Three of the Most Memorable North London Derbies in Recent Memory

Few football rivalries can match the intensity, history, and sheer drama of the North London Derby. For Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, this isn’t just about three points—it's about local bragging rights, pride, and the constant battle for supremacy in North London.

Over the years, these derby encounters have served up some unforgettable moments, from dramatic last-minute goals to fiery encounters filled with controversy. In recent memory, we’ve witnessed some truly epic battles between Spurs and Arsenal, each one adding another chapter to the storied rivalry. With the North London Derby just a day away, we take a closer look at three of the greatest North London Derbies in the last two decades—matches that had everything from stunning goals to last-gasp drama and everything in between. 

1) Arsenal 4 – 2 Tottenham (December 2018) 

The Emirates Stadium was packed to the rafters, and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Arsenal were in the middle of a promising first season under new manager Unai Emery, while Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham were enjoying a strong campaign of their own. Both teams had plenty to play for, but above all, it was the pride of North London on the line. 

The game got off to a flying start when Arsenal were awarded a penalty after just 10 minutes. Jan Vertonghen was penalized for handling the ball inside the box. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang calmly slotted home the penalty to give the Gunners an early lead. The Emirates roared as Arsenal pressed high and dominated the early stages. But Tottenham were never going to go down without a fight. In typical derby fashion, the game swung wildly in Spurs’ favor within the space of just a few minutes. Eric Dier found the back of the net with a near-post header to equalize, and his controversial celebration, shushing the Arsenal fans, led to a heated altercation between both sets of players and coaching staff on the touchline. The drama didn’t end there. Moments later, Tottenham were awarded a penalty after Rob Holding brought down Heung-Min Son in the box. Harry Kane, always reliable from the spot, made no mistake and put Spurs 2-1 ahead. 

The pendulum had swung in Tottenham’s favor, but the real drama was yet to unfold. In the second half, Arsenal came out with renewed energy. And within minutes, Aubameyang leveled the score with a stunning long-range strike that left Hugo Lloris rooted to the spot. The momentum was all with Arsenal, and the Emirates erupted once again. Tottenham began to crumble under the pressure, and Arsenal seized the moment. Alexandre Lacazette put the Gunners ahead with a deflected effort, and just three minutes later, Lucas Torreira burst through the Spurs defense to score his first goal for Arsenal. The Uruguayan’s goal rubber-stamped a memorable 4-2 victory. 

For Arsenal, it was a statement win in Emery’s first season and a day of sheer joy for their fans. For Tottenham, it was a bitter defeat, made worse by the fact that they had let a 2-1 lead slip away. The game had everything: goals, controversy, passion, and a vibrant atmosphere that only the North London Derby can provide. 

2) Tottenham 3 – 0 Arsenal (May 2022) 

The stakes for this North London Derby were sky-high. Both teams were fighting tooth and nail for a place in the Champions League, and the tension going into the game was palpable. Tottenham, under the guidance of Antonio Conte, needed a win to keep their top-four hopes alive, while Arsenal knew that a victory at their rivals’ stadium would all but secure their return to Europe’s elite competition. 

The pressure was on from the first whistle, and Spurs rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion. The match started at a frenetic pace, and it didn’t take long for the first major talking point. After just 22 minutes, Spurs were awarded a penalty when Cedric Soares clumsily barged into Heung-Min Son. Harry Kane, as ever, was ice-cool from the spot, putting Tottenham 1-0 up and sending the home fans into a frenzy. 

Just minutes later, Arsenal’s night went from bad to worse. Rob Holding, who had been tasked with keeping Son quiet, received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on the South Korean forward. Down to ten men, Arsenal were reeling, and Spurs smelled blood. It didn’t take long for Tottenham to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Kane struck again, this time heading home from close range after some sloppy defending from Arsenal, making it 2-0 before halftime. The Gunners were shell-shocked, and the Spurs faithful were in dreamland. 

In the second half, it was Son’s turn to get in on the act. Just minutes after the restart, he pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it past Aaron Ramsdale to make it 3-0. Spurs had all but sealed a famous victory, and Arsenal had no answer. The game ended 3-0, and Tottenham’s victory reignited their Champions League hopes, while Arsenal’s dreams were left hanging by a thread. Tottenham's triumph over Arsenal left them just a point behind their rivals with two matches remaining. Stunned by the 3-0 defeat, the Gunners went on to lose their next game at St James' Park, giving Spurs the upper hand—a lead they held onto. 

3) Tottenham 4 – 5 Arsenal (November 2004) 

No list of the greatest North London Derbies would be complete without mentioning the wild, unforgettable encounter from November 13, 2004. This match wasn’t just one of the best North London Derbies in recent memory—it’s widely regarded as one of the best Premier League games of all time. Arsenal, fresh off their historic Invincibles season, came into the game as favorites, but Tottenham were determined to give them a run for their money. What unfolded over the next 90 minutes was a rollercoaster ride of goals, drama, and pure chaos. 

The scoring in the 36th minute, when Spurs’ Noureddine Naybet broke the deadlock after a swift counterattack. Arsenal’s response was immediate, with Thierry Henry scoring the leveler in the dying embers of the first half. The first half ended with both teams level, but the second half was where the game truly exploded into life. Within just 10 minutes of the restart, Pires played a sublime through-ball to Henry, who was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty. Lauren stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick.  

Patrick Vieira added a third for Arsenal, seemingly putting the game out of Tottenham’s reach, but Jermain Defoe had other ideas. The Spurs striker produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the right and firing an unstoppable shot into the top corner to make it 3-2. The atmosphere at White Hart Lane was electric, and Spurs were right back in it. However, just minutes later, Freddie Ljungberg restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion with a cool finish, making it 4-2. But Tottenham refused to lie down, and once again, they fought back. Michael Carrick’s inch-perfect cross was brilliantly met by Spurs’ captain Ledley King, who nodded home Tottenham’s third. Suddenly, Spurs had a glimmer of hope. 

With the game finely poised, Robert Pires struck Arsenal’s fifth of the night. But the drama wasn’t over yet. In the dying moments, Freddie Kanouté pulled another goal back for Spurs, setting up a tense finale. Despite their best efforts, Tottenham couldn’t find an equalizer, and the game ended 5-4 in Arsenal’s favor. 

It was a match for the ages—nine goals, endless drama, and a display of pure attacking football from both sides. While Arsenal came out on top, Tottenham’s resilience and fighting spirit were there for all to see. It was a game that embodied everything great about the North London Derby—chaotic, thrilling, and utterly unforgettable. 

Also Read: Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates