Everything Igor Tudor said to Tottenham players after Arsenal loss as two prepare to return

Igor Tudor faced questions about his first defeat on debut after Tottenham were thrashed 4–1 by Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League north London derby.

The Croatian coach had won his opening game at each of his previous five clubs, but that record ended at Spurs following a humbling second-half collapse. The sides went into the break level after Eberechi Eze opened the scoring for Arsenal in the 32nd minute, only for Randal Kolo Muani to respond just over two minutes later with a powerful solo effort that marked Tudor’s first goal as Spurs boss.
However, Arsenal took full control after the interval.

Viktor Gyokeres restored their lead just two minutes into the second half with a curling strike from outside the box. Kolo Muani then had a second goal ruled out for a foul on Gabriel before Arsenal extended their advantage when a deflection off Joao Palhinha’s heel fell kindly for Eze to score again. Gyokeres added a fourth in stoppage time, curling past Guglielmo Vicario to seal a comprehensive victory.

Speaking after the match, Tudor admitted the gulf in quality between the two sides at present.
“There is a big gap right now,” he said. “Arsenal were too strong for us, especially considering the issues we’re dealing with. But this game shows us exactly where we are. It helps us understand what must change. We need to work harder, adjust our habits, and reset our mentality. That’s the only way forward.”

Reflecting on the defensive display, Tudor highlighted a lack of sharpness, fitness, and confidence.
“We tried to press high, but we weren’t physically ready to do it properly. When you’re late, teams at this level punish you. Even in possession, confidence was missing. This must be a wake-up call. Everyone needs to look in the mirror and commit to becoming a serious, hard-working team.”

Despite the heavy loss, Tudor praised his players’ effort and attitude.
“I saw desire and commitment. They wanted to do what we worked on, but at this moment we aren’t capable of executing it fully. We must stay humble and restart on Tuesday with the goal of becoming a true team.”
Asked if the task was bigger than expected, Tudor admitted the circumstances were challenging, particularly due to injuries.

“This situation is unusual, with so many players unavailable. But the squad wants to improve, and that gives me belief.”

Tudor described Arsenal as possibly the best team in the world right now and stressed that three or four training sessions were not enough to bridge such a gap.
“Arsenal have been built over years. Their mentality, physical strength, and organisation are on another level.

Today showed two completely different worlds.”
Looking ahead to the final 11 matches of the season, Tudor remained optimistic.

“There’s still enough time. This match shows us our target level. We must work to reach it.”
On Kolo Muani’s disallowed goal, Tudor avoided criticising officials, while he confirmed hopes of welcoming back Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso for the upcoming clash with Fulham.
Finally, he praised Kolo Muani’s performance, adding: “He played very well and gave us energy. It’s a positive start, and I’m happy for him.”