English football is such an attractive prospect globally and domestically because the administrators have projected the rivalries and derbies in such a way that even the most foreign of people become interested.
Their interest most times, is not out of the quality displayed or the history rather it is based on the consistent rivalry and acrimony between the rival clubs fans. Do remember that our publications also provide you with football betting strategies that win.
The London derbies are the most common and have the most number of teams contesting for bragging rights in the city.
The likes of Chelsea and Arsenal have ruled the city of London for the past two decades, with triumphs in the league and domestic competitions. Both sides are also historically the biggest in the city, though teams like Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Fulham have always proved hard nuts to crack for both teams.
The North London derby involving Arsenal and Tottenham is perhaps one of the fiercest derbies not just in the country but around the world, though who the bigger team is not in question, the rivalry is nonetheless fierce and real.
West Ham United is also a resident club of the city, though in the far Eastern end, they battle season in season out for bragging rights in a city full of Premier league and Championship clubs.
This piece is all about the London clubs and the mild and fierce rivalries between its teams. We will aim to put perspective on this topic. Do keep reading.
Five of the fiercest derbies in London.
West London derbies (Fulham, Brentford, Queen Park Rangers, Chelsea)
This is a popular London derby that consists of majorly four teams that ply their trades in the Premier league and in the lower division.
Matches involving Fulham and Chelsea are always fun and regardless of their variance in pedigree, Craven Cottage is always hyped to push their players against the Blues.
Brentford are in their second year in the Premier League after decades in the oblivion of English Football. Their manager Thomas Frank has managed to assemble a talented squad that has taken the league by storm and made them respected.
Queen Park Rangers was in the Premier League a couple of years ago and they did some damage, by causing upsets to the elite clubs. However, a turn of events has seen the club nose dive to the lower leagues and now in the championship.
Chelsea vs Tottenham
This is a derby that involves just two sides; one from West London (Chelsea), the other from North London (Tottenham). These two sides have been regulars in the top division for over 60 years, and they have both produced some of the best players in the country. Some of these players are Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Teddy Sherringham, Harry Kane and so many others.
This fixture has provided some of the most interesting encounters in Premier League history. Most notable of the lot was the 2015/2016 game which saw Eden Hazard net a late stunner to win the title for Leicester City in a pulsating 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge. The game ended in a fierce brawl involving both sets of players and managers due to frustration from Spurs.
Millwall vs West Ham United
The ‘Dockers derby’ as it is fondly called was very popular in the 80s’ and 90s’ because there was great animosity between both sets of fans. The South Londoners, Millwall are no longer in the top division so the fixture has been lacking relevance these days. Millwall are ahead in the head to head stats with 38 wins as against 34 from West Ham United. It is one of the fiercest rivalries in London.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
Arguably the biggest match up of the lot, this fixture is a gigantic pairing of two of the most successful teams in England. Arsenal are the most successful team in the FA cup, while Chelsea have been the most relevant in England and Europe, with wins in the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League.
This fixture has provided thrilling entertainment, with significant players earning legendary status with their performances in this match up. A common example is Didier Drogba, who was known for his penchant for scoring goals against Arsenal.
This derby will lack relevance without the rivalry between Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. Mourinho, who transformed Chelsea into a title winning machine, on a number of occasions threw jabs at Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. Arsenal vs Chelsea is always a classic to watch.
The North London derby (Arsenal vs Tottenham)
This is seen as the fiercest rivalry in London, not for the equity in pedigree of both sides but for the long-standing hatred between both teams and fans. There is no love lost between Arsenal and Tottenham, and every game involving this two sides is a war that whoever wins celebrates heavily and with so much cheer.
Emmanuel Adebayor remains a symbol of hatred and disdain amongst Arsenal faithfuls not just for his decision to move to Manchester city, but significantly to Tottenham. It is safe to say that whoever moves from one to another risks the wrath of his old club. The likes of Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil have publicly thrown bants at Spurs. It is such a wonderful fixture to see, and is pure entertainment for the neutrals.