The north London power shift

Back in 2004, Arsenal were unstoppable. The Invincibles were simply that – Invincible. Having gone the entire season unbeaten, the Gunners gave rivals Tottenham Hotspur the ultimate insult by winning the league at White Hart Lane.

Since that day, Spurs have been going through a transition from mid-table mediocrity to perennial top four contenders. However, Andre Villas-Boas’ side have been unable to usurp the Gunners as the top team in north London.

However, Sunday’s 2-1 win for Spurs saw the club open a seven point gap over Arsenal with 10 games of the season remaining. While the Lilywhites were in a similar position last season, there haven’t been any suggestions that Villas-Boas’ side will capitulate in such a spectacular fashion this year.

Many a time, pundits and fans have spoken of an inevitable power shift in north London, a cycle that was going to happen at one point or another, such is the cycle in the footballing world. Sunday victory for Spurs could well have been the beginning of that as a result and, as such, see the club reemerge as the dominant side in London.

Arsenal fans may not want to admit it so, but cycles in football are set in stone, much like night following day. The result for Spurs over the weekend could well have seen the pendulum now swing back in their favour.