The 10 Greatest Goalscorers in London Derby History
- Think Football Ideas
- Feb 3
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 4
When the stakes are high and the city’s pride is on the line, London derbies produce moments of pure footballing drama. These clashes aren’t just about three points—they’re about history, dominance, and bragging rights.
The best players thrive under this pressure, etching their names into folklore with goals that silence rival fans and ignite their own supporters into euphoria. Some strikers lived for these battles, delivering time and time again when it mattered most. From last-minute winners to derby hat-tricks, these 10 legendary marksmen made London derbies their personal stage.
Below Are The 10 Greatest Goalscorers in London Derby History
10. Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal & Tottenham) – 17 Goals
Emmanuel Adebayor may have divided opinion during his time in North London, but one thing was certain: he had an eye for goal when it came to derbies. The Togolese striker scored a total of 17 goals in London derbies, with 6 of those coming during his time at Arsenal.
His most infamous moment came in 2009 when he scored against Tottenham in a North London derby for Arsenal, then celebrated in front of the Spurs fans—fueling the flames of the rivalry.
After a controversial move to Tottenham in 2011, Adebayor's second act in the derby produced a handful of goals, including a memorable brace in his first match against Arsenal as a Spurs player. Whether adored or loathed, his goals in these fixtures were always significant.
9. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham & West Ham) – 18 Goals
Jermain Defoe was a goal machine, especially against his fellow London rivals. With 18 goals in 57 London derbies, he might not have the sheer volume of some others on this list, but the moments he produced were unforgettable.
Defoe’s most iconic North London derby memory came in 2004 when his stunning goal helped Spurs nearly defeat Arsenal in a 5-4 thriller. Though his record against Arsenal wasn’t particularly impressive, Defoe had no issue with teams like Fulham, scoring regularly against them.
His movement, sharp finishing, and love for the occasion made him a memorable figure in these fierce encounters. He scored one of the fastest Premier League hat-tricks of all-time.
8. Didier Drogba (Chelsea) – 18 Goals
Didier Drogba wasn’t just a powerhouse for Chelsea in major finals; he thrived in the heat of London derbies. Scoring 18 goals in 52 derbies, Drogba was often at his best when the stakes were high, and the emotions were running even higher.
Against Arsenal, Drogba had a love-hate relationship with the Gunners fans. His double in the 2009-2010 season was a memorable highlight, sealing a 2-0 victory and sending Chelsea on their way to another Premier League title.
But it wasn’t just Arsenal that felt the force of Drogba’s strikes—he also found the back of the net in key encounters with Tottenham. His ability to deliver when it mattered most made him one of the most feared players in these derbies.
7. Ian Wright (Arsenal & West Ham) – 21 Goals
Arsenal’s charismatic Ian Wright lived for the drama of a London derby. His infectious personality matched his clinical ability in front of goal, and with 21 goals in 40 derbies, Wright was a consistent menace for the capital’s clubs.
A hero at Arsenal, Wright scored prolifically in the North London derby, with a few crucial goals helping to keep his side competitive against their bitter rivals.
But let’s not forget his time at West Ham, where his passion for scoring against the other big London clubs—Chelsea and Tottenham—was evident. One of his most memorable derby goals came in 1997 when he scored a match-winner in a thrilling North London derby.
6. Robin van Persie (Arsenal) – 21 Goals
A player who could turn a game on its head with a moment of brilliance, Robin van Persie was always a threat in London derbies. With 21 goals in just 46 appearances, Van Persie’s ability to score against the capital’s biggest clubs was exceptional. One of his finest performances came in the 2011-2012 season when he scored a stunning hat-trick against Chelsea in a thrilling 5-3 win for Arsenal.
His impact in the North London derby was equally profound, where his combination of technical ability and precise finishing made him a consistent scorer against Tottenham. Though he’d later move to Manchester United, his time in London left a mark on these fierce derbies.
5. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) – 21 Goals
When you think of Frank Lampard, you think of goals, consistency, and leadership. With 21 goals in 84 London derbies, the former Chelsea midfielder was an undeniable force in these battles.
Lampard’s goals weren’t always spectacular, but they were often crucial—whether he was slotting home from the penalty spot or finishing off a fast break. His famous quote about Spurs' White Hart Lane being "Three Point Lane" only added to his legendary status in these encounters.
He played a key role in derbies against West Ham, Fulham, and Tottenham, showcasing his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Lampard's presence in these fixtures was a constant, and he left an indelible mark on them.
4. Son Heung-min (Tottenham) – 22 Goals
The ever-reliable Son Heung-min has been a revelation in the Premier League, and his performances in London derbies have only enhanced his legacy. With 22 goals in 66 matches, the South Korean winger is one of the most consistent performers in these fixtures.
Son’s most memorable moments often came in North London derbies, where he has become a key player for Tottenham. His four goals in the last four meetings with Arsenal showcased his hunger and quality in the face of rivalry. Son’s pace, sharp finishing, and resilience make him one of the most dynamic players in these derbies.
3. Teddy Sheringham (Tottenham & West Ham) – 26 Goals
A player who knew how to thrive in the heat of a London derby, Teddy Sheringham scored 26 goals in 49 appearances, making him one of the all-time greats in these encounters. Sheringham, a veteran of both Tottenham and West Ham, wasn’t just a scorer—he was a master of the moment.
One of his most memorable goals came in a 1995 North London derby, where he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for Tottenham. His ability to find space and read the game was unmatched, making him a threat in every derby he played in.
2. Thierry Henry (Arsenal) – 38 Goals
There are few players in Premier League history as iconic as Thierry Henry, and his record in London derbies only reinforces that status. With 38 goals in 50 appearances, Henry was the man for the big occasion. His speed, vision, and composure in front of goal made him a nightmare for defenders, and no one felt his presence more than Tottenham.
Henry’s time at Arsenal was defined by his dominance in derbies. Whether it was his brace at White Hart Lane in 2004 to seal the title or his memorable goals against Chelsea, Henry was consistently the man who could turn a match with a flash of brilliance.
1. Harry Kane (Tottenham) – 40 Goals
At the top of this list stands Harry Kane, Tottenham’s greatest-ever goalscorer. With an astonishing 40 goals in 63 London derby appearances, Kane was nothing short of sensational.
His record in North London derbies is extraordinary, scoring 14 goals in just 17 matches against Arsenal alone. Kane's ability to rise to the occasion, particularly in high-stakes derbies, has been his hallmark.
Whether it was his crucial goals against West Ham, his clinical finishes against Crystal Palace, or his consistent performances against Arsenal, Kane has made these derbies his personal stage. His remarkable goal tally places him at the very top of the list, and it’s a record that may be hard to break.
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