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Few fixtures mean more to Arsenal supporters than the North London derby, and some victories over Tottenham live particularly long in the memory. For Liam Harding, two extraordinary 5-2 wins at the Emirates within the same calendar year certainly fall into that category.

As an Arsenal fan, I know our biggest rival in history has been Tottenham Hotspur Football Club since we moved homes to North London in 1913, following a short stay in the south of the capital. Spurs have lost more times to Arsenal overall, with fortunes aligning in our favour since the test of time, especially in recent years.

Within the space of one calendar year, Arsène Wenger’s Gunners thrashed Spurs 5-2 twice at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League during the early 2010s.

Arsenal fight back from 2-0 down to beat Spurs 5-2

On February 26th, 2012, Wenger’s men in red and white sailed to the first of their two impressive annihilations versus the Spuds, as some nickname them, though they were forced to work hard for it.

Within only four minutes, Harry Redknapp’s Spurs opened the scoring via Louis Saha, before former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor doubled the pain from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.

Arsenal had no choice but to respond.

Within seven minutes, Bacary Sagna halved the deficit with an impeccable header and, moments later, Robin van Persie unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box to wickedly equalise at 2-2.

At half-time, Arsenal fine-tuned their cannons.

Inside the 51st minute, Tomáš Rosický poked one in from inside the box, turning the tide of the game.

Then, within the space of just three minutes, a heroic Theo Walcott wrapped up the game superbly with two damaging strikes to seal the famous 5-2 victory.

On the stroke of the 65th minute, the Englishman dinked one over Brad Friedel before finding the far side of the visiting keeper’s goal for a second time in the 68th.

After the standout win, Wenger declared to BBC Sport:

“Arsenal is alive more than anybody thought before the game. That performance, and the style of the game we want to play, was perfect despite a very bad start.”

Arsenal do it all over again at the Emirates

Against the staggering odds, Arsenal repeated the exact scoreline on November 17th, 2012.

Within 10 minutes, it was the troublesome Adebayor who caused havoc again, tapping in after a mistake in the box. But just eight minutes later, he was sent off for a reckless challenge – a moment Arsenal capitalised on perfectly.

During the 24th minute, German giant Per Mertesacker stood up to the occasion, flicking in an almighty header to pull Arsenal level.

Moments before the interval, Lukas Podolski buried a deflected shot into the bottom corner, steering Arsenal into a 2-1 lead.

Then, in first-half added time, Olivier Giroud doubled our advantage, turning up the notches to a credible 3-1 scoreline.

On the hour mark, “Oh Santi Cazorla”, as the fans once chanted, tucked away a fourth goal from close range to cement Arsenal’s advantage.

Inside the 71st minute, Gareth Bale pulled one back from the edge of the box, only to see Walcott score yet again in the dying moments of the game, sweeping his effort past Hugo Lloris.

Following another undisputed victory, Wenger told the press:

“It’s a big win, I promised goals before the game. You were not disappointed. In the end it was a great win, a great score and that will strengthen our belief.”

Unbelievable!

Two North London derbies and ten Arsenal goals

The one and only Arsenal blitzed Spurs 10-4 on aggregate at home across the space of a single year, something that hasn’t been repeated since.

But maybe one day?

Liam Harding

What are your memories of those two incredible 5-2 victories over Tottenham? Which of the two North London derby wins gave you the most satisfaction, and which goal stands out most? Let us know in the comments below.

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Reports linking Arsenal with Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero certainly grab the headlines, but this is one rumour that feels difficult to picture becoming reality.

According to Football.London, citing reports from Italy, both Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs credited with an interest in the Argentina international, whose future at Spurs appears increasingly uncertain.

Romero, 28, has reportedly fallen out of favour in north London after a difficult end to last season, with Tottenham already strengthening their central defensive options this summer. Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have also been linked with the defender.

Romero fits Arsenal’s need – but does the transfer?

There is no denying Romero’s quality.

The World Cup-winning Argentine is naturally a right-sided centre-back, meaning he could theoretically provide cover for injured William Saliba, who is expected to miss a significant part of the new season following back surgery.

Reports suggest Arsenal remain in the market for defensive reinforcements, so from a purely footballing perspective the profile makes sense.

However, everything else makes far less sense.

Romero is not just another Tottenham player – he is their club captain.

Selling your captain to your fiercest rivals would be an extraordinary decision for Spurs, regardless of whether he is expected to leave this summer.

Tottenham were previously believed to value Romero at around £60 million, although other reports have suggested that asking price may have fallen considerably.

Would either set of supporters accept it?

Even if Tottenham were prepared to cash in, you have to wonder how either fanbase would react.

Spurs supporters would surely struggle to accept seeing their captain join Arsenal.

Equally, plenty of Gooners may question whether signing a player so closely associated with Tottenham fits the culture Mikel Arteta has carefully built over recent years.

Stranger transfers have happened in football, but this one would certainly rank among the most surprising.

For now, Arsenal’s reported interest remains just that – a report. With several European clubs also monitoring Romero’s situation, a move away from Tottenham may yet happen this summer.

Whether that destination could realistically be the Emirates Stadium is another question entirely.

Would you welcome Cristian Romero at Arsenal if the opportunity arose, or is signing Tottenham’s captain simply a step too far Gooners?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Arsenal are reportedly closing in on another exciting academy addition after emerging as favourites to sign former Tottenham Hotspur defender Elijah Upson.

According to SportsView, the Gunners have won the race for the highly-rated 18-year-old centre-back following his departure from Spurs, despite significant interest from clubs across England and Europe.

Arsenal reportedly win race for highly-rated defender

According to the report, Upson allowed his Tottenham scholarship to expire after rejecting the club’s offer of a professional contract.

That decision is said to have sparked widespread interest, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton all attempting to secure his signature.

The report also claims Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, along with Ligue 1 side Monaco, all made offers before the teenager opted to continue his development with Arsenal after visiting the club’s Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Should the move be completed, it would represent another impressive piece of academy recruitment by Arsenal as they continue strengthening their youth ranks.

Familiar family connection

There is also a notable Arsenal connection.

Upson is the son of former England international Matthew Upson, who began his Premier League career with the Gunners under Arsène Wenger before enjoying a successful top-flight career elsewhere.

The younger Upson has already represented England at Under-18 level and is regarded as one of the country’s most promising young defenders.

He combines his imposing physical presence with outstanding pace, having previously been a national schools 100-metre sprint champion.

His athleticism, aerial ability and composure in possession are believed to have attracted interest from several elite clubs before Arsenal reportedly won the race for his signature.

The report also suggests the arrival of Upson could help offset the expected departure of Hale End prospect Kyran Thompson, who has been linked with a move away from north London this summer.

As things stand, however, Arsenal have yet to officially announce the signing, so supporters may have to wait a little longer before any deal is confirmed.

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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Sandro Tonali since the January transfer window; however, the Italian midfielder is heading towards Tottenham Hotspur instead.

It comes as a surprise that Spurs could edge ahead of Arsenal in the race for a high-profile signing, although the Gunners are understood to have stepped back from the deal for financial reasons.

Tonali has been regarded as one of the leading midfielders for several years and has played a major role in elevating Newcastle United’s performances since his arrival at the club.

There were earlier suggestions in January that Arsenal were offered the opportunity to pursue a deal for the midfielder, but the timing of the window made negotiations difficult, and he ultimately remained at Newcastle.

Tottenham move ahead in race

This summer presented another opportunity for clubs to revisit the situation, but as reported by Football365, Tottenham are now set to acquire his signature.

The report suggests Arsenal chose not to continue pursuing the deal due to the overall financial package involved, rather than the transfer fee alone.

While Arsenal may have been willing to consider the valuation placed on Tonali, additional costs such as agent fees, commissions, and signing-on bonuses reportedly made the deal less attractive from their perspective.

Arsenal’s stance on transfer strategy

Tottenham are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase following a difficult campaign, while Arsenal are viewed as a more stable side with a clearer long-term structure and sporting direction.

As a result, Arsenal are believed to be more cautious about entering bidding battles that require exceeding their internal wage and financial frameworks.

The club philosophy remains focused on sustainable squad building rather than overextending financially for individual targets, even when the player involved is considered among the best in his position.

Oliver Glasner has appeared to aim a subtle dig at Tottenham Hotspur after Eberechi Eze rejected a move to Spurs in favour of joining Arsenal, where he has already enjoyed major success by helping the club secure the Premier League title.

Eze had been widely expected to leave Crystal Palace at the end of last season, although Arsenal were initially focused on strengthening other areas of their squad before eventually moving for the midfielder during the transfer window.

Arsenal Beat Spurs To Eze

That delay reportedly allowed Tottenham to pursue the England international, with manager Thomas Frank believed to have identified Eze as his preferred option in the number 10 role. Reports suggested the player had agreed to join Spurs if Arsenal did not formalise their interest in signing him.

However, Eze also made it clear that Arsenal remained his preferred destination if the club decided to pursue a deal. The Gunners eventually acted, completing the signing and adding another high-profile player to their squad ahead of the campaign.

Glasner Praises Arsenal Move

The move has proven successful for both player and club, with Eze playing an important role during a campaign that has already delivered the Premier League title for Arsenal. The midfielder could still end the season with further silverware if the club also triumph in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Tottenham face an uncertain conclusion to their own season, with concerns remaining over their league position heading into the final day of the campaign.

According to the Metro, Glasner praised Arsenal’s achievement while also highlighting Eze’s decision to join the Gunners. He said: “‘First of all, I want to congratulate Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, his players, staff, for a huge achievement of winning the title after 22 years, it’s a fantastic job they have done.

‘Also a special congrats to Eberechi, I think he’s taken the right decision to go to Arsenal and not to another club.’”

Tottenham Hotspur remain focused on securing their Premier League status, but the club are also continuing preparations for next season with potential transfer targets already being considered.

Despite enduring a disappointing campaign, Tottenham still regard themselves as one of the country’s leading clubs and are expected to strengthen their squad if they avoid relegation from the top flight.

The North London side already possesses several talented players, but they are reportedly planning further additions during the summer transfer window, including a possible move for Eduardo Camavinga.

Tottenham join race for Camavinga

According to Fichajes, Tottenham are the latest club to add Camavinga to their shortlist as the midfielder prepares to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

The report claims that Tottenham have already made contact with the player’s entourage as they attempt to position themselves strongly in the race for his signature.

Camavinga was recently left out of the France squad for the 2026 World Cup, and the midfielder is now believed to feel that a change of environment could help him regain prominence at club and international level.

A move to the Premier League is considered a realistic possibility, particularly given the long-standing interest from Arsenal.

Arsenal remain strong contenders

Arsenal have reportedly admired Camavinga for an extended period and could still become serious contenders for his signature if he becomes available during the summer.

While Tottenham’s interest may complicate matters, Arsenal’s recent success and upward trajectory could provide them with an advantage in any potential negotiations.

The Gunners are currently competing for major honours domestically and in Europe, making them an attractive destination for elite players seeking stability and ambition at the highest level.

Tottenham’s hopes may therefore depend not only on remaining in the Premier League, but also on convincing Camavinga that their long-term project is capable of matching interest from more established contenders.

The midfielder’s future is expected to become one of the major transfer stories of the summer window.

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With Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League safety still far from certain, there is growing speculation that they could face the risk of losing key players if their situation deteriorates. Arsenal are among the clubs reportedly monitoring developments closely, with the possibility of targeting at least one player should circumstances change significantly.

A move between Tottenham and Arsenal remains highly sensitive in North London, with such transfers traditionally regarded as controversial. However, there have been examples in the past, and if Tottenham were to suffer relegation, they could find themselves with limited ability to retain their most valuable squad members.

Arsenal Monitoring Potential Opportunity

Several leading European clubs are understood to be waiting for Tottenham’s fate to be confirmed before making moves in the transfer market. Arsenal are reportedly among those considering their options, with Lucas Bergvall identified as a potential target if the situation allows.

The midfielder is regarded as one of Tottenham’s most promising and valuable first-team players. He is said to remain fully committed to the club while they continue to compete in the top flight, and his performances have made him an important part of their squad planning.

However, uncertainty surrounding their league status has led to increased attention from rival clubs. Arsenal are believed to be monitoring the situation carefully, viewing him as a potential long-term addition if he becomes available.

Contract Commitment and Transfer Uncertainty

According to Team Talk, Bergvall is the player Arsenal would most like to secure from Tottenham should they be relegated at the end of the season. The report highlights growing interest while also acknowledging the current conditions surrounding his future.

At the same time, it is stressed that the midfielder has committed his future to Tottenham for as long as they remain in the Premier League. His stance suggests that any potential move would depend entirely on a major change in circumstances rather than immediate intent to leave.

If Tottenham were to retain their top-flight status, it is expected that they would be in a far stronger position to resist interest from domestic rivals. However, relegation would significantly alter the dynamics of the transfer market and could open the door for approaches from clubs such as Arsenal.

As the season progresses, attention is likely to remain on Tottenham’s survival battle and the possible consequences it could have on their squad stability heading into the summer window.

For anyone still wondering whether North London is red or white, Arsenal have just confirmed it is emphatically red!

In form Leandro Trossard broke the deadlock before Eberechi Eze stole the show with a hat trick, sealing a 4 to 1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Richarlison’s strike was little more than a consolation.

And while Trossard and Eze rightly grabbed the headlines, Piero Hincapie’s performance should not go unnoticed.

Hincapie Unfazed On Full Debut In The NLD

Handed his full Premier League debut in the North London derby due to Gabriel Magalhaes’ injury, the Ecuadorian was neither fazed by the occasion nor the pressure that comes with such a tricky fixture.

He delivered an assured display, exhibiting Gabriel’s trademark defensive solidity and aerial dominance at the heart of Arsenal’s backline. His debut was near perfect, with the greatest compliment being that Gabriel’s absence was barely felt.

Media Reaction

The media were quick to acknowledge his impact.

London Evening Standard admitted, “Handed his first start in the Premier League due to Gabriel being out injured. Put in a strong performance and did not put a foot wrong.”

Goal echoed those claims, “Came in for Gabriel and acquitted himself well at the back, albeit he was not tested a great deal. Likes to get forward, too.”

Football London added, “Great diving header clearance from Odobert’s cross in the second half. Replacing Gabriel, the Ecuadorian did an excellent job all round.”

The perfect Kiwior replacement. Hincapie proved his mettle, easing Arsenal’s concerns over missing Gabriel, who has been enjoying one of his most influential campaigns yet.

His sharp decision making, composure in possession and aggression out of it, combined with ground coverage, mobility and intensity, make him the ideal Arsenal defender. In fact, he looks like the perfect upgrade on Jakub Kiwior.

He is precisely the Gabriel alternative Mikel Arteta needed after allowing the unsettled Kiwior to depart for FC Porto.

Your thoughts on Hincapie Gooners?

Daniel O

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ADMIN COMMENT

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North London is red as it has always been, after Arsenal’s emphatic 4 to 1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates.

Eberechi Eze rightly grabbed the headlines with his hat trick, yet Leandro Trossard’s top class derby performance also deserves recognition.

Trossard Finding His Rhythm

Trossard has found his stride if his recent run of starts is anything to go by. In his last four Arsenal appearances, all starts, he has contributed two goals and two assists.

On Sunday evening he rose to the occasion, delivering a spirited display crowned by the opening goal that broke the deadlock and an assist for Eze’s hat trick. His influence was pivotal in Arsenal’s commanding win.

Media Reaction To His Display

The English media were quick to highlight his impact.

Football London noted, “It looked like the first touch had taken away the chance, but the spin and finish with his left foot was sublime. He was excellent outside of the goal too, and no doubt his pressing, defensive work, and chance creation take him among the top scorers.”

Goal echoed those sentiments, “Timed his run to perfection for Arsenal’s first of the game and just about did enough to squirm his shot past Vicario. His movement and decision making were top notch and nabbed an assist, too.”

The London Evening Standard captured the essence of his performance, “A hint of fortune about his goal, but he deserved it for a tireless performance. Caused Spurs plenty of problems and set up Eze’s third goal. One of his best games in an Arsenal shirt.”

Arsenal were right to keep faith. Although heavily linked with an exit, Arsenal moved decisively last summer to offer the former Brighton man a new deal with improved wages, albeit on the same timeframe. That pay rise has already proved worthwhile.

Trossard has steadied a left wing position that had looked uncertain, with Arsenal previously eyeing big names such as Rodrygo. His five goal contributions in the last four matches underline his consistency.

Hopefully this Trossard season does not slip under the radar. He has been one of the Premier League’s standout wingers, delivering clutch goals time and again. What a player he is.

What did you think of Trossard’s performance?

Daniel O

__________________________________________________________________________________________

ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

Hoping to extend their fine North London derby form at home, Arsenal duly delivered.

With victory over Tottenham Hotspur, the Gunners have now recorded fifteen wins in twenty four Emirates NLDs, with the remaining games producing seven draws and just a single defeat.

And while Arsenal painted North London red, it was Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze who stole the headlines. Trossard broke the deadlock, and Eze grabbed a hat trick as Arsenal ran riot against their noisy neighbours.

Richarlison scored, but his goal proved little more than a footnote as Arsenal won it 4 to 1.

Here are my key takeaways from a brilliantly memorable evening.

Eze Has Arrived

Eze has finally landed. The summer recruit became the first Arsenal player to score a hat trick in this fixture since Alan Sunderland back in 1978. All his goals were breathtaking, they crowned a performance full of energy and intelligence. On and off the ball he was outstanding, silencing any lingering doubts with his brilliance.

Trossard And Arsenal’s Control

Breaking the deadlock in Sunday’s derby, Trossard extended his remarkable run of form. He has now contributed directly to goals in four consecutive starts, two strikes and two assists.

The Belgian is cementing his place on the left flank, bringing stability to a position that had looked shaky. Gabriel Martinelli suddenly faces a daunting task in trying to reclaim his spot.

Arsenal dominated the midfield. Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur could not cope in the centre of the park.

With Mikel Merino leading the line, Arsenal clearly fielded an extra midfielder. With the Spaniard not staying fixed in the number nine position, instead dropping deep, it overloaded the midfield. Spurs were suffocated, unable to find rhythm or space.

That control allowed Arsenal to dictate proceedings, vary their attacking patterns and remain unpredictable in the final third with different runners.

Hincapie offered an assured full debut. There were concerns about how Arsenal would cope without Gabriel Magalhaes, who has quietly become their defensive cornerstone. Yet Piero Hincapie rose to the occasion.

On his full debut, the Ecuadorian was composed and unfazed by the derby atmosphere. He barely put a foot wrong, delivering a performance so assured that Gabriel’s absence went unnoticed.

Notably, Arsenal had historically struggled without Gabriel, failing to win eighteen of the thirty league matches he has missed since joining in 2020. But on Sunday, that statistic did not matter.

The win leaves Arsenal six points clear at the top of the Premier League. Next up is a clash with Chelsea, and if the Gunners can dispatch their London rivals, they could stretch their lead even further.

What a fantastic game!

What were your key takeaways?

Daniel O

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ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.