The January clash marked the 198th meeting between Tottenham and Arsenal, with Arsenal leading the series 84-61-52. It also marked the 67th meeting between the two clubs as members of the Premier League. The first meeting in the north London derby was Dec. 4, 1909 (Arsenal defeated Tottenham 1-0). Arsenal defeated Tottenham 2-0 on January 15.

I don’t hide the fact that if I were forced to choose between Arsenal and Tottenham, I’d rather take a dip in the Thames, naked, in January, wearing bells stapled to my privates. I don’t care

Trailing 1-0 with that familiar feeling of being punished (or punishing themselves) in both penalty areas, Arsenal knew what was at stake. They could feel the jeopardy closing in,