Ten of the best.
As Saturday’s game approaches I’ve been thinking about classic North London Derbies from years gone by and some of the wonder goals we’ve put past that lot.
I’d wanted an excuse to watch various compilations on YouTube and ramble on about my favourite 10 goals against Sp*rs and this is the result.
This could easily have been a top 30 goals but I decided to be a little bit sensible
TEN
Rosicky: Sp*rs 0 v 1 Arsenal @ Three point lane
16/03/2014
What. A. Hit!
This rocket in the first couple of minutes was enough to give us three points that day and weirdly, we were still in contention for the title with nine league games to go.
The next four league games were disasters but enough about that, just enjoy this strike.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io4qRq4NMj4
NINE
Pires: Sp*rs 1 v 1 Arsenal @ Three point lane
17/11/2001
Super Bob had a lot of likeable features.
His ability to beat a man, his threat from the wing, his beard and the fact he scored fairly regularly against Sp*rs. This is one of my favourites of his, a first-time strike from 30 yards is always special but it just feels a whole lot nicer against the Middlesex bunch.
EIGHT
Fabregas: Arsenal 3 v 0 Sp*rs @ Emirates Stadium
31/10/2009
The best thing about this goal was that when Cesc scored I had no idea what was going on at the time because I was still going nuts at the opener 30 seconds earlier.
When I watched the replay I couldn’t believe it was Cesc, actually sprinting for once, and also beating three men to go one on one with Hilarious Gomes and show the composure we were used to from him.
We ran out easy 3-0 winners in the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZrcs-APRvg
SEVEN
Brady: Sp*rs 0 v 5 Arsenal @ Three point lane
23/12/1978
I wasn’t alive to witness this live but I remember being shown it a lot when I was younger.
It’s a great strike which is only bettered by the final score.
One of my first memories of being an Arsenal fan was a family friend showing me this game on VHS.
I’d sell my future first-born child for the same result this Saturday.
SIX
Bendtner: Arsenal 2 v 1 Sp*rs @ Emirates Stadium
22/12/2007
Not a great goal but one of my favourites.
The much criticised greatest striker of all time came on with the game at 1-1.
Manuel Almunia saved from Robbie Keane earlier to keep the game level then Super Nik came on and powered home a header two seconds later.
Probably his finest moment in an Arsenal shirt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4-46ochjSc
FIVE
Van Persie: Arsenal 5 v 2 Sp*rs @ Emirates Stadium
26/02/2012
Two nil down and five minutes until half time, it was an horrendous opening 40 minutes.
Sagna pulled one back then RvP picked up the ball 20 yards out, beat his man and curled the ball round the defender and keeper to make it two each before half time and swing momentum our way in the second half.
FOUR
Walcott: Arsenal 5 v 2 Sp*rs @ Emirates Stadium
26/02/2012
I’m a big fan of Theo but he was absolutely diabolical in the first half of this game.
Wenger stated that he considered subbing him at half time due to the crowd getting on his back.
His first goal in the game, to make it 4-2, made the result safe but you can see the relief in his celebration.
He went on to score the fifth in a memorable victory. It’s amazing what a goal can do to your confidence.
THREE
Bergkamp: Arsenal 3 v 1 Sp*rs @ Highbury
24/11/96
Why fly when you can walk on water?
After some fantastic work by Wright to make the defender fall over his own legs, he then floats a quite hopefully looking ball into the box.
The Dutchman controls it perfectly first time in his stride and then buries it into the far corner.
I could watch this over and over again
TWO
Adebayor: Sp*rs 1 v 3 Arsenal @ Three point lane
15/09/07
Adebayor was another who had a habit of scoring against that lot down the road but none of his others were better than this.
Losing 1-0 at half time, we wasted a lot of chances before we finally levelled through Adebayor and then took the lead through a pretty good Fabregas goal.
At 2-1, Darren Bent had the chance to score an equaliser but luckily for us it was Darren Bent.
We hit them on the counter late on and even though Denilson did his best to mess up securing the win, Adebayor made three points safe with this volley. Wonderful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIyWvXCE3sI
ONE
Henry: Arsenal 3 v 0 Sp*rs @ Highbury
16/11/2002
It had to be this one.
This goal is magical. Picking the ball up near the Arsenal box and running the length of the pitch, gliding past players like they aren’t even there and then burying it with ease.
The celebration is pretty special too. The man himself explains it here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhrfO_OBdtU