THE DAY WENGER’S INVINCIBLES WON TITLE AT THE LANE

(And almost came to blows in the changing room) Gunners boss’s favourite derby memory ..except for Campbell-Lehmann bust-up

ARSENE WENGER has enjoyed some special memories at White Hart Lane during his 20-year reign.

But Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham on April 25, 2004, is his favourite. They clinched the title that day during the Invincibles season – and the match so nearly ended up in a fight. “It was good and bad that season,” smiled Wenger. “Spurs equalised in the last minute and we nearly had a fight in the dressing room between Sol Campbell and Jens Lehmann because Jens gave away a penalty,” Campbell was furious with Lehmann for conceding the last-gasp spot-kick. He trod on Robbie Keane’s feet (top) at a corner and the Tottenham striker stepped up to fire home an equaliser (middle) and take some of the gloss off what was arguably Wenger’s greatest day. Wenger’s record at White Hart Lane is still impressive – he has won six and drawn 12 of 24 matches there. However, three of his six defeats have come in the last seven years. That is further proof the power is shifting even if Wenger argues it will take 20 years of Tottenham dominance before they can say they rule north London.

Wenger has always enjoyed these derby days even though much of the abuse hurled at him has been horrendous.

The current White Hart Lane is an old-school ground, with fans right on top of the pitch, and the atmosphere is always red-hot for Arsenal games.

“I personally won’t miss it but what I like is the atmosphere,” said Wenger. “What makes English football special is the fact that the fans live the game.

“There are two kinds of supporters. There are the supporters you get in some foreign countries who sing the same song during the whole game, or some different songs not linked to the game, and there are the fans in England who live every ball.

“When there’s a corner the sound goes up. When there’s a foul the sound goes up. That makes English football special, completely different from everywhere else.”

Wenger, who has seen his own team move from Highbury to the Emirates, appears to believe that Spurs will be damaged by their move to a new White Hart Lane.

“The more comfortable fans are, the less supportive they are,” said Wenger.

“When you stand up you support better than when you’re in your seat. So if you imagine you’re lying down in a chair, you’re less supportive.

“The vocal aspect of the game is linked with the position of the supporters.

“I know walking out at Spurs that our fans are on the right, that’s a reference point. Then you know the pitch is a bit smaller, like Highbury, and that you can expect huge commitment and a frenetic pace. It makes the day special.”

Wenger said he was not interested in killing off Tottenham’s title hopes or Thierry Henry’s assertion that only Alexis Sanchez would make a combined north London XI.

Wenger added: “Football is about opinions, his is one I don’t share at all.

“You focus on what you think is important and let everyone else do the talking.

“I’m not in football because I want to stop other teams being successful.

“I’m in football because I want my own team to be successful.”