A long standing sore point did much to escalate the Tottenham-Arsenal rivalry. In 1919, the First Division was going to increase in size from 18 to 20 teams. Both Arsenal and Tottenham were lobbying for one of these spots. League President, John McKenna, gave his endorsement to Arsenal and they won the vote to secure place in the top flight.

Tottenham were furious and were convinced that Arsenal had used underhanded tactics to aid their campaign. Before not too long, Tottenham were themselves promoted, allowing the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry to take place on the pitch.

This first match took place in 1921 and was played in quite a nasty and spiteful spirit. After the next couple of matches continued in this vein, the Football Association stepped in and promised to have the game played behind closed doors unless both sides cleaned up their act.

The Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry largely cooled down as between 1928 and 1950, Tottenham were only in the top flight for two years. Since 1950 then, there has only been one season when Arsenal and Tottenham were not in the same division. But due to Tottenham being relegated for so long and Arsenal winning a lot more trophies, they have the upper hand in the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry. They are the big brother to the little brother of Tottenham. They have been considerably more successful when it has come to head to head matches and both sides of the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry know this.

Tottenham though still can take pleasure when Arsenal lose. One of the most well known examples of this is Nayim’s goal in the 1995 Cup Winners Cup Final. Arsenal were trying to defend their title in the final against Real Zaragoza. There was just one minute left in extra time until the dreaded penalty shootout. Former Spurs player, Nayim, changed that when he lobbed David Seaman from over 40 yards out. He scored the most widely cheered Tottenham goal not actually scored by Tottenham.
Over the years, the Tottenham-Arsenal rivalry has witness some fantastic matches. In 1971, Arsenal played Tottenham in the final match of the season. They required a win or 0-0 draw to take the title and scored the winner just three minutes from time.

In 1987, Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry crystallized in the 1987 League Cup semi-final. Arsenal won a replay at White Hart Lane and would end up winning their first trophy since 1979. This would herald the start of a new era at Highbury.

Tottenham fought back in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final. Given the strength of the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry, this was the first FA Cup semi final to be played at Wembley. Paul Gascoigne scored from a famous free kick and Gary Lineker scored twice to send Spurs through to the final which they would go on to win.
Arsenal turned the tables in 1993 when they defeated Tottenham in the FA Cup semi final. They would also go on to won the FA Cup.

In 2004, Arsenal won the league at White Lane Hart after drawing 2-2. Tottenham did very well to fightback from 2-0 down, but still there is no greater achievement than winning the league on your rival’s home ground.
The 2008 League Cup semi final saw Tottenham smash Arsenal 5-1. This was Spurs first victory over Arsenal since 1999. This was a famous one for Tottenham and one they celebrated long and hard.

In 2009, the two played out a dramatic 4-4 draw. It looked like Arsenal were going to win but Tottenham scored twice in the final two minutes. Although it was a draw, Tottenham were the moral victors.

While many players have played for both teams, not many have made direct transfers between the two. When it happens, it is big news and the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry gets turned up a few more notches. This is what happened in the case of Sol Campbell who moved to Arsenal from Tottenham. He was called Judas by the Spurs fans who were incensed by his actions. Campbell was the first played since Pat Jennings in 1977 to go from Tottenham to Arsenal. These two are the highest profile moves. Going in the other way, there haven’t been as many and nothing as infamous. The most recent player to leave Arsenal for Tottenham was David Bentley.

Jimmy Robertson has played for both teams and remains the only player to have scored for both sides of the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry.

George Graham is a big factor in the Tottenham-Arsenal rivalry. As a player for Arsenal, he helped set up the goal which gave Arsenal the 1970-71 League title. This goal was scored at White Hart Lane. Graham then took charge of Arsenal where he managed Arsenal to two League and one FA Cup triumphs. He left Arsenal for Leeds and after two years was actually signed by Tottenham. As you would think, the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry went into overdrive as a result of this. The coach who had inflicted such pain on Tottenham was now there to return the favor to his old side. In two and a half years there he won the League Cup with Tottenham, but he could never fully win over some of the Tottenham fans who still harbored some resentment towards him. That’s the way the Arsenal – Tottenham rivalry works. One you pick a side, you can never really change it.