Campbell completed a move from Tottenham to Arsenal during the summer.
Sol Campbell on his return to White Hart Lane following his move from Tottenham to Arsenal
Few transfers have shocked the footballing world as much as when former Tottenham defender Sol Campbell was unveiled by Arsene Wenger as Arsenal’s latest signing in the summer of 2001. And the deal undoubtedly added an extra sub-plot when the two teams met in the next North London derby on November 17th later that year.
Many Spurs fans packed into White Hart Lane with the intention of letting the centre-back know just how betrayed they felt following the transfer, with several supporters holding up signs that compared Campbell to Judas.
But, it appeared that Campbell may be about to get the last laugh as a long-range effort from Robert Pires could only be parried into the net by Tottenham stopper Neil Sullivan and meant that the Gunners went into stoppage-time 1-0 ahead.
However, there was to be a sting in the tail as a cross into the box missed most of the runners that were heading for the six-yard box and instead found Gus Poyet – who joined Glenn Hoddle’s men in the days following Campbell’s departure – who managed to connect with a sumptuous volley.
Tottenham fans during Sol Campbell’s return to White Hart Lane
Like Arsenal’s goal, the keeper should certainly have done better for the equaliser as Richard Wright spilled the powerful effort into the bottom corner to send White Hart Lane into a frenzy.
And while denying their bitter rivals a victory with an added-time goal would have been satisfying enough for Spurs fans, the fact that Campbell did not leave the ground with the three points would have made the draw all the sweeter.
Gus Poyet celebrates the equaliser in the North London derby
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