Chelsea fans have long debated who their biggest rivals are. Tottenham often tops the list for many supporters.
The rivalry is about more than just local bragging rights. It’s fuelled by history, competition, and cultural clashes. Spurs (2.65) will host Chelsea (2.45) at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 8 December for the Premier League.
The Origins of the Rivalry
The Chelsea-Tottenham rivalry dates back to the early 20th century. The two clubs are both based in London, creating natural competition. Tottenham beat Chelsea in the 1967 FA Cup final. It was the first all-London final, and Spurs fans still sing about it. Many of the great Tottenham players from the 1960s initially had ties to Chelsea, notably Jimmy Greaves and Terry Venables.
Battles for Silverware
Chelsea and Tottenham have clashed in many big games which include the cup finals, league deciders, and top-four battles.
In 2008, Tottenham beat Chelsea in the League Cup final. However, Chelsea got their revenge by defeating the Spurs in the 2015 final. The rivalry escalated in the 2015-16 Premier League season with Chelsea stopping Tottenham’s title with a fiery 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Clashes on the Pitch
Matches between Chelsea and Tottenham are often heated. Red cards, controversial goals, and scuffles are common.
Spurs fans have despised Chelsea’s dominance in the Roman Abramovich era. Chelsea fans mock Tottenham’s lack of recent trophies. but when the Blues became the first London club to win the UEFA Champions League in 2012, Tottenham had to forfeit their spot in the tournament for the following season despite having finished fourth in the Premier League. This was caused by the limits at the time on clubs from one country.
Key players have added fuel to the fire. For example, when Eden Hazard became a Chelsea hero after his 2016 goal ended the Spurs’ hopes of winning the title.
Cultural Differences
Chelsea and Tottenham represent different parts of London. Chelsea is based in affluent West London, while Tottenham is in North London. Thus, this difference fuels stereotypes and divides among sports enthusiasts.
Most Spurs fans see Chelsea as arrogant, whereas Chelsea fans mock Spurs as underachievers. Nonetheless, Tottenham have fared better than Chelsea since Abramovich departed the Blues but this season, Enzo Maresca has led a revival and Chelsea can now claim that they are on the better side again.
Fan Perspectives
Some Chelsea fans consider Arsenal a bigger rival. Others point to Liverpool, Manchester United, or Leeds. However, many say Spurs are the true enemy. The proximity, history, and emotions make the rivalry more fierce and well-anticipated.
Conclusion
The Chelsea-Tottenham rivalry is intense and deeply rooted. For many fans, it’s more than just soccer. Whether it’s historical clashes or cultural differences, this rivalry continues to divide London.
