23 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Tottenham Hotspur head coach Igor Tudor did not hold back after his side suffered a bruising defeat at the hands of fierce rivals Arsenal in the north London derby, delivering a scathing assessment of his players and urging them to “look in the mirror” following what he described as an unacceptable performance.
Speaking after the match, a visibly frustrated Tudor admitted he was “very angry” with the manner of Tottenham’s loss, which exposed defensive frailties, a lack of intensity, and poor decision-making across the pitch. The defeat marked one of Spurs’ most painful derby setbacks in recent seasons and intensified scrutiny on the squad’s mentality and consistency.
Tudor’s Blunt Post-Match Verdict
Tudor’s post-match comments were among his most direct since taking charge. The Croatian coach stressed that wearing a Tottenham shirt demands responsibility, commitment, and mental strength — qualities he felt were missing against Arsenal.
“This is not about tactics or systems,” Tudor said. “It’s about attitude. Some players need to look in the mirror and ask themselves if they are giving everything for this club.”
The coach added that derby matches are defined by desire and bravery, not reputation. According to him, Arsenal showed hunger and aggression from the first whistle, while Spurs struggled to match their rivals’ intensity.
A Derby That Exposed Spurs’ Weaknesses
The north London derby has always been one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, but this encounter turned into a sobering lesson for Tottenham. Arsenal dominated key phases of the game, pressing aggressively and capitalising on Spurs’ defensive errors.
Tottenham’s backline looked vulnerable throughout, while the midfield failed to control tempo or protect the defence. In attack, Spurs lacked cohesion and struggled to convert limited chances into meaningful pressure.
Tudor admitted that the collective performance fell well below expectations. “When you lose like this, everyone is responsible — me included,” he said, while making it clear that certain players must raise their individual standards.
Mentality Under the Spotlight
One of the key themes in Tudor’s criticism was mentality. He emphasised that top-level football, especially in the Premier League, demands resilience and character, particularly in high-stakes fixtures.
“You cannot hide in games like this,” Tudor remarked. “Derbies show who you are. If you are not ready mentally, the opponent will punish you.”
The coach suggested that some players appeared overwhelmed by the occasion, a worrying sign for a team aiming to compete for European qualification.
Arsenal’s Ruthless Efficiency
While Tudor focused on his own team’s shortcomings, he also acknowledged Arsenal’s quality and discipline. He praised their structure, pressing, and ability to exploit Tottenham’s mistakes.
“They were sharper, stronger, and more aggressive,” Tudor said. “That’s the reality.”
Arsenal’s performance reinforced their reputation as one of the league’s most cohesive sides, while Tottenham were left searching for answers.
Pressure Mounts on Tottenham Squad
The heavy derby defeat has increased pressure on Tottenham’s players, particularly those whose performances have come under repeated criticism this season. Fans expressed frustration at the lack of fight shown in such a crucial fixture, with calls for accountability growing louder.
Tudor insisted that he will address the issues internally, hinting at possible changes in selection if standards are not met. “No one is guaranteed a place,” he warned. “You play because you deserve it.”
What Comes Next for Spurs
With important fixtures ahead, Tottenham have little time to dwell on the defeat. Tudor stressed the importance of responding quickly and positively.
“The next match is the most important one,” he said. “We have to show character now. Talking is easy — responding on the pitch is what matters.”
He added that training sessions in the coming days will focus on intensity, discipline, and unity, as Spurs attempt to rebuild confidence after the derby hammering.
A Defining Moment for Tudor’s Tenure
This defeat could prove to be a defining moment in Igor Tudor’s spell at Tottenham. His strong words signal a no-nonsense approach and a demand for higher standards as the season progresses.
Whether the players respond positively remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tudor expects immediate improvement. As he bluntly put it, “This club deserves better.”
Summary
An angry Igor Tudor criticised Tottenham players after a heavy north London derby defeat to Arsenal, urging them to “look in the mirror” and demanding greater effort, mentality, and accountability.