Arsenal vs Tottenham: Greatest North London Derbies
Arsenal and Tottenham have been winding each other up for more than a century. The grounds are only a few miles apart, so there's no escaping each other at work on Monday morning. Here's where the rivalry came from, why it matters so much, and a selection of derbies that shaped it. The facts are checked; which games are "greatest" is our opinion, and you're welcome to fight us on it. Politely.
Where the rivalry began
Spurs were in Tottenham from 1882. Arsenal started in Woolwich, south of the river. In 1913 Arsenal moved to Highbury, just four miles from White Hart Lane, and Spurs saw it as moving onto their patch. Then in 1919, when the First Division was expanded, Arsenal were elected to it ahead of Tottenham despite finishing lower in the last pre-war season. Spurs fans have never quite forgiven it. Arsenal have been in the top flight ever since.
For background on each club, read our history of Arsenal and history of Spurs.
Why it matters
It's a rivalry about local identity, bragging rights and, for decades, who finishes higher in the table. Arsenal fans even celebrate "St Totteringham's Day", the point in a season when Spurs can no longer finish above them. In recent seasons Spurs fans have had more ammunition than they used to. Families and offices across north London are split, which is half the fun.
Derbies that shaped the rivalry
We picked these for their historical importance, not just for big scorelines.
3 May 1971: Spurs 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal needed a win or a goalless draw at White Hart Lane on the last day of the league season to win the title. Ray Kennedy headed the winner late on. Arsenal won the league at their rivals' ground, and then the FA Cup five days later to complete the Double. Spurs fans had won the Double in 1961 and watched Arsenal match it on their own pitch.
14 April 1991: Spurs 3-1 Arsenal (FA Cup semi-final)
It was the first FA Cup semi-final played at Wembley. Paul Gascoigne opened the scoring with a ferocious free-kick from long range, and Gary Lineker scored twice. Arsenal went on to win the league that season, but Spurs won this game and went on to win the cup.
4 April 1993: Arsenal 1-0 Spurs (FA Cup semi-final)
Two years later the sides met again in a Wembley semi-final, and Tony Adams headed the only goal. Arsenal went on to win the FA Cup and League Cup double that season. It was revenge for 1991, served chilly.
25 April 2004: Spurs 2-2 Arsenal
Arsenal needed a draw at White Hart Lane to win the title. They led 2-0 through Vieira and Pirès, and Spurs equalised late with a stoppage-time penalty from Robbie Keane. The draw was enough, so Arsenal were champions at White Hart Lane again, on their way to an unbeaten season as the Invincibles.
13 November 2004: Spurs 4-5 Arsenal
Nine goals at White Hart Lane, the highest-scoring North London Derby in the Premier League era at the time. Arsenal won a thriller. Derbies are rarely boring, and this one definitely wasn't.
22 January 2008: Spurs 5-1 Arsenal (League Cup semi-final, second leg)
After a 1-1 first leg, Spurs thumped Arsenal 5-1 at White Hart Lane to reach the final, which they won against Chelsea. It's still the club's last League Cup. Spurs fans remember the scoreline better than most anniversaries.
26 February 2012: Arsenal 5-2 Spurs
Spurs went 2-0 up at the Emirates and were flying in the league that season. Arsenal replied with five unanswered goals, two of them from Theo Walcott. Arsenal then overtook Spurs in the final weeks and finished above them again.
The modern era
Spurs finished above Arsenal in 2016–17 for the first time in over two decades. The move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019 gave the derby a spectacular new setting. In 2025 Spurs won the Europa League, and in 2026 Arsenal won the Premier League. Both fan bases had something to sing about, though not to each other.
The grounds
Highbury, home of Arsenal from 1913 to 2006, had its famous Art Deco East Stand. White Hart Lane, Spurs' home from 1899 to 2017, was famous for a noisy, tight atmosphere. Today the derby is played at the Emirates Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, two of Europe's best-equipped grounds.
Timeline of key derby moments
| Date | Moment |
|---|---|
| 1913 | Arsenal move to Highbury, near Tottenham |
| 1919 | Arsenal elected to the First Division |
| 3 May 1971 | Arsenal win the league at White Hart Lane |
| 14 Apr 1991 | Gascoigne's free-kick in the Wembley semi-final |
| 4 Apr 1993 | Adams's header wins the semi-final rematch |
| 25 Apr 2004 | Arsenal clinch the title at White Hart Lane |
| 13 Nov 2004 | Spurs 4-5 Arsenal |
| 22 Jan 2008 | Spurs win the League Cup semi-final 5-1 |
| 26 Feb 2012 | Arsenal recover from 2-0 down to win 5-2 |
| 2019 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium opens |
Seeing a derby live
North London Derby tickets are among the hardest to get in English football, and we'll never pretend otherwise. If you'd like to see Arsenal or Spurs with a group, see our Arsenal and Tottenham trips pages or the Premier League page. Everything is subject to availability and confirmed in your written quote.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Arsenal–Tottenham rivalry start?
It grew after Arsenal moved to Highbury, near Tottenham, in 1913, and intensified when Arsenal were elected to the First Division in 1919.
What is the highest-scoring North London Derby?
Spurs 4-5 Arsenal in November 2004 is among the highest-scoring in the Premier League era.
Did Arsenal win the league at White Hart Lane?
Yes, twice — in 1971 and 2004.
Is this an official ranking?
No, it's our editorial selection; the dates and scores are checked, but 'greatest' is opinion.
Sources and further reading
Fancy seeing it live? Tickets and packages are subject to availability and confirmation in your written quote. We don't arrange flights.