History of the North London Derby

A deep dive into the deep-rooted rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham, looking into the history between the clubs and how it has shaped the Premier League and the way fans interact with the game.

(Image credit to Gooner News, 2023)

The North London Derby has always been a passion-fueled match both on and off the pitch, but where did it start?

Arsenal were formed in 1886, in Woolwich and south of the river. The club moved around stadiums over the years trying to find a permanent home ground. Sir Henry Norris, the club’s main shareholder, made the decision to move The Woolwich Arsenal north of the river to Highbury, despite the objections from Woolwich-based fans. After the move, they dropped ‘Woolwich’ from the name and shortened it to ‘The Arsenal.’ This kick-started the rivalry, as Tottenham were already based in Highbury.

The first official meeting between the two teams was on November 19th, 1887, at the Tottenham Marshes. However, it was abandoned after the first 15 minutes due to poor lighting, impacting the players' ability to see the ball. The hosts were leading 2-1 before the game stopped.

Best previous derby games

May 3rd, 1971 - Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal

This game had some seriously high stakes; if Tottenham beat Arsenal or even drew against them, the league title would go to Leeds, ending the chances of Arsenal winning the Championship.

The Tottenham captain, Alan Mullery, said before the match: “Arsenal have got as much chance of being handed the title by Spurs as I have of being given the Crown Jewels. They are the last people we want winning the Championship.” Showing the fierce rivalry between the two clubs before the match had even been played.

The score went from 0-0 to 0-1 for Arsenal after George Armstrong crossed to Kennedy for him to bang a header into the top corner.

Arsenal won the game 1-0, and then went on to win the league later that season.

April 25th, 2004 - Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal

Patrick Vieira started the game with a banging goal only 3 minutes in, followed by Thierry Henry setting up Dennis Bergkamp for the perfect cross and another goal. Tottenham caught up with a 61st-minute goal by Jamie Redknapp from a whopping 25 yards. As the final seconds of the game came to a close, Spurs were rewarded with a penalty following an altercation between Lehmann and Keane, leading to the Irishman striking the equaliser and ending the game with a draw.

It was a disappointing game for both sides who hoped for a win, but Arsenal could silently celebrate as the game added to their undefeated streak of the season.

20 November, 2010 - Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham

This was Tottenham’s first win against Arsenal in 17 years, and ruined the Gunners’ hopes of topping the Premier League for the season. 

After a hard-fought battle from both sides, Tottenham came up on top with goals from Bale, Kaboul and two from Van der Vaart (one being a penalty).

Next meeting - 23rd November 2025

Both teams are performing well currently in the season, with Arsenal sitting at the top of the league with 5 of their past 6 games being wins, and 1 being a draw. Tottenham are sitting at 5th on the table with 2 out of their past 6 games being wins and 2 being draws. The odds are in Arsenal’s favour, but as always with the North London Derby, anything could happen. 

Make sure to tune into the game at 5:30 pm, November 23 GMT and watch as the rivalry grows on the pitch and in the stands!

Article written by Milla Sinfield