With the North London derby within touching distance, let’s take a look back at some of the recent clashes between Arsenal and Tottenham. Are these the six best NLDs in recent years?
The North London derby is one of the most highly anticipated matches in the Premier League, with the clash between Arsenal and Tottenham not only fantastic for the fans of the capital based clubs, but for the neutrals as well.
SEE MORE:
Arsenal Tottenham Key Battles: Arsenal v Tottenham five major battles, Danny Welbeck key for Arsenal?
Jack Wilshere Ross Barkley: Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere urges Arsene Wenger to sign Everton starlet Ross Barkley.
Hugo Lloris Fears Arsenal: Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris has admitted that his side lacks belief ahead of their clash with Arsenal.
With goals galore on display, here are six of the greatest North London derbies in recent times:
6) Arsenal 5 – 2 Tottenham – November 2012
A now famous score when it comes to the North London derby, former Gunner Adebayor put the visitors in front after just ten minutes; much to the dismay of Arsenal fans.
The tension was eased for the home crowd from the unlikely source of Per Mertesacker. The gangly German’s goal opening the flood gates for Arsenal, who knocked in four without reply.
Gareth Bale, Spurs’ resident Galactico at the time, grabbed a consolation goal with 20 minutes to go, but Theo Walcott sealed it right at the death with the fifth and final nail in Tottenham’s coffin.
5) Tottenham 2 – 2 Arsenal – April 2004
A particularly sweet victory for Arsenal fans, as this was the point that won them the title.
Having raced into a 0-2 lead everything was looking comfortable for Arsene Wenger’s side, but Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Keane made sure it was a tense ending; levelling the scores 2-2.
The point still sealed the title for the Gunners though, the fans and players celebrating their league win at White Hart Lane for the second time.
4) Tottenham 4 – 5 Arsenal – November 2004
Nine goals and nine different goalscorers, an intense affair with the momentum swinging from side to side.
A number of players put on a real masterclass this game, with Thierry Henry scoring a superb goal to level things up in the first half.
A real goalfest for the neutrals to enjoy.
3) Arsenal 4 -4 Tottenham – October 2008
Arsenal looked sure to clinch yet another North London derby, seeing out the game comfortably at 4-2.
A curling effort from Jermaine Jenas made things a little uncomfortable heading into the final minutes however, and disaster struck for Arsenal when Modric struck the post late on, only for Aaron Lennon to pop the rebound in.
4-4 the final score, Tottenham completing a miraculous comeback.
2) Arsenal 2 – 3 Tottenham – November 2010
A memory most Arsenal fans have blocked out, and one that Tottenham fans have permanently in their calendars.
The home side got themselves 2-0 in front and it was looking like another routine victory, but goals from Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart, and Younes Kaboul turned things around with 2-3 the final score.
1) Arsenal 5 – 2 Tottenham – February 2012
Having secured their first away win in nearly two decades the previous season, Tottenham fans were confident heading to the Emirates in 2012.
Their confidence grew further as the visitors sped into a 2-0 lead, goals courtesy of Louis Saha and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Bacary Sagna ignited the comeback with a superb header however, with Robin van Persie curling in a sublime effort to level the scores.
After the break Arsenal stepped up a gear, with a goal from Tomas Rosicky and a brace from Theo Walcott ensuring yet another 5-2 victory for the Gunners.