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Tottenham vs Arsenal classic White Hart Lane clashes: Invincibles’ title party, Sol Campbell’s return and a Nicklas Bendtner League Cup special

Ahead of the last-ever North London derby at Spurs' ground, we take a look back at nine memorable encounters between rivals

TOTTENHAM host Arsenal in what could be one of the most intense North London derbies in history.

As well as the chance to ensure Spurs finish higher than their rivals for the first time since 1995 and the fact it’s the final clash ever at White Hart Lane — Mauricio Pochettino’s men are still well in the title hunt.

Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger prepare for last White Hart Lane derby

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Mauricio Pochettino and Arsene Wenger prepare for last White Hart Lane derby

And that’s without even mentioning the Gunners’ top four challenge.


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With incentives aplenty for both sides, this clash is sure to be a cracker.

But that’s nothing new in this fixture — here are nine great North London derbies at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham 4 Arsenal 2: Jan 21, 1961

Tottenham beat Arsenal 4-2 en route to winning English top flight in 1960-61

PA:Press Association Archive
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Tottenham beat Arsenal 4-2 en route to winning English top flight in 1960-61

Spurs were already a whopping ten points clear at the top of the table, with the Gunners languishing in mid-table.

But this win served to prove the dominance of the Lillywhites.

Danny Blanchflower and Les Allen were both on target for the eventual double-winners.

Bill Nicholson’s men became the first side to achieve that feat in the 1900s.

Tottenham 0 Arsenal 1: May 3, 1971

Arsenal celebrated winning the English top flight at White Hart Lane in 1970-71

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Arsenal celebrated winning the English top flight at White Hart Lane in 1970-71There can be nothing sweeter than clinching the top flight title at the home of your arch-rivals — and Arsenal have done it twice.

Only a win or goalless draw would see the Gunners pip Leeds to the post and be crowned English champions for the first time in 21 years.

Ray Kennedy scored the game’s only goal of the game three minutes from time — and Bertie Mee’s men would go on to claim the Double themselves.

Furthermore, this was the only season ending in a 1 from 1951 to 1991 that Tottenham did not win the FA Cup.

Tottenham 1 Arsenal 3: May 5, 1999

Arsenal won a mammoth clash at White Hart Lane to reach Premier League summit

Getty Images
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Arsenal won a mammoth clash at White Hart Lane to reach Premier League summit

One of the most enthralling nights in Premier League history saw the Gunners go level in first place with Manchester United with just two games of the season remaining.

Emmanuel Petit’s opener for visitors was doubled by Nicolas Anelka, before Darren Anderton pulled one back just before half-time.

Nwankwo Kanu put the icing on the cake with a superb third — while at Anfield, United had blown a two-goal lead to throw the title race wide open.

Arsene Wenger’s men would lose at Leeds in the very next match and eventually miss out on the trophy by a point.

Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1: Nov 7, 1999

Freddie Ljungberg is sent off in Tottenham's last derby win for 11 years

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Freddie Ljungberg is sent off in Tottenham’s last derby win for 11 years

A significant victory, because it would be Spurs’ last over their arch-rivals for nine years.

Steffen Iversen’s opener was doubled by Tim Sherwood, before Patrick Vieira reduced arrears for Arsenal, who were well on top.

It was a busy day for the referee, who sent Freddie Ljungberg off just after the interval for an altercation with Justin Edinburgh.

And the Gunners were reduced to nine men when Martin Keown was given his marching orders in stoppage time.

Tottenham 1 Arsenal 1: November 17, 2001

Tottenham fans make their feelings clear as Sol Campbell returns as Arsenal player

AFP
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Tottenham fans make their feelings clear as Sol Campbell returns as Arsenal player

It was non-footballing reasons which made this clash arguably the most highly-anticipated in North London history.

Sol Campbell could have joined any club in the world when his contract at White Hart Lane was up, but he did the unthinkable — and joined Arsenal.

This was his first return to White Hart Lane and he was given dog’s abuse all day from the home fans.

On the pitch, Robert Pires thought he won the match when he opened the scoring nine minutes from time, only for Gus Poyet to equalise with 90 on the clock.

Tottenham 2 Arsenal 2: April 25, 2004

Arsenal celebrate winning the title at White Hart Lane for the second time, in 2004

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Arsenal celebrate winning the title at White Hart Lane for the second time, in 2004

Spurs may have come back from 2-0 down to nick a stoppage time draw — but this was Arsenal’s day.

A point confirmed the Gunners as Premier League champions for the third time in seven years, and they would go on to finish the campaign unbeaten.

Vieira netted the opener on three minutes and the champagne bottles were popping open when Pires made it two nine minutes before half-time.

However, Jamie Redknapp reduced the deficit and Robbie Keane equalised from the penalty spot with 90 minutes on the clock.

Tottenham 4 Arsenal 5: Nov 13, 2004

Thierry Henry scores the first of what would be nine goals at White Hart Lane

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Thierry Henry scores the first of what would be nine goals at White Hart Lane

A game with so many goals that then Chelsea boss compared to an “ice hockey” score.

Nourredine Naybet scored the game’s first on 37 minutes, with Thierry Henry equalising on the stroke of half-time.

Lauren and Vieira put the Gunners in control before Jermain Defoe pulled one back — only for Ljungberg to make it 4-2.

Ledley King then got in on the act and Pires netted his side’s fifth. But there was still time for Freddie Kanoute to become the game’s ninth different goal scorer.

Tottenham 5 Arsenal 1: Jan 22, 2008

Bacary Sagna attempts to break up warring Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor

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Bacary Sagna attempts to break up warring Nicklas Bendtner and Emmanuel Adebayor

Spurs’ only victory in 11 years over the Gunners came in a League Cup semi-final.

Arsenal had snatched a late draw at home in the first leg, but were 2-0 down here at half-time through a Jermaine Jenas opener and a Nicklas Bendtner own goal.

Keane added a third after the break before Aaron Lennon and Steed Malbranque completed the scoring with an Emmanuel Adebayor consolation.

And the future Spurs striker was involved in an on-pitch clash with Bendtnder, who also rowed with captain, William Gallas after the match.

Tottenham 3 Arsenal 3: April 20, 2011

Rafael van der Vaart brings Tottenham level and ends Arsenal's title hopes

Reuters
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Rafael van der Vaart brings Tottenham level and ends Arsenal’s title hopes

Earlier in the season, Spurs had come from two goals down to win their first match at Arsenal since 1993.

And it came on the back of their win at all in 11 — but it looked like normal service was resumed when the Gunners stormed to a 3-1 lead.

Theo Walcott’s opener was cancelled out by Rafael van der Vaart, but Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie but the visitors firmly in control.

Tom Huddlestone pulled one back just before half-time and Spurs sensed their chance.

With 20 minutes remaining, Van der Vaart equalised from the penalty spot and all but ended Arsenal’s slim title hopes.