Tottenham Hotspur has announced that Dele Alli will be a special guest at the upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal. The announcement comes as the club faces a critical period, sitting only a few points above the relegation zone. Alli's presence is intended to boost fan morale and the overall atmosphere for the high-stakes North London derby.

Club's Situation and Alli's History
Tottenham finds itself in a precarious position in the league standings, indicating a pressing need for positive momentum. Alli, who previously spent seven years at Tottenham, was a significant figure during his tenure, contributing 67 goals in 269 appearances. He was a key member of the attacking lineup alongside players like Heung-min Son, Harry Kane, and Christian Eriksen, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.

Alli's return as a guest for a crucial match highlights the club's current need for a morale lift and a connection to past successes.
Read More: Arsenal vs Tottenham: Why the North London Derby on Feb 20, 2026, Matters for League Standings

Details of Alli's Appearance
Alli will be present at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is scheduled to appear on the pitch at halftime. He will engage in a conversation with Paul Coyte, reflecting on his time with the club. This event offers supporters an opportunity to show their appreciation for his contributions.

Event: Special guest appearance at Tottenham vs. Arsenal Premier League match.
Timing: Halftime during the match.
Activity: On-pitch discussion with Paul Coyte about his Tottenham career.
Purpose: Fan engagement and morale boost.
Alli's Recent Career Path
Since leaving Tottenham, Alli's career has seen a downturn. He had a loan spell at Besiktas and most recently played for Como, an Italian Serie A side. His time at Como was brief, marked by just one appearance before he became a free agent in September. His last competitive match saw him sent off after eight minutes on his debut for Como against AC Milan.
Last Club: Como (Serie A).
Appearances at Como: 1.
Current Status: Free agent.
Last Match Incident: Sent off after 8 minutes on debut for Como.
Significance of the Timing
The announcement of Alli's appearance coincides with Tottenham's challenging league form and the high-profile derby against rivals Arsenal. This timing suggests a strategic effort by the club to leverage past glories and fan connection during a difficult period.
Club Performance: Tottenham is in a relegation battle.
Match Importance: North London Derby against Arsenal.
Potential Impact: Boost for fan morale and club sentiment.
Expert Commentary on Alli's Situation
Commentary surrounding Alli's career suggests a significant fall from his previous prominence. Despite being only 29 years old, his playing time has been minimal in recent years, raising questions about his current form and motivation.
"The way he sounds, it seems he still has the hunger. He has fallen from grace dramatically. He’s only 29, just gone past being in his peak, but the amount of football he has played in the last few years is very low. It’s whether he has the stomach for that. It’s about now and he hasn’t been playing, hasn’t been performing." - Goal.com
This assessment highlights the contrast between Alli's past potential and his recent career trajectory, as he searches for a new club. Reports also suggest a potential interest from newly promoted Premier League teams looking to revive his career.
Conclusion
Dele Alli's return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a guest for the Arsenal match is confirmed. This event occurs during a critical juncture for the club, aiming to harness fan sentiment and memories of past successes. Alli's own career has faced significant challenges since his departure from Tottenham, with his recent spell at Como being particularly brief. His appearance is intended as a morale booster for supporters during a vital derby encounter.
Read More: Brighton Manager Fabian Hürzeler Faces Pressure After One Win in 10 Matches by February 2026
Sources
Evening Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-dele-alli-return-arsenal-fc-b1271790.html
Football.London: https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/news/breaking-dele-alli-tottenham-arsenal-33459250
Tottenham Hotspur Official Website: https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2026/february/spurs-vs-arsenal-premier-league-dele-back-in-n17-for-the-nld-on-sunday/
The Spurs News: https://www.thespurs.news/news/why-dele-alli-is-returning-to-n17-for-tottenham-clash-vs-arsenal/
Goal.com: https://www.goal.com/en/lists/dele-alli-returns-tottenham-free-agent-special-spurs-appearance-search-new-club/blt2d365d80cee82ae5
Tottenham Hotspur News: https://www.tottenhamhotspurnews.com/news/tottenham-announce-exciting-dele-alli-return-news-at-best-possible-time/
Football Insider: https://www.footballinsider247.com/dele-alli-set-for-premier-league-return-with-perfect-destination-found/