Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur Timeline & H2H Stats

Two of the capital footballing giants, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, contest the north London derby and are each other’s biggest rivals. There is definitely no love lost between the two and the fact that they are so close geographically, plus the fact they have typically been in the same division, means that the rivalry between the two is intense.

Given Arsenal were founded back in 1886 (although they were then called Dial Square) and Spurs even earlier, in 1882 (initially as Hotspur FC), it is no surprise that they have played each other more than 200 times in all competitions. Whilst both historic clubs were founded at the end of the 19th century, the first meeting in the Football League between Tottenham and the Gunners was not until 1909, with Arsenal winning 1-0. One nil to the Arsenal indeed!

In general, the Gunners have had the upper hand, both in terms of the head-to-head, as we can see, but also very much in terms of silverware. Spurs, as Arsenal fans love to point out, are very much the second side in north London when it comes to league titles and FA Cups. The Gunners have also finished above Tottenham far more often than not, giving rise to St Totteringham’s Day, the moment that Arsenal fans celebrate the fact that it is no longer possible for Spurs to finish above their club in the league.

Over the years several players have played for both clubs, in general and also in derby games. Some of the highest profile ones to do so, with an emphasis on recent times, include Emmanuel Adebayor, William Gallas (who also played for Chelsea and was the first footballer to appear for all three of the capital’s biggest teams), goalie Pat Jennings and defender Sol Campbell. Campbell’s move was undoubtedly the most controversial of the lot and Spurs fans are unlikely to ever forgive the England defender for his switch to their bitter rivals.

Unsurprisingly, there have been countless memorable fixtures between Spurs and Arsenal. Whilst every north London derby is a big game, some have had far more significance. One of the biggest was Spurs’ 3-1 win over their rivals at Wembley in the 1991 FA Cup semi, with Gazza scoring an early stunner from 30 yards. They went on to win the FA Cup that year. Two years later they met at the same stage of the FA Cup but, this time Arsenal won, with the Gunners also prevailing (2-1) in the semi in 2001.

Arsenal’s Full Match History Against Spurs