The Tottenham Hotspur – Arsenal Rivalry In Matches
Spurs and the Gooners have had a crazy rivalry for decades. The games are fierce, and it is renowned as one of the fiercest rivalries in World football. There is a good reason for this: the matches are always on a knife’s edge, and an incident is just around the corner. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic matches from this rivalry.
Tottenham 0 – 1 Arsenal (May 3rd, 1971)
We start with the big one. Arsenal needed a draw or a win on the final day of the 1970-71 campaign. Spurs were hellbent on denying their arch-rivals glory. But Arsenal was THE team that season, and after huffing and puffing for the entire game, the moment arrived in the 87th minute. Ray Kennedy headed home the winner, handing Arsenal the League title at the home of their fiercest rivals—the ultimate bragging rights.
Tottenham 3 – 1 Arsenal (April 14th, 1991)
Spurs stopping Arsenal from winning a double and, in the process, winning the FA Cup for themselves has to be considered one of the sweetest wins. In the semis of the FA Cup, Spurs beat Arsenal 3–1 thanks to goals from Lineker (Twice) and Gascoigne. Arsenal had already won the league, but Spurs ended their hopes of a double and instead won the FA Cup themselves.
Arsenal 1 – 0 Tottenham (April 4th, 1993)
Arsenal got their revenge for being knocked out in the semis a couple of years ago by knocking Spurs out at the same stage in 1993. Tony Adams scored the winner, and despite Lee Dixon getting sent off, Arsenal closed out the game and ultimately won the FA Cup. Arsenal did the domestic cup double that season.
Tottenham 2 – 2 Arsenal (April 25th 2004)
Perhaps the most iconic game between these two in the modern era. Arsenal came into this league game unbeaten and on course to win the Premier League as the invincibles. They just needed a draw at the White Hart Lane. Arsenal got off to a fast start as they raced away into a 2-0 lead with goals from Viera and Pires. Spurs, though, made a comeback as they made it 2-2 with goals from Redknapp and Keane. Arsenal hung on to draw the game and win the League title for the 2nd time at their arch-rivals home. Arsenal fans have made a song about it, too.
Tottenham 5 – 1 Arsenal (22nd January 2008)
A game of utmost significance for Spurs. It was the last time they won a major trophy. Arsenal and Tottenham were drawn in the Semis of the League Cup. After the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, all eyes turned to the 2nd leg. Spurs absolutely annihilated Arsenal to power into the finals. Goals from Robbie Keane, Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Lennon, an OG from Bendtner, and Steed Malbranque secured a smashing 5-1 win for the Spurs and 6-2 on aggregate. Spurs went on to beat Chelsea in the final and lift the League Cup.