Arsenal Vs Tottenham Rivalry (North London Rivalry)
The rivalry didn't really begin until 1913 when Arsenal moved from Plumstead to a new stadium in Highbury which was only five miles away from Spurs' ground. It meant the two teams became local rivals, and there is always animosity between local rivals in football.
Arsenal were a second division club at the time and Spurs were in the top flight, but that didn't last very long. World War One interrupted the world of football from 1914 until 1918, and when the war was over things took a turn in Arsenal's favour. There were plans to expand the first division from 20 teams to 22 teams, and Spurs hoped to stay up despite finishing 20th in the last season prior to the war.
Somehow or other Arsenal managed to take the last spot in the top flight despite the fact that they had only finished sixth in the second division in that last season before the war. There were rumours and allegations that Arsenal chairman Sir Henry Norris had used underhand dealings to obtain their promotion, but nothing was ever proven. Needless to say Spurs were far from happy with the outcome, but they soon won promotion back to the first division to set up the rivalry.
The first league encounter between the sides was in early 1921, and Spurs won 2-1 at home. After that the games between the sides became rather heated, and after a particularly vicious game in 1922 the FA threatened to make both teams play behind closed doors.
The rivalry might have become even more intense after that, but Spurs spent most of the time between 1928 and 1950 in the second division. During that time Arsenal rose to prominence in English football with six league titles to their name, while their local rivals still had none to their name. Spurs only spent two seasons in the top league in that time, and Arsenal won the title on both occasions.
ST. TOTTERINGHAM'S DAY
It is a concept thought up by Julian Shulam is given to the day each season when Tottenham no longer finish above Arsenal.
Only three times has an Arsenal Spurs game been the match that caused St Totteringham's. Two were wins, and one was a draw. They are...
- Spurs 0 - 4 Arsenal, 7th May 1927
- Arsenal 1 - 0 Spurs, 26 April 1975
- Spurs 2 - 2 Arsenal, 21 April 2007
It has happened at least once in reverse (1992/3)
ST. HOTSPUR DAY
Arsenal were humbled as Gazza returned from injury to score and inspire Spurs to a fantastic 3-1 victory on 14th april 1991 in the FA Cup semi finals game to deny Arsenal the Double. Paul Gascoigne opened the scoring with an amazing free kick, before Gary Lineker made it 2-0 shortly afterwards. Arsenal pulled one back, but in the second half Gary Lineker hit a tame shot, that was strong enough to fly through David Seaman’s hands and into the net. 3-1
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