The 10 Best North London Derby Clashes Ever

The North London Derby is one of football’s most intense and historic rivalries, producing some of the most thrilling encounters in Premier League history. Whether at Highbury, the Emirates, or White Hart Lane, Arsenal and Tottenham have battled fiercely for bragging rights, often delivering unforgettable drama, spectacular goals, and heated moments. From stunning comebacks to last-minute winners, The 10 Best North London Derby Clashes Ever showcase the rivalry at its very best. In this list, we relive the most iconic matches that have defined the battle for North London supremacy.

10. Tottenham 1-0 Arsenal (2018) – Kane’s Derby Winner

📅 February 10, 2018
🏟️ Wembley Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Petr Čech

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Harry Kane’s towering header sealed the win
• Tottenham dominated possession and controlled the game
• A crucial result in Spurs’ push for a top-four finish

This North London Derby was a tight, cagey affair where one moment of brilliance from Harry Kane made all the difference. Early in the second half, Kane leapt above Laurent Koscielny to power a header past Petr Čech, giving Spurs a deserved lead after sustained pressure.

Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances for most of the game, but in stoppage time, Alexandre Lacazette had two golden opportunities to snatch an equalizer, narrowly missing the target on both occasions.

This result was significant as it cemented Tottenham’s place ahead of Arsenal in the table, further fuelling the debate about a potential shift in power in North London.

9. Tottenham 3-2 Arsenal (2010) – Spurs’ Stunning Comeback

📅 November 20, 2010
🏟️ Emirates Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart, Younès Kaboul, Samir Nasri, Marouane Chamakh

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Tottenham came from 2-0 down to win at the Emirates for the first time in 17 years
• Van der Vaart and Bale led the second-half resurgence
• A huge momentum shift in the North London rivalry

For 45 minutes, Arsenal were in cruise control, looking set for another dominant derby win. Samir Nasri opened the scoring from a tight angle, squeezing the ball past Heurelho Gomes, before Marouane Chamakh doubled the lead, converting an Andrey Arshavin cross. At halftime, the Emirates crowd was buzzing—but what followed was one of Tottenham’s greatest comebacks in derby history.

Just five minutes after the restart, Gareth Bale pulled a goal back, latching onto a pass and slotting home with composure. Spurs kept pushing forward, and their relentless attacking football paid off when Cesc Fàbregas handled the ball in the box, gifting Tottenham a penalty. Rafael van der Vaart coolly converted to level the score at 2-2.

With just minutes left on the clock, Spurs completed their stunning turnaround. Younès Kaboul rose highest from a free-kick, flicking a header past Fabiański to send the away fans into absolute pandemonium.

This match marked a turning point in the rivalry, with Spurs ending a 17-year wait for a league win at Arsenal and proving that they could go toe-to-toe with their North London neighbors.

8. Arsenal 3-1 Tottenham (2021) – The Rise of the Young Guns

📅 September 26, 2021
🏟️ Emirates Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Harry Kane

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal’s blistering first-half performance, scoring three times in 34 minutes
• Saka and Smith Rowe ran the show, highlighting the club’s exciting young talent
• A turning point for Mikel Arteta, shifting momentum after a poor start to the season

This North London Derby marked a defining moment in Arsenal’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners had started the season poorly but came into this game with renewed confidence. Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring, finishing off a brilliant team move after Bukayo Saka’s cutback.

Arsenal doubled their lead in style when Aubameyang swept home a counterattack, celebrating passionately in front of the jubilant Emirates crowd. Saka then added a third, capitalizing on a mistake from Harry Kane before slotting the ball past Hugo Lloris.

Tottenham pulled one back through Heung-Min Son late in the game, but it was too little, too late. This match symbolized a power shift at Arsenal, with Smith Rowe and Saka embodying the club’s future, and Arteta’s project finally beginning to take shape.

7. Arsenal 1-0 Tottenham (1993) – The FA Cup Semi-Final Revenge

📅 April 4, 1993
🏟️ Wembley Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Tony Adams, Ian Wright, David Seaman, Teddy Sheringham

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal avenged their 1991 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Spurs
• Tony Adams‘ towering header sealed the win
• Arsenal’s rock-solid defense kept Tottenham at bay

This was more than just a North London Derby—it was a chance for revenge. Two years earlier, Tottenham had knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in the semi-finals, thanks to Paul Gascoigne’s iconic free-kick. This time, Arsenal were determined to settle the score and book their place in the final.

The match was tight and fiercely contested, with both sides struggling to break each other down. Arsenal’s defence, led by Tony Adams and Steve Bould, kept Spurs’ attack quiet, while David Seaman made a crucial save to deny Teddy Sheringham.

The breakthrough finally came in the second half, when Tony Adams rose highest from a set piece, powering a trademark header past Erik Thorstvedt to give Arsenal the lead. Despite late Spurs pressure, Arsenal held firm, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory to reach the FA Cup final, where they went on to lift the trophy.

For Arsenal fans, this win erased the pain of 1991 and reinforced their dominance over their bitter rivals at a crucial moment.

6. Arsenal 5-2 Tottenham (2012) – The Emirates Comeback

📅 February 26, 2012
🏟️ Emirates Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Adebayor, Louis Saha

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal came back from 2-0 down in stunning fashion
• Walcott silenced his critics with a second-half brace
• A statement win that shifted momentum in the top-four race

Arsenal fans endured a nightmare start as Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead within 34 minutes. Former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor converted an early penalty, and Louis Saha’s deflected shot doubled the visitors’ advantage, sending the Spurs fans into raptures.

However, Arsenal roared back with a stunning comeback. Bacary Sagna‘s powerful header got them back into the game, and Robin van Persie curled home a brilliant equalizer just before halftime, shifting the momentum completely.

The second half belonged to Theo Walcott, who had been booed by Arsenal fans in the first half due to a poor performance. But he responded in style, scoring twice in quick succession, including a delicate chip over Brad Friedel. Tomas Rosický also got in on the act with a composed finish, sealing one of the greatest turnarounds in North London Derby history.

The emphatic 5-2 win boosted Arsenal’s morale in their top-four battle and completely derailed Tottenham’s season, as they failed to recover from the psychological blow of the defeat.

5. Arsenal 5-4 Tottenham (2004) – The Highbury Goal Fest

📅 November 13, 2004
🏟️ White Hart Lane
🔑 Key Players: Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pirès, Ledley King, Jermain Defoe

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Nine goals in an unforgettable derby spectacle
• Arsenal’s attacking brilliance vs. Spurs’ relentless fightback
• A match that showcased the Invincibles’ dominance

This North London Derby was pure chaos—an end-to-end battle where both teams threw caution to the wind and delivered an instant classic. The match was the first-ever North London Derby for Arsène Wenger’s ‘Invincibles’ after their unbeaten league season, and it lived up to the hype.

Tottenham struck first through Noureddine Naybet, but Thierry Henry equalized before halftime, setting the stage for a second-half goal-fest. The game exploded into life, with Lauren, Vieira, and Ljungberg all finding the net for Arsenal. However, Spurs refused to roll over, as Jermain Defoe’s stunning solo goal and a Ledley King header kept the home side in the contest.

With the score at 4-3, Robert Pirès’ composed finish restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion, before Spurs clawed one back again late on. Despite the relentless pressure, Arsenal held on for a thrilling 5-4 victory, proving once again that North London belonged to the red half.

4. Tottenham 3-3 Arsenal (2011) – A Six-Goal Classic

📅 April 20, 2011
🏟️ White Hart Lane
🔑 Key Players: Robin van Persie, Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Rafael van der Vaart, Gareth Bale

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• A back-and-forth thriller with both teams going all out for the win
• Arsenal led twice but couldn’t hold on in a heated title-race clash
• Van der Vaart’s penalty leveled a game that had everything

This North London Derby had all the ingredients of a classic—stunning goals, dramatic momentum swings, and plenty of controversy. Arsenal took the lead within five minutes as Theo Walcott raced through to slot home, only for Rafael van der Vaart to respond instantly with a curling finish to make it 1-1.

Arsenal then took control, with Samir Nasri blasting home from outside the box before Robin van Persie made it 3-1, finishing off a chaotic spell of attacking football. Just as the Gunners looked set to take command, Gareth Bale pulled one back for Spurs before halftime, reigniting the contest.

The second half was just as breathless, with both teams pushing for more goals. Arsenal looked to hold on, but Wojciech Szczęsny brought down Aaron Lennon in the box, and Van der Vaart stepped up to slot home a crucial penalty, securing a 3-3 draw that dented Arsenal’s fading title hopes.

While neither side walked away with all three points, this game was a true North London Derby classic, showcasing the attacking firepower and defensive frailties that made the fixture one of the most exciting in English football.

3. Arsenal 4-2 Tottenham (2018) – The Torreira Passion

📅 December 2, 2018
🏟️ Emirates Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Lucas Torreira, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Eric Dier, Harry Kane

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal came from behind to win a fiery, high-intensity derby
• Lucas Torreira’s first Arsenal goal sparked wild celebrations
• Aubameyang’s stunning strike set the tone for a passionate performance

This North London Derby had everything—goals, controversy, and fierce celebrations. Arsenal started strongly, taking the lead through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s early penalty after Jan Vertonghen handled in the box. However, Tottenham responded quickly, with Eric Dier heading home from a free-kick, sparking a heated touchline scuffle as he shushed the Arsenal fans. Moments later, Spurs completed the turnaround as Harry Kane converted a penalty following a questionable foul on Heung-Min Son.

Trailing 2-1 at halftime, Arsenal needed a response—and they delivered spectacularly. Aubameyang’s stunning first-time strike from outside the box curled past Hugo Lloris to level the score, sending the Emirates into a frenzy. The momentum shifted entirely as Alexandre Lacazette’s deflected shot put Arsenal ahead before Lucas Torreira sealed the victory, slotting home his first goal for the club before ripping off his shirt in celebration.

To make things even sweeter for Arsenal fans, Jan Vertonghen was sent off late in the game, capping off a miserable afternoon for Spurs. This match wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was about passion, intensity, and a statement performance from Unai Emery’s side, proving that North London was still very much red.

2. Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham (2002) – Dominant Derby Display

📅 November 16, 2002
🏟️ Highbury
🔑 Key Players: Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Sylvain Wiltord, Patrick Vieira

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal completely dominated from start to finish
• Thierry Henry’s stunning solo goal set the tone
• A statement win that reinforced Arsenal’s superiority in North London

This North London Derby was a showcase of Arsenal’s brilliance under Arsène Wenger, as they put in a commanding performance to brush Tottenham aside at Highbury.

The game’s standout moment came early on, when Thierry Henry produced a moment of magic, collecting the ball in his own half before gliding past multiple Spurs defenders and coolly slotting past Kasey Keller. His celebration—sprinting across the pitch to slide in front of the Spurs fans—became one of the most iconic moments in derby history.

Arsenal continued to dominate, and before halftime, Freddie Ljungberg doubled the lead, linking up with Patrick Vieira before finishing with his trademark composure. Sylvain Wiltord sealed the win in the second half, tapping home after a brilliant attacking move.

Spurs rarely threatened, with Arsenal’s defence holding firm, ensuring a comfortable 3-0 victory that further cemented their status as North London’s dominant force.

1. Tottenham 2-2 Arsenal (2004) – Winning the Title at White Hart Lane

📅 April 25, 2004
🏟️ White Hart Lane
🔑 Key Players: Patrick Vieira, Robert Pirès, Thierry Henry, Jens Lehmann, Robbie Keane

⚡ Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal clinched the Premier League title at their biggest rival’s ground
• The Invincibles completed their historic unbeaten run
• Tottenham had to watch their arch-rivals celebrate on their own pitch

This match is, without a doubt, the most iconic North London Derby of all time. Not only did Arsenal secure the Premier League title, but they did so at White Hart Lane, making the moment even sweeter for Gunners fans and a nightmare for Spurs supporters.

Arsenal started brilliantly, taking the lead when Patrick Vieira finished off a slick counterattack, orchestrated by Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. The Gunners doubled their lead before halftime, with Robert Pirès calmly slotting home, putting Arsène Wenger’s side in complete control.

Spurs mounted a late comeback, with Jamie Redknapp pulling one back and Robbie Keane converting a controversial last-minute penalty, making the final moments tense. However, the full-time whistle confirmed it—Arsenal were champions, and the celebrations began.

While the scoreline ended level, the real victory belonged to Arsenal, who lifted the Premier League trophy in front of a silent and devastated White Hart Lane. This match wasn’t just about winning a derby—it was about Arsenal’s Invincibles cementing their legacy, finishing the season undefeated, and achieving one of the most satisfying title wins in football history.

For Arsenal fans, it was the ultimate derby moment, proving once and for all that North London was well and truly red.

Honorable Mentions – More Classic North London Derbies

While The 10 Best North London Derby Clashes Ever featured some of the most iconic moments in the rivalry, there have been plenty of other unforgettable encounters. Here are a few more honorable mentions that just missed the cut but still deserve recognition:

⚽ Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal (2010) – Danny Rose’s Thunderbolt

📅 April 14, 2010
🏟️ White Hart Lane
🔑 Key Players: Danny Rose, Jermain Defoe, Manuel Almunia
🔥 Why It Was Special:

• Danny Rose announced himself to the world with a 30-yard volley on his Premier League debut
• Tottenham secured their first league win over Arsenal in 11 years
• A crucial victory that helped Spurs secure Champions League qualification

⚽ Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham (2019) – End-to-End Chaos at the Emirates

📅 September 1, 2019
🏟️ Emirates Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen
🔥 Why It Was Special:

• Tottenham raced into a 2-0 lead, with Eriksen and Kane on the scoresheet
• Arsenal fought back with goals from Lacazette and Aubameyang, salvaging a dramatic draw
• A game that had everything—controversy, goals, and intense rival tension

⚽ Tottenham 3-1 Arsenal (1991) – Gazza’s Free-Kick Stuns Arsenal

📅 April 14, 1991 – FA Cup Semi-Final
🏟️ Wembley Stadium
🔑 Key Players: Paul Gascoigne, Gary Lineker, Tony Adams
🔥 Why It Was Special:

• Paul Gascoigne’s legendary 35-yard free-kick sent Spurs on their way to victory
• Spurs ended Arsenal’s dream of a domestic double
• Gary Lineker added two more, knocking Arsenal out in one of the most memorable FA Cup semi-finals ever

⚽ Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham (1988) – The Last-Minute Winner

📅 March 6, 1988
🏟️ Highbury
🔑 Key Players: David Rocastle, Paul Davis, Clive Allen
🔥 Why It Was Special:

• Arsenal snatched victory with a last-minute goal from David Rocastle
• A heated contest that encapsulated the passion of the derby in the 80s
• Spurs had led for most of the game, making the late turnaround even sweeter for the Gunners

⚽ Tottenham 5-1 Arsenal (2008) – Spurs’ Revenge in the League Cup

📅 January 22, 2008 – League Cup Semi-Final
🏟️ White Hart Lane
🔑 Key Players: Jermaine Jenas, Robbie Keane, Aaron Lennon, Emmanuel Adebayor
🔥 Why It Was Special:

• Tottenham thrashed Arsenal to reach the League Cup final, securing their first win over Arsenal in nine years
• Jenas, Keane, and Lennon tore Arsenal apart, while Adebayor’s late goal was nothing more than a consolation
• A rare moment of joy for Spurs fans in a period dominated by Arsenal

These games may not have made the Top 10, but they still played a huge role in the rich history of the North London Derby. Which of these honourable mentions do you think should have made the main list? Let us know in the comments! 🔥👇

Conclusion – The Unmatched Drama of the North London Derby

The North London Derby is more than just a football match—it’s a clash of pride, passion, and history that has delivered some of the most thrilling moments in English football. Whether it’s title-winning celebrations at White Hart Lane, stunning comebacks, or high-scoring goal-fests, Arsenal vs. Tottenham never fails to deliver.

From Arsenal’s Invincibles sealing the league at Spurs’ home to unforgettable comeback victories like the 5-2 classic in 2012, these matches have cemented their place in football folklore. Even when Spurs have had their moments—like Danny Rose’s dream debut goal in 2010 or their League Cup thrashing in 2008—the rivalry has only grown stronger.

With both clubs continuing to battle for supremacy, the North London Derby remains one of the most anticipated fixtures of every season. Whether it’s at the Emirates or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, one thing is certain: North London Derbies are never dull.

What’s your favourite North London Derby of all time? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s settle the debate—which game was the greatest ever? 🔥👇