The Premier League is one of the most fiercely contested divisions in world football, and for good reason, as tribal divides date back over a hundred years. None is more fiercely contested than the North-London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal Football Club.

Historical overview

Both clubs hail from North London—Arsenal from Islington, now Emirates Stadium) and Tottenham from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium) just a few miles apart. The fixture transcends mere competition, embodying deep-seated local pride, historical grievances, and cultural divides, often described as a battle for supremacy in the city’s northern half.

Fans refer to it as the “NLD,” and its atmosphere is legendary for its passion, with chants, flares, and occasional on-pitch clashes.

The League debut came on December 4, 1909, in the First Division, where Arsenal edged Tottenham 1–0 at White Hart Lane.

However, the rivalry as we know it didn’t fully spark until 1913, when Arsenal relocated from Plumstead to the newly built Arsenal Stadium, just four miles from Tottenham’s ground. Tottenham fans resented this “invasion” of their territory, viewing Arsenal as southern interlopers.

The first post-move clash was a 1914 War Relief Fund friendly, Arsenal stunning Tottenham 5–1 at White Hart Lane.

A pivotal controversy arose in 1919 during the...