Here are the most iconic and memorable North London Derbies (Arsenal vs Tottenham) in history, ranked roughly by their lasting impact, drama and historical significance:
May 4, 2004 – Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal (The Invincibles secured)
Arsenal arrived at White Hart Lane needing just a draw to clinch the 2003–04 Premier League title unbeaten. Down 2-0, they fought back with goals from Vieira (penalty) and Pirès in the final minutes. The draw made Arsenal the first (and still only) team in the modern era to go an entire top-flight season unbeaten. Tottenham fans still call it “St Totteringham’s Day cancelled”… except it wasn’t.
April 14, 2001 – Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham (FA Cup Semi-Final)
The last North London Derby at the old Wembley. Vieira’s thunderbolt and Pirès’ cool finish won it for Arsenal. Still the only time the two clubs have met in a major domestic final/semi-final.
November 13, 2010 – Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal (from 3-0 down at half-time)
One of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history. Spurs were 3-0 up at half-time at the Emirates. Arsenal scored three in 18 second-half minutes (Nasri, Chamakh, Van Persie) and won 3-2. Harry Redknapp’s stunned “we stopped playing” quote lives forever.
February 26, 2012 – Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham
Another insane Emirates comeback. Spurs led 2-0 (Saha & Adebayor penalty). Arsenal ripped off five unanswered goals: Sagna, Van Persie, Rosický, Walcott (2). The “North London is red” chant has never been louder.
May 3, 1971 – Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal (Arsenal win the league at White Hart Lane)
Arsenal needed a point to clinch the 1970–71 title. Ray Kennedy scored a late header. Arsenal completed the Double that night while Tottenham fans had to watch their rivals celebrate on their own pitch. Pure agony/joy depending on your colours.
April 16, 1987 – Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal (League Cup Semi-Final 2nd leg, 3-2 agg)
Clive Allen had scored 49 goals that season for Spurs. Arsenal went to White Hart Lane needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit. Viv Anderson and Niall Quinn scored; David Rocastle’s late red card only added to the chaos. First time Arsenal reached a League Cup final.
November 17, 2012 – Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham (Adebayor sent off)
Emmanuel Adebayor (ex-Arsenal) scored after 10 minutes for Spurs… then got sent off after 18. Arsenal destroyed 10-man Tottenham 5-1 from there (Adebayor own-goal, Per Mertesacker, Podolski, Giroud, Cazorla). Still the joint-heaviest derby defeat for Spurs.
March 8, 1993 – Tottenham 1-3 Arsenal (FA Cup Semi-Final)
First-ever FA Cup semi-final between the two at Wembley. Tony Adams’ header, Ian Wright brace. Arsenal went on to win both cups that year.
April 22, 2006 – Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal (Final game at Highbury)
Highbury’s last ever match. Arsenal needed a result to secure 4th and Champions League over Spurs. Robbie Keane equalised late, but Arsenal held on. The “4th place trophy” narrative was born that night.
October 1, 2023 – Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (The “Madness” game)
Probably the most entertaining 2-2 draw ever. Own goal by Romero, Saka penalty, then Son equalised twice (both assisted by Maddison). Handball controversies, red card appeals, 10/10 chaos.
