Big Midweek: Arsenal v Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Moyes, Lewis, Post-Rooney Plymouth

The Premier League’s North London Derby has long been one of the most unpredictable fixtures in English football. It’s a game where, for whatever reason, the formbook is almost always thrown out the window. For years, the rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham has thrived not just on the talent of the players or the tactical setups, but on the constant drama and chaos surrounding both clubs. While it might have been relatively calm in recent seasons, the good news for fans of the drama is that Arsenal now seem to be embracing the same unpredictable energy that has defined Tottenham for decades. In other words, both clubs have finally joined what can only be described as “Nonsense Town,” albeit on different parts of the map.Tottenham have, at times, been the very definition of chaos. Their form in recent years has been an exercise in contradictions: a mixture of improbable victories and mortifying defeats. Over their last 18 matches in all competitions, Spurs have managed just six wins in regular time. However, those victories have been nothing short of sensational, with Tottenham managing to defeat some of the biggest clubs in the league—Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Liverpool among them. Despite these high-profile successes, Spurs have also managed to suffer defeats against teams they should never have lost to, including Roma, Fulham, Wolves, and even a side from non-league football. If you asked any Spurs fan to make sense of it all, they’d probably tell you they still haven’t figured it out themselves.This chaotic pattern has led to plenty of questioning about Tottenham’s ability to truly challenge for silverware. For example, had they followed up a Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool with an FA Cup defeat to non-league Tamworth, as they nearly did, it would have been the perfect metaphor for their unpredictable nature. That said, even with their inconsistency, there’s something oddly reassuring about the fact that Spurs still boast the best away defensive record in the Premier League this season. It’s a bizarre stat that no one really knows how to explain, but it’s there nonetheless, and it makes any trip to the Emirates a potential banana skin for Arsenal.For Arsenal, the sense of frustration is beginning to build. After an impressive start to the season, their Premier League ambitions took a hit with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton, followed by a 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle. To add insult to injury, their FA Cup campaign was brought to a halt in the most Arsenal way imaginable: a penalty shootout loss to Manchester United after failing to break down a 10-man side. It’s been a week of missed opportunities for Arteta’s men, and while their league position still remains strong, their recent form has raised doubts about their ability to mount a genuine challenge for the title.Despite these setbacks, it’s important to remember that Arsenal are still second in the Premier League, a place that, on paper, looks far more favorable than Tottenham’s mid-table position. However, when it comes to a North London Derby, anything can happen. With both teams struggling with injuries and absences, including the potential for unlikely starters like Kieran Tierney and Sergio Reguilon, it’s hard to predict what will unfold when the two sides meet. One thing is for certain, though: expect plenty of drama and likely some ridiculous moments that will only add to the legacy of this famous fixture.While Arsenal and Tottenham dominate the headlines in North London, another team is quietly making waves further up the table: Nottingham Forest. This season, under the guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have defied expectations in the most remarkable way. While few predicted a title challenge from the East Midlands side, they’ve shown that consistency, rather than chaos, can be just as effective in the Premier League. Forest’s rise is a testament to the power of knowing your strengths and building a team that plays to those strengths, rather than getting caught up in the hype or distractions that often derail other clubs.Unlike Arsenal and Tottenham, who have both found themselves caught up in the kind of drama that can distract from on-pitch performances, Forest have remained focused. After a brief dip in form earlier in the season, during which they conceded three goals in consecutive matches against Newcastle, Arsenal, and Manchester City, they have since embarked on a seven-match winning streak in all competitions, conceding just three goals in that time. This resilience has seen them climb the table, and the question now is how far they can go with this momentum.There’s a palpable sense of belief growing within the Forest camp. Perhaps more importantly, there’s a growing sense that they may not just be participating in the league this season—they might just be capable of pushing for something truly remarkable. Could they challenge for a top-four finish? Could they, dare we say, go Full Leicester and challenge for the title itself? It’s not entirely outside the realm of possibility, especially given that Forest are the only team to have handed Liverpool a league defeat this season. If they can replicate that shock result against Liverpool at the City Ground, particularly with the Merseysiders showing signs of vulnerability in recent matches, then the door could be wide open for Forest to push on and make a serious run at the top.There’s no denying that the Premier League’s unpredictable nature often leads to spectacular surprises. Just look at the way Leicester City shocked the world in 2016. If Forest can continue their fine form and maintain the belief that they are capable of something special, then they could well find themselves in the mix for European football come the end of the season. A win against Liverpool would be a massive statement, propelling them to just three points behind the league leaders and putting them in the driving seat for the second half of the campaign.As for the rest of the league, there’s a sense that many of the top clubs are still adjusting to the challenges of the season. Manchester United, Chelsea, and even Manchester City have all shown signs of vulnerability, leaving the door open for teams like Forest to capitalize. While it’s still early in the season, the increasing sense of competition at the top adds an extra layer of excitement for the neutral fan.In the midst of all this uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Premier League is as unpredictable as ever. From the North London Derby, which promises to deliver its usual dose of drama and chaos, to Nottingham Forest’s quiet yet effective rise to the top, there is never a dull moment in England’s top flight. With every week offering new twists and turns, it’s clear that anything can happen, and that’s what makes the Premier League so thrilling to watch. Whether it’s a resurgent Forest side, an Arsenal team trying to regain their balance, or a Tottenham squad caught in their never-ending cycle of highs and lows, one thing is certain: the drama is far from over.