If you search for arsenal vs tottenham head-to-head, you’re likely wanting more than just numbers—you want the stories behind the stats, the turning points, the legends. In this piece, VulcanKick will guide you through the history, the records, the key matches, and what makes this rivalry special in every season.
Roots of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham is more than just local geography—it’s history, pride, and identity. Tottenham Hotspur were established first (in 1882), while Arsenal moved into north London in 1913. That relocation planted the seeds of tension.
That record gives Arsenal a historic edge in the rivalry. Over the decades, the two clubs have battled not only for bragging rights but also for supremacy in London, domestic titles, and European places.
Overall Head-to-Head Records
When dissecting arsenal vs tottenham head-to-head, the numbers are fascinatingten tell multiple stories depending on the competition or era.
Total Matches & Wins
- In the Football League / league competitions: Arsenal lead with 84 wins; Tottenham have 61; draws number around 52.
- Including all competitions (FA Cup, League Cup, etc.), the totals shift slightly but the broad trend remains: Arsenal hold the advantage.
- In more recent head-to-heads (league + cup in modern era), Arsenal often win slightly more than Tottenham or the matches are tightly contested.
Home vs Away
The derby becomes even more dramatic when we split by venue:
- At Arsenal’s home (Emirates / Highbury era): Arsenal tend to have the up.
- At Tottenham’s home (White Hart Lane / Tottenham Hotspur Stadium): Spurs have had notable upsets and big nights, but consistency is harder.
- Neutral or cup venues: These matches often carry extra drama, with underdog moments and surprise results.
Goal Totals & Margins
- One of the most emphatic results in the rivalry was Arsenal’s 6–0 demolition of Tottenham away in 1935—still the largest winning margin. ipedia])
- High-scoring games are part of the lore: e.g. 5–4 Arsenal win in 2004 is among the most memorable.
- Overall, matches tend toward moderate scoring, but bursts of attacking flair often produce standout fixtures.
Memorable Clashes That Define the Rivalry
Some matches became more than results—they became part of North London folklore.
Arsenal 5–4 Tottenham (2004)
An attacking bonanza. Goals at all ends. A fixture that embodies derby chaos, tension, comebacks, and pure entertainment.
Tottenham 5–0 Arsenal (1983) / Arsenal 5–0 Tottenham (1978)
Rare thrashings for both sides. Spurs once destroyed Arsenal at home, and Arsenal later returned the favor at White Hart Lane.
6–0 Arsenal Victory (1935)
Still the biggest margin in this derby’s history. Arsenal overpowered Tottenham on their own turf.
Recent Derby Wins & Turning Moments
- In January 2025, Arsenal edged out Spurs in a 2–1 win thanks to Leandro Trossard’s decisive strike.
- In the 2025 pre-season, the derby ventured abroad to Hong Kong in a spectacle outside England—the first time this rivalry was played overseas. Spurs won 1–0 via a long-range goal. uters])
These fixtures underline why arsenal vs tottenham head-to-head is about more than history—it’s about moments that stay alive in supporters’ minds.
Top Scorers & Derby Legends
Goals win derbies, and certain names have made their mark.
- Harry Kane is the top scorer in the derby for Tottenham, with 14 goals.
- Emmanuel Adebayor is unique in having scored for both clubs in the derby, with a combined total of 10 goals.
- Robert Pires has scored 9 derby goals—one of the highest for Arsenal.
Other legends—Bobby Smith, Alan Sunderland—are part of the fabric of this rivalry, symbolizing eras when the matches pivoted on individual brilliance.
Recent Trends & Recent Head-to-Heads
In contemporary seasons, arsenal vs tottenham head-to-head matches have been tighter, often decided by one goal or a tactical nuance rather than lopsided dominance.
- Over the past decade, Arsenal have had more consistent success, particularly under Mikel Arteta.
- Between 2021 and early 2025, Arsenal’s derby form has been impressive—win streaks, comebacks, and tactical mastery.
- Yet Tottenham still pull off shocks, especially in cup competitions or when morale is high.
Recent meetings (league & cup) often finish as narrow wins or draws. Neither side can truly rest easy going into these games.
Why This Derby Still Matters
- Cultural & local pride: The clubs’ grounds are only about 4 miles apart, and both fanbases live intertwined across north London.
- Momentum & season impact: A derby win can swing confidence, momentum, and even league ranking dramatically.
- Spotlight & stories: Each match yields talking points—red cards, tactical masterclasses, rising stars, veteran redemption.
- Tradition & memory: Fans pass down stories of 5–4 thrillers, 6–0 blowouts, and last-minute heartbreaks.
In short, arsenal vs tottenham head-to-head is a living rivalry that evolves each season yet always carries the weight of decades.
How to Watch & What to Expect
If you’re preparing for the next derby:
- Expect intensity.
- Goals might come early, or late. Tactical battles in midfield often define the balance.
- Expect physicality, passionate fans, and moments where legends are made.
- For bettors or analysts: look at recent form, injuries, psychological edge. Derby performance often defies pure statistics.
Conclusion
Arsenal vs Tottenham head-to-head is more than a statistic—it’s the story of football in North London, shaped by titanic matches, legendary scorers, and seasons where the outcome mattered far beyond 90 minutes. Over the long run, Arsenal hold the edge in wins and grandeur, but Tottenham always lurk with the capacity for surprise.
If you’re hungry for more—match previews, head-to-head breakdowns by competition, player spotlights—let VulcanKick be your go-to. Stay tuned, dive deeper, and keep the rivalry alive.
