Arsenal vs. Chelsea FC: 10 Goals That Define the Rivalry (VIDEO)

Although London's top clubs don't have a traditional rivalry, the friction between the clubs and their fans makes it a mouth-watering derby.

A London derby involving these two clubs always creates a lot of excitement, tension and often a splendid display of football. From the days of Zola to Kanu to Drogba, most of the matches between these two clubs have generated several bookings and a few send-offs, on top of the on-field fracas.

Be it Chelsea's 5-0 demolition of Arsenal in 1998 or Kanu's quick-fire hat trick in 1999 that sealed victory for Arsenal or the infamous Carling Cup final that has since been renamed the "Snarling Cup final," each and every meeting among these two clubs from different parts of London has always been a show-stopper, and more so after the two clubs started competing with each other for the top honors.

In the following slides, we will take a look at the top 10 goals that define the rivalry between the blue and red-white parts of London.
Chelsea vs. Arsenal FA Cup Semifinal, April 2009: Drogba Score

In this classic derby, Arsenal had taken the lead through a Walcott goal early in the game. The Gunners were looking in control of the game and were favorites to win the match.
But then, a resurgent Blues squad equalised through Malouda.
The equaliser saw both teams start playing safe and just when the match looked to be heading to extra time, Drogba scored the winner in his classic style, dodging past Arsenal defenders before fooling Fabianski to score the winner and take Chelsea to the FA Cup final.

Arsenal Registers Biggest Win Against Chelsea in 13 Years: All the Goals

Alex Song, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott shared three goals amongst them to record Arsenal's biggest win over their London derby rivals Chelsea in 13 years.

Chelsea were in the middle of their midseason poor form, and Wenger's boys exploited it fully to avenge their earlier defeats at the hands of the Blues.

Though Chelsea scored one back, they never seemed to be in control of the match, and the result was rightfully a win for Arsenal.

2007 Carling Cup Final: Drogba Scores the Winner

Another match where Arsenal failed to capitalise on their early lead, and an injury to rival captain John Terry.

An accidental collision saw Terry knocked unconscious and stretchered off.

More than for the actual match, this match was ill-famed for the fight that ensued between players of the two teams resulting in three red cards and two yellows, and stoppage time extended for five minutes.

After taking a lead in the 12th minute through Walcott, Arsenal failed to capitalise on their advantage. Arsenal's nemesis Drogba scored the equaliser in a few minutes, and it was his header again just six minutes from time that earned Chelsea their fourth trophy under Mourinho.

The scuffle in the aftermath of the match has it now famously coined as the "Snarling Cup final."

Kanu Scores His Hat Trick and the Winner Against Arsenal: October 23, 1999

This was one of the most scintillating and fastest comebacks in the history of football, as well as the Premier League.
Kanu's last goal not only completed his hat trick but also sealed off a brilliant comeback from the Gunners.
Arsenal trailed 2-0 with another 30 minutes of play left. Kanu arrived as a substitute and helped his side register a brilliant comeback, where he scored three goals within 15 minutes.
Arsenal won the match, 3-2.

Champions League 2004: Wayne Bridge's Last-Minute Goal Seals Victory

Chelsea faced Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinal after having been defeated in their previous meetings that season.
The match was poor in quality, and Arsenal looked likely to emerge winners after they took a lead in stoppage time of the first half through Antonio Reyes.
Chelsea responded early in the second half and evened the score through Lampard. The match looked to end in a drap until Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge made an absolutely brilliant ghost run inside Arsenal's defense and scored the winner.
The goal in the dying moments of the match ensured Chelsea's passage to the Champions League semifinal at the expense of Arsenal.
The win was all the more sweet because this was Chelsea's first win against their city rivals in five years.

Thierry Henry's Free Kick Against Chelsea in 2004

While Chelsea was preparing to defend a free kick, Thierry Henry took a quick one leaving Petr Cech stupefied.

The goal gave Arsenal a 2-1 lead, and though the match ended 2-2, Henry's goal earned him the wrath of then Chelsea boss Mourinho.

Drogba Scores His Second Against Arsenal in the 2005 Charity Shield

A classic Drogba goal with a lesson on perseverance.

A sudden Chelsea break caught the Arsenal defense unmindful, and Drogba overcame the goalkeeper and three defenders with sheer strength and determination to score a wonderful goal.

That was Drogba's second goal of the day. Chelsea beat rivals Arsenal, 2-0.

March 2003 FA Cup: Thierry Henry's Wonder Goal Against Chelsea

In this FA Cup fixture, Henry scored a wonder goal by going past the Chelsea goalie, doing a superb 360 turn to put Arsenal ahead 2-1 just at halftime.

Though Chelsea later equalised to end the match in a draw, Arsenal comfortably won 3-1 in the replay and ultimately went on to win the FA Cup that season.

FA Cup Final, May 4, 2002: Ray Parlour's Masterclass

Here's a match where Chelsea outplayed their opponents for most of the game, only to lose in the end and miss the trophy thanks to Ray Parlour's brilliant goal.

A moment of genius from Ray Parlour saw Chelsea fall behind after 70 minutes. Parlour sent a thunderous shot from 25 yards high into the Chelsea goal. It put the Gunners in the lead, after which another goal from Ljunberg sealed the deal for Arsenal.

But, the first goal will always remain etched in the memory of the Gooners for generations to come.

Coca-Cola Cup 1998: Roberto Di Matteo Scores a Scorcher

Roberto Di Matteo's scorcher from 75 yards topped the charts, as Chelsea beat Arsenal 3-1 to advance to the 1998 Coca-Cola Cup final.

It was a crowning moment for the Blues as they marked the debut of Gianluca Vialli's managerial career at Chelsea in style.

Di Matteo's goal became a part of Chelsea folklore and remains etched in the mind of every Chelsea fan.