we assess Manchester City’s narrow win, Liverpool’s controversial late goal, Chelsea’s dropped points, and the developing relegation battle. VARse returns with discussion on Forest, City, Palace and the automated offside debate.Arsenal restored the five-point lead.Now the question is whether they can sustain this level of control.Chelsea up next.Chapters:(00:00) - Arteta’s Non-Negotiables Intro(00:51) - Line-Up Reaction & “Not North London” Display Debate(03:48) - Early Intent & Fast Start(08:18) - 0-1 | Eze Finishes After Saka’s Work(10:46) - 1-1 | Rice Error & Raya Questioned(13:16) - The Longest Half-Time Ever(15:46) - Raya’s Save & Regaining Composure(16:47) - 1-2 | Gyökeres Strikes With Authority(18:13) - Disallowed Spurs Goal & Gabriel Controversy(21:22) - 1-3 | Eze at the Double(22:20) - Raya Big Save & Redemption Moment?(24:01) - Saka Injury Concern(24:58) - 1-4 | Gyökeres Seals It Late(28:03) - Match Stats & Dominance Breakdown(31:52) - Trossard Debate & Tactical Adjustments(37:29) - Raya Form Discussion(45:42) - Eze Role Analysis & Arteta Comments(52:34) - PT.2 Whip Around the Grounds (MW27)(59:30) - VARse: Forest, City & Palace Decisions(01:10:56) - MW27 Title Race, UCL Qualification & Relegation Battle(01:18:55) - Closing Thoughts
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E173: "Domination Derby: Arsenal Destroy Spurs 4-1 Away from Home as Eze Delivers, Raya Recovers and the Premier League Lead Returns to Five Points"
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