Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – A look at North London derbies of the past

North London derbies never fail to disappoint – the derby match of April 2004 justifies that.

The North London derby. The first match that both Arsenal and Spurs fans look for when the fixture lists are released.

Almost 11 months since their last encounter, they finally meet again. A lot has changed from their last game, both clubs have brought in new managers and, after having their season’s written off, they are now entangled in a battle for a European spot.

This match will be a derby match to remember. It’s Arsenal first trip to Tottenham’s new stadium, a game which will not be attended by either sets of fans.

So as it’s a clash which will be remembered for other reasons apart from football, it’s only fitting we look back at a North London derby game which lives long in the memory of – potentially Spurs fans – but mostly Arsenal fans.

Over the last two decades, Arsenal versus Spurs has led to several dramatic and memorable affairs, especially as the two teams have become somewhat equally matched.  There have been two wins apiece as well as two draws from their last six encounters. Most recently the 2-2 draw at the Emirates back in September.

But in April 2004, Tottenham and Arsenal were at different ends of the table. Under David Pleat, Tottenham had been induced in a relegation dogfight, which they steered away from.

Meanwhile, Arsenal was at the Premier League summit. Following title rivals, Manchester United and Chelsea’s defeats to Liverpool and Newcastle respectively that weekend, the Gunners travelled to White Hart Lane knowing a point would secure them the Premiership crown.

They got off to the perfect start after three minutes. From a Spurs corner, Arsenal’s talisman Thierry Henry broke away for a counter-attack. He released Dennis Bergkamp, who played it across to Patrick Vieira and put the ball in the back of the net.

With ten minutes before the break Arsenal doubled their lead. Robert Pires was on the end on some neat passing play. Bergkamp laid off goalscorer Vieira who then played in the Frenchman to make it 2-0.

With 27 minutes to go, Spurs were back in the game. Jamie Redknapp’s 30-yard drive was too powerful for Jens Lehmann.

Then, in the last minute of stoppage time, Tottenham were awarded a penalty. Lehmann was found guilty of pushing Robbie Keane in the back. The Irishman stepped up and placed his spot-kick into the top corner and rescued Spurs a point.

Though a good result for Tottenham, it was Arsenal’s day, the draw at the Lane was enough to secure Arsene Wenger’s side their third Premier League title – 13th overall. It was the second time Arsenal had clinched the title on Tottenham’s soil, the first coming back in 1971. The Gunners would of course go on the finish the season undefeated.

Though the sides have not lived to their expectations the fans would have hoped for, it’s a game they still look forward too. It’s a game which fans hope their players put their heart and soul into. It’s a game the fans hope they come away with all three points with.

It’s a game which could make or break their fans’ weekends and it’s a game with such importance in the league table.

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