Arsenal – Tottenham history: All about the strangest and unique derby in the Premier League
Because of the Arsenal vs Tottenham rivalry history, the fight for the final Champions League ticket this season between the two teams has become even more intense. Learn more now.
The story of the Arsenal - Tottenham rivalry has been blown up again and hotter than ever before, with only a few rounds remaining before the decisive match to compete for the final Premier League’s representative in the Europe's most prestigious club competition. Every year, dozens of derbies take place, but none are as brutal and divisive as the North London derby. Continue reading with 247sport.net to see the reason behind and interesting facts!
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The History of the rivalry
Founded in 1886 by a group of workers of the Royal Arsenal company, Gunner's location in the south London was initially not close to Tottenham - the team was founded four years earlier. It wasn't too severe until a wealthy British businessman named Henry Norris took over Arsenal's chairman position that all rivalry broke out.
First, Norris decided to relocate the team's headquarters to Highbury, a newly built stadium just five miles from the Spurs. Of course, Tottenham fans disputed this relocation plan because everything in London is now too crowded.
In 1919, the level of jealousy reached an all-time high. For five years, England's top football league was halted due to World War I.
At that time, the organizing committee planned to increase the number of participating teams from 20 to 22. Therefore, no team will be relegated as a result of the initial decision. Tottenham Hotspur was, of course, the most exciting name at the time because of standing at the last position.
Norris, however, had a different opinion. The tycoon decided to put pressure by using his money. As a result, a vote was held in which Tottenham and six teams of the Division Two took part.
Arsenal, which had finished sixth in the previous Division Two season, found itself with a chance. And, through deft diplomacy, Harris assisted the "Gunners" in garnering the most votes and securing the only ticket to play in England's top league.
Tottenham was furious, but all attempts to condemn it fell short of Norris's silver coins. From that point of time, north London was divided into two halves, resulting in a period of intense animosity.
Tottenham were back in the Premier League after only one year. The next derby was a bloodbath. Fans on both sides hurled curse words, bottles, and money into the rivals.
Even after over a century, all resentment still follows the flow of time and has not subsided.
The rivalry lasts forever
Arsenal forward Theo Walcott suffered a major injury in an FA Cup match against Tottenham in early 2014. To torment the Spur fans, the English player showed his finger to mark the score of 2-0 as he was carried off the field on a stretcher. A rain of coins was falling that day.
Players transferring from two North London clubs had it even worse. The story of striker Emmanuel Aderbayor is a good illustration. After a great spell at Arsenal, Aderbayor went on to join Tottenham Hotspur.
The day Aderbayor returned to the Emirates was a terrible hell for him. Every time the Togo player touched the ball, he was greeted with boos and obscenities. Aderbayor was also subjected to several life threats.
As a result, only 15 players have dared to play for both of these rival teams in their more than 120-year history. Every time they return to confront their old teammates, they got nightmares from their once beloved fans.
When Arsenal fans celebrated as if they were champions after their favorite team officially defeated Tottenham on the final day of the Premier League 2015/2016, it was clear how fierce the rivalry between the two teams was.
The hostility has become as natural in North London as breathing. Arsenal fans despise Tottenham fans, and vice versa. They can be coworkers, friends, or even brothers in the same family, but when a derby takes place, the two sides are clearly divided, and the winners frequently taunt their opponents for several years after.
Back to the current time, we will once again experience that unique atmosphere soon when Tottenham – Arsenal match takes place in the middle of the season's two penultimate weeks. With the current situation, the match is likely to be the "decisive fight" for the remaining top 4 spots, besides Man City, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Above is all The rivalry history of Tottenham – Arsenal and the reason to look forward to a fantastic coming match between the two teams. The fierce battle between the two London teams that will decide the entire season will take place on coming May 13 and you can watch live at 247sport.net! For more information, please comment in the comment box.
