First London Derby Of The Week - Spurs Vs. Arsenal

While obviously not a non league game, it was defiantly worth a post! My first London derby of the week was the League Cup third round match between Spurs and Arsenal. Before the game we went to the home pub, The Bell and Hare. I say we went in the pub, we actually went in the car park and bought a few cans. The atmosphere was amazing and it was pretty packed. You have to show your match ticket to get in and so is obviously a partisan home pub.

 Moments before kick off.

The atmosphere in the ground was also intense. White Hart Lane is the warmest ground that I've been too, it was quite strange!. Both sides are much changed from the previous league games but both teams are still quite strong. From the off Arsenal's youngsters dominate. In particular in midfield where Spurs are particularly lacking. It comes as no great surprise when former Scunthorpe loan player Herni Lansbury slots in a cross from the impressive Wilshire. Tottenham have a few chances towards the end of the half, Pavlyuchenko firing in to the side netting, but there is no disputing Arsenal's dominance

View towards the away corner.

At the start of the second half Keane and Lennon are introduced. The former has a quick impact and fires past Fabianski. The rest of the second half is quite end to end and Tottenham probably should have equalised when Keane hit the back post following a Bentley free kick. The first half of extra time was where Arsenal did what they should have done in normal time. Two penalties in five minutes, both scored by Nasari put the game beyond Spurs'. To top things off, Arshavin scores following a quick free kick routine.   .  

View towards the home end.

In terms of getting to the ground there are several options. The first is to go to Liverpool Street and get a train to White Hart Lane or Northumberland Park. I'm told that the Northumberland Park journey is quicker and takes about 15 minutes. The other option is to go to Seven Sisters station on the Victoria lane. The walk from here is quite a long one and takes about 25 minutes. If you're an away fan and you want a beer before the game I would recommend going somewhere around Liverpool Street.

It is back to normal service for my second big derby of the week. In the Combined Counties League it Colliers Wood at home to Raynes Park Vale.