Can Spurs bite back? Arsenal aim for title boost in North London Derby
Tottenham Hotspur are set to host Arsenal at the weekend as the headlines for Spurs shift from that horrendous display at Newcastle United to an exciting game to look ahead to on Sunday, and we are rewinding years to when the Gunners won the league at White Hart Lane.
Spurs could not stop Arsenal from winning the league in 2004, and it’s fair to say that the Lilywhites fans haven’t heard the end of it since. Many would not remember that that wasn’t even the first time that the Gunners won the league at Tottenham’s home ground; the Reds from North London won the league at the Lane on the final day of the 1970-71 season when Ray Kennedy’s late header gave them a 1-0 victory.
Thierry Henry remembers Arsenal’s league title at White Hart Lane
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry spoke about how the Spurs’ small club mentality forced him to celebrate in 2004. He acknowledged how the Tottenham supporters heckled him all week while comparing the Lilywhites to ‘small dogs’.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Henry said:
“The week of the game arrived. Living in Hampstead, the Tottenham fans liked to talk. When I was walking in the street, they would say, ‘Watch out, we’re coming for you!” like I was supposed to be scared. It was just weird. I’ve never understood why it’s always the small dog that barks the most.”
“You would never see me talk that way before a game. Afterwards, yes, I could talk for England! I would always be listening to who was talking before the game, so I could respond.”
“We wanted to respect everyone and not create trouble. I was annoyed we didn’t win; in fact, I was fuming, but then Taricco brought me back to earth.”
“He was jumping up and celebrating—maybe they are not used to that there—and he got cramps. I thought, ‘OK, if we see out this draw, then I will be the one celebrating.’”
Henry described a visiting player’s experience with Tottenham fans before the 2004 derby, while he emphasized his own respectful approach and desire to win the game. However, with the game ending in a draw and despite the French striker being frustrated by the final score, he finds humour in Spurs celebrating a draw while Arsenal won the league.
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While Arsenal cannot directly clinch the league title this Sunday, a win this weekend would mean they take a big step towards a possible Premier League title.
