I was surprised by the rivalry between Arsenal and Tottenham, but then for a moment it made me see real hatred.
Arsenal vs Tottenham is a historic and bitter rivalry, but for Martin Keown, the frenzy surrounding their clashes was initially surprising.
The North London derby has been contested 196 times since its first meeting in 1909, with the gunners leading in wins with 83.
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Keown He appeared in 26 of the clubs' battles during two spells at Arsenal during which he became a club legend.
He first arrived on a college contract in 1980, at which time many blows were exchanged between the fierce rivals on the field.
However, despite the well-documented animosity between the clubs over the last century, Keown was apparently left baffled.
Tottenham had been stuck in a period of decline during Keown's promotion to the Arsenal team.
While they remained the fiercest geographical rivals, Manchester United suddenly became the most important competitive match for Arsenal.
Still, Keown quickly became impressed by the passion in north London, and a moment still lives with him to this day.
Fellow central defender Sol Campbell received scathing abuse after going back on his word and joining Arsenal from Tottenham in a deeply controversial free transfer in 2001.
Before Wednesday night Premier League match At the Emirates Stadium, Keown reflects on his early experiences in the North London derby and the day Campbell played for Arsenal at White Hart Lane.
“When I first arrived, I was surprised by the hysteria surrounding playing Spurs“he told talkSPORT exclusively.
“I was in a very good youth team, we won 9-0 in our first youth team game, Glenn Hoddle's brother (Carl) was playing and there were some notable players.
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North London Derby: Key moments
2001: Sol Campbell makes an unpleasant return to Tottenham after a controversial transfer to Arsenal.
2002: Thierry Henry scores arguably the best goal in the North London derby in a 3-0 win at Highbury and celebrates in front of the Spurs fans.
2004: Arsenal win 5-4 at White Hart Lane in the highest-scoring North London derby in history.
2004: Arsenal win the league at White Hart Lane for the second time (also in 1971).
2006: Coaches Arsene Wenger and Martin Jol get into a furious fight on the touchline.
2014: Theo Walcott mocks Tottenham fans by referencing the scoreboard as he is carried off on a stretcher.
2016: Harry Kane, the player with the most goals in North London derbies, goes wild after a stunning goal in a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.
2018: Eric Dier provokes a furious fight and Dele Alli is hit by a water bottle in a confrontation two weeks later.
“Everyone in the house was like, 'Wow'… They noticed us because it was a good group of young players coming through with players like (David) Rocastle and (Michael) Thomas.
“Then we beat the reserve team, we scored six goals, again… And I never got carried away by the Tottenham game.
“I'm not trying to be arrogant, I just realized that it's dangerous to have it in your head too much.
“My landlord was a Spurs fan, Charlie, he talked all the time about Spurs, the quality of the football, the way they are, the class.
“So for me it was just below the surface and I think I managed it well, I only got sent off once against Spurs, I think the game was pretty much over.
“But I loved going to White Hart Lane, I loved the atmosphere, there was real hate from their fans, particularly when it was Sol Campbell, the situation went too far, too far, but they really are great memories.
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“I wouldn't walk down Tottenham High Road now, I don't think it would be wise.
“As much as the game has been cleaned up and they have a lovely new stadium, it's a long road for me alone. So visits to White Hart Lane are few and far between.”
Keown won eight north London derbies against Spurs and drew 12, tasting defeat on six occasions.
Their last experience in a derby was in 2004, when Arsenal drew 2-2 at White Hart Lane to win their 'Invincible' Premier League title.
The centre-back did not play, but was part of his rivals' iconic on-field celebrations in front of traveling fans.
It was Keown's third Premier League crown before leaving during the following summer, and Arsenal have failed to win the title since.
Arsenal have maintained an advantage over their local rivals since Keown hung up his boots, although the gap is significantly smaller these days.
The Gunners finished above Spurs for 21 consecutive seasons between the 1995/96 season and the 2015/16 campaign, before Tottenham began their own streak, finishing above their arch-rivals six times in a row.
Mikel Arteta's side have finished second behind Manchester City in the last two years and also fell behind in this season's race.
Victory against Spurs this week will see them close the gap on leaders Liverpool, who are currently six points clear with a game in hand.
Tottenham are 11 places below Arsenal, having already lost ten Premier League games during an injury-plagued season.
However, Arsenal will certainly have no shortage of pressure on their shoulders after back-to-back cup defeats.
Newcastle beat them 2-0 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final last Tuesday to dent their hopes of reaching the final.
On Sunday, Arsenal were knocked out of the FA Cup after a penalty shootout loss to ten-man Manchester United.
They have won four of the last five meetings against Spurs, including a 1-0 away victory earlier in the season.
But their local rivals could further derail their chances of silverware and give Liverpool a huge title boost.
