RIVALRY
North London Derby
Overview
The North London Derby is the rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, shaped by Arsenal’s move to north London and more than a century of league and cup meetings.
History
Arsenal moved from Woolwich to Highbury in 1913. Tottenham’s official history identifies the first top-flight north London league derby in 1921, after Spurs returned to the First Division, although the clubs had met earlier before Arsenal’s relocation. Over the following century the fixture became one of England’s most recognisable city rivalries. Footballopedia links it to Arsenal, Tottenham, Highbury, Emirates Stadium, White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Premier League and the players and managers central to both clubs’ modern and historical eras.
Sources
The Knowledge: When was the first 'north London' derby?Publisher: Tottenham Hotspur · Accessed: 2026-10-07
Spurs v Arsenal - history, stats and factsPublisher: Tottenham Hotspur · Accessed: 2026-10-07