Derby days are different – Arsenal came through one of the toughest

In Arsene Wenger’s early days as Arsenal manager, he repeatedly suggested his side were at a disadvantage compared to perennial title rivals Manchester United. The issue, he reasoned, was that Arsenal had to play so many derbies. There wasn’t simply Tottenham Hotspur to consider, but Chelsea, West Ham United, Wimbledon, often Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, too. Derby games were considered more hectic, more physical and simply tougher. It’s questionable whether there was any merit in it. United had plenty of matches against north-west rivals, too, and no side relished a trip to Wimbledon, regardless of geography. “Arsenal always complain...