3 of the Most Memorable North London Derbies at the Emirates Stadium

15 Jan 2025, 11:00 AM ScoreWaves Staff view

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The Emirates Stadium has been the stage for some unforgettable North London Derbies, where Arsenal and Tottenham have delivered thrilling clashes etched into football history. From dramatic comebacks to goal-fests and iconic performances, these encounters have showcased the raw passion and intensity of this fierce rivalry. Here’s a look at three of the most memorable North London Derbies played at the Emirates that left fans breathless and craving more.

1) Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham (October 2008, Premier League)

The 2008 North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium is forever etched in Premier League folklore, as Arsenal and Tottenham played out a pulsating 4-4 draw in a midweek thriller. It was a match that had everything: spectacular goals, defensive lapses, and late drama. Spurs, led by Harry Redknapp in only his second game in charge, pulled off a miraculous comeback to stun their arch-rivals. Arsenal came into the game in good form, sitting comfortably in the top four, while Tottenham were languishing at the bottom of the table. Redknapp’s arrival was meant to galvanize the struggling Lilywhites, and it seemed to do just that.

David Bentley opened the scoring with one of the most memorable goals in derby history. From nearly 40 yards out, he unleashed a stunning dipping volley that caught Manuel Almunia off guard, sending the Spurs fans into raptures. Arsenal responded with ferocity, and by halftime, Mikael Silvestre’s header brought them level. The second half was a whirlwind. William Gallas nodded Arsenal into the lead before Emmanuel Adebayor made it 3-1 with a simple finish after Spurs failed to clear their lines. Darren Bent’s goal in the 67th minute gave Spurs some hope, but a Robin Van Persie goal just a minute later extinguished any hopes of a comeback.

However, Spurs weren’t done. With Arsenal seemingly in control, the game flipped on its head in the final moments. Jermaine Jenas curled in a beautiful effort in the 89th minute to make it 4-3, setting up a nervy finish. Then, in the 94th minute, Luka Modric’s shot cannoned off the post and fell kindly to Aaron Lennon, who tapped in to send the away fans into delirium. The draw left Arsenal frustrated, but it was a defining moment for Tottenham, sparking renewed belief in their fight for survival. This derby remains one of the Premier League’s most unforgettable nights.

2) Arsenal 2-3 Tottenham (November 2010, Premier League)

On 20th November, Spurs pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback victory against Arsenal, marking their first league win away to the Gunners in 17 years. It was a day when belief, grit, and quality combined to produce a historic triumph. Arsenal entered the match as strong favorites, sitting third in the Premier League, while Spurs were keen to solidify their top-four credentials under Harry Redknapp. The Gunners came out flying, and it seemed like another routine derby day for the home side.

Samir Nasri opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a brilliant solo effort, rounding Heurelho Gomes to squeeze the ball in from a tight angle. Arsenal doubled their lead in the 27th minute through Marouane Chamakh, who finished a slick passing move with a sharp near-post strike. At halftime, Arsenal seemed in cruise control, but Spurs had other plans. Redknapp’s halftime team talk sparked a transformation, and within five minutes of the restart, Tottenham were back in it. Rafael van der Vaart’s clever chip over the defense found Gareth Bale, who calmly slotted past Lukasz Fabianski to make it 2-1.

Momentum shifted, and Spurs drew level in the 67th minute. A van der Vaart free kick struck Cesc Fàbregas' raised arm in the box, leading to a penalty. The Dutchman coolly converted, leveling the scores and silencing the Emirates crowd.The stage was set for a dramatic finale, and it came in the 86th minute. Younes Kaboul rose highest to meet van der Vaart’s whipped free kick, heading the ball into the far corner to complete the turnaround and send Spurs fans into raptures.

The victory was Tottenham’s first league win at Arsenal since 1993 and underlined their growing stature under Redknapp. For Arsenal, it was a bitter pill to swallow as defensive frailties once again derailed their title ambitions. For Spurs, it was a day of jubilation, etched into the fabric of derby history.

3) Arsenal 4-2 Tottenham (December 2018, Premier League)

The Emirates Stadium witnessed one of the most electrifying North London Derbies in recent memory as Arsenal defeated Tottenham 4-2 in a thrilling encounter. This fiery clash not only delivered goals and drama but also showcased Arsenal’s revival under Unai Emery, as they leapfrogged Spurs into the top four of the Premier League. The Gunners came flying out of the blocks, roared on by a raucous home crowd. Their relentless start paid off when Jan Vertonghen was penalized for a handball in the box after a corner. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stepped up and confidently dispatched the penalty in the 10th minute.

However, Spurs, under Mauricio Pochettino, didn’t take long to respond. In the 30th minute, Eric Dier headed home from a Christian Eriksen free kick, silencing the Emirates crowd. Dier’s goal sparked tempers on the sidelines, with players and staff clashing as emotions boiled over. Just moments later, Spurs completed a quickfire turnaround when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Son Heung-Min was brought down by Rob Holding.

At halftime, Spurs led 2-1, but Emery’s tactical adjustments proved decisive. Arsenal came out for the second half with renewed vigor, and Aubameyang leveled the score with a sensational curling effort from outside the box in the 56th minute. The Gabonese striker’s brilliance lifted the home side, and the Emirates roared with belief.

Alexandre Lacazette completed the turnaround in the 74th minute. His deflected shot from the edge of the box nestled into the bottom corner, putting Arsenal 3-2 ahead. Moments later, Lucas Torreira, playing his first North London Derby, capped off a stunning performance with his first Arsenal goal. The Uruguayan burst into the box and fired past Hugo Lloris to seal the victory.

The drama didn’t end there, as Vertonghen was sent off late for a reckless challenge, compounding Spurs’ misery. For Arsenal, it was a statement victory that showcased their attacking flair and fighting spirit under Emery. For Spurs, it was a sobering reminder of the fine margins in derby football.