Alex MacQuoid
North London derby day is here again — and few fixtures in English football carry the same weight, history, and hostility as Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal.
With Spurs fighting to pull clear of relegation danger and Arsenal battling to avoid another late-season title wobble, Sunday’s clash adds another dramatic chapter to one of the Premier League’s fiercest rivalries.
But what does history tell us?
Tottenham vs Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (All Competitions)
Total Meetings: 212
Arsenal Wins: 90
Tottenham Wins: 67
Draws: 55
Arsenal hold the historical advantage, with 90 victories to Spurs’ 67 across more than a century of meetings. The rivalry dates back to the late 19th century, intensifying significantly after Arsenal’s move to North London in 1913.
In league-only meetings since 1909, the Gunners also maintain the edge — underlining their long-term dominance in the fixture.
Recent North London Derby Dominance
While the rivalry has historically ebbed and flowed, recent years have belonged firmly to Arsenal.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Tottenham.
That run includes six wins and one draw — and notably, three straight victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Last Five Meetings
Nov 23, 2025 – Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham
Jan 15, 2025 – Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham
Sep 15, 2024 – Tottenham 0-1 Arsenal
Apr 28, 2024 – Tottenham 2-3 Arsenal
Sep 24, 2023 – Arsenal 2-2 Tottenham
Arsenal have completed league doubles, secured narrow away wins, and even produced statement performances — including the 4-1 thrashing inspired by Eberechi Eze’s historic hat-trick.
For context, Arsenal last won five straight league derbies between 1987 and 1989 — a run they are now threatening to replicate.
Spurs’ Struggles at Home
Home advantage has offered little comfort recently.
Tottenham have lost their last three Premier League home games against Arsenal — as many defeats as they suffered in their previous 23 home league derbies combined.
The last time Spurs lost four consecutive home NLDs came between 1952 and 1955.
Given their current home form — just two wins all season — this trend cannot be ignored.
Iconic North London Derby Moments
The derby has delivered unforgettable matches across eras:
• Arsenal winning the league at White Hart Lane in 1971 and during their Invincible 2003/04 campaign.
• Tottenham’s 5-0 home win in 1983.
• Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition at White Hart Lane in 1978.
• The highest-scoring clash: Arsenal 5-4 Spurs in 2004.
• Spurs’ 3-1 FA Cup semi-final victory in 1991.
Few rivalries combine historical significance and modern intensity quite like this one.
Top Scorers in North London Derby History
Harry Kane (Tottenham) – 14 goals
Bobby Smith – 10
Emmanuel Adebayor – 10 (8 for Arsenal, 2 for Spurs)
For Arsenal:
Robert Pires – 9 goals
Emmanuel Adebayor – 8 (for Arsenal)
Alan Sunderland – 8
Kane remains the all-time top scorer in this fixture — a record unlikely to be challenged soon.
Arteta’s Derby Record
Mikel Arteta has won 41 of his 68 Premier League London derbies — a 60.3% win rate, the best of any manager to oversee at least 20 such matches.
Since losing to Spurs in May 2022, Arsenal have lost just once in 21 away London league games.
That consistency explains why recent derby meetings have tilted red.
What the H2H Trends Suggest
History does not guarantee outcomes — but patterns matter.
• Arsenal dominant in recent years
• Spurs struggling at home
• Arsenal scoring consistently in the fixture
• High-scoring games common in modern meetings
With Tottenham entering this clash under new management and Arsenal battling title pressure, narrative tension is high — but the numbers favour the visitors.
Final Word
The North London Derby is never just about form. It is about pride, momentum, and legacy.
Across 212 meetings, Arsenal have built a clear historical advantage. In the modern era, that edge has grown stronger.
Whether Igor Tudor can halt that trend — or whether Arsenal extend their dominance — will define another explosive chapter in one of football’s most watched rivalries.
North London. Divided forever.