The top 5 North London derbies in the Premier League era
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There have been some crackers between Arsenal and Spurs
There’s always been a fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. And in recent years, they’ve been playing for more than local pride.
Both clubs are competing for a spot in the top four and the riches of the Champions League. A win over their North London neighbours could give them the edge at the end of the season.
Arsenal won 2-0 when they met at the Emirates in November. But Tottenham are even-money favourites for the clash at Wembley this Saturday.
Ahead of the game, the Coral News Team have looked back at the five best North London derbies in the Premier League era. It starts with the most recent selection…
Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham (February 2012)
Arsenal had been knocked out of the Champions League and the FA Cup and faced the prospect of dropping out of the top four heading into this game.
They couldn’t have made a worse start. Tottenham were 2-0 up after 34 minutes and on course to complete the double over their neighbours for the first time in 86 years.
A bullet header from Bacary Sagna brought the home team back into it. And they didn’t let up from there. Arsene Wenger’s side scored five goals in 28 minutes to complete a stunning comeback. By the time Spurs midfielder Scott Parker was sent off in the dying minutes, the game was already well over.
Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal (April 2011)
This one started at a furious pace. Theo Walcott opened the scoring after just five minutes, only for Rafael van der Vaart to hit back almost instantly. Samir Nasri soon restored Arsenal’s lead to make it 2-1 after just 12 minutes.
Goals from Robin van Persie and Tom Huddlestone took it to 2-1 heading into the interval. Van der Vaart scored the only goal in the second period from the penalty spot. The draw saw Arsenal’s slim title hopes fade.
Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham (November 2010)
Samir Nasri refused to shake hands with former Arsenal captain William Gallas, now playing for Spurs, before kick-off here. But Gallas had the last laugh.
Tottenham came from behind to win away at Arsenal for the first time in 17 years and stop the hosts going top of the table.
Arsenal looked comfortable after going 2-0 up inside half an hour. But Spurs turned things around with goals from Gareth Bale, van der Vaart and a late winner from Younes Kaboul.
Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham (October 2008)
Harry Redknapp’s second game in charge of bottom-of-the-table Tottenham saw the club travel along the Seven Sisters Road to the Emirates.
David Bentley opened the scoring in this classic with a stunning effort from 40 yards against his former club.
Goals from Mikael Silvestre and Gallas either side of the interval turned the game in Arsenal’s favour, before three goals in four minutes saw Arsenal take a seemingly safe 4-2 lead.
But Tottenham weren’t done yet. Jermaine Jenas pulled one back with a minute of normal time to go, before Aaron Lennon grabbed the equaliser in the final seconds.
Tottenham 4-5 Arsenal (November 2004)
Arsenal were still reeling from the end of their historic 49-game unbeaten run when they travelled to White Hart Lane for this one. They’d followed their defeat against Manchester United with draws against Southampton and Crystal Palace.
A win over their rivals would have put them back on track. However, Spurs took the lead in their first league game under Martin Jol.
But the visitors showed their resolve and hit back with three goals. It finished 4-5 in the end after a breathless second-half. Arsenal had the added bonus of inflicting a fifth successive defeat on the home side.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
