North London Derby: The Arsenal vs Tottenham Turf War

The Premier League's North London Derby. Arsenal versus Tottenham. It's a matchup that has existed for over 100 years now. A rivalry that, just like every other rivalry, is a turf war. But this one is a bit different.

These two sides weren't always neighbors. It was Arsenal who invaded Tottenham's turf over a century ago. That move signaled a rivalry that still burns red hot to this day.

What Is the North London Derby?

While the two sides have played each other since 1887, it reached boiling point in 1913 when Arsenal moved to Highbury. The move took Arsenal to within a few miles of Tottenham's White Heart Lane. The Spurs saw Highbury as their territory.

And to be fair to Tottenham, Arsenal did move an awful long way from their former pitch at Manor Ground in Plumstead to Highbury. It was a 13-mile move from South-East London and across the Thames to end up in the Spurs neighborhood. 

North London Derby 🔥🔥🔥🔥

The best rivalry in England???
Better then the Manchester Derby??? pic.twitter.com/YdESqjHsXM

— mcfc lali (@McfcLalinho) September 15, 2023

Since that move 110 years ago, the rivalry has only grown in intensity. Mainly because both sides have, typically, been in the same league. Meaning the rivalry is played twice every single season. 

These two sides have met 195 times over the years. Arsenal has bragging rights with 83 wins to Tottenham's 61. The other 51 games have ended in a draw.

Most Memorable North London Derbys

1991: Tottenham 3-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)

Getting to the FA Cup final is a big deal for any club in England. But to get to the Final by going through your bitter rival is extra sweet. Tottenham did just that in 1991. With Gary Lineker hitting a brace and Paul Gascoigne opening the scoring in the fifth minute, the Spurs booked their ticket for the final where they beat Nottingham Forest in extra time. 

2004: Arsenal 5-4 Tottenahm

The highest-scoring derby took place back in 2004 with nine goals between both sides. Goals were flying on the day. Thierry Henry made magic happen (as he so often did), Tottenham caused themselves a number of problems, and Jermaine Defoe scored a delicious solo effort. 

2004: Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham

Earlier that year, all Arsenal needed was a draw at White Hart Lane to win the league. With a 2-2 tie they won their title on the Spurs' ground. Massive insult to Tottenham. But I guess it wasn't all bad for Tottenham, Jamie Redknapp scored this absolute screamer to level the score. (See the 0:36 mark of the video for the goal.)

2017: Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal

Tottenham was leaving its traditional home White Hart Lane, and on April 30th, 2017 it hosted its final North London Derby. Not only did Spurs get the win over their rivals with two goals in three minutes, but the three points would mean Tottenham would finish above Arsenal in the league for the first time in 22 years.

North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham History

Arsenal still controls the bragging rights here. They've won four of the last five meetings and five of the last 10. They've controlled the fate of this derby for a while now. 

They'll also certainly be glad to see Harry Kane leave the Spurs to join German powerhouse Bayern. Kane is the top-scoring player in the derby with 14 career goals.