For most of the Premier League’s history, there have been major rivalries between clubs in two particular locations. In London, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have provided the strongest challengers. In the North (and in particular the Northwest), it’s been the two Manchester clubs and Liverpool.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest clashes between North and South, and what characterises those rivalries.
A Historical Perspective on London vs. The North Rivalries
Throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, the biggest games on the Premier League calendar were between Manchester United and Arsenal, who were vying for the title, season after season. Later, Chelsea’s emergence under Roman Abramovich made Chelsea vs United the biggest game. A few years after that, the arrival of two world-class managers (in the form of Guardiola and Klopp) had cemented Manchester City vs Liverpool as the biggest rivalry – though Arsenal, in recent years, have begun to emerge as a force once again.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: A Clash of Titans
For fans of a certain age, Arsenal vs Manchester United will always be the biggest rivalry. These clashes have provided some truly iconic sporting moments. Wiltord’s winner at Old Trafford, Giggs’s FA cup heroics, and Henry’s wondergoal at Highbury might spring to mind.
There have also been notoriously unsporting moments, like Wenger standing on top of an Old Trafford dugout, Keane shouting at Vieira in the tunnel, and Martin Keown taunting Ruud Van Nistelrooy after the Dutchman had just missed a crucial penalty.
Chelsea vs. Liverpool: A Modern Rivalry
In the late 2000s, Chelsea had been firmly established as a title-winning team. Liverpool, meanwhile, had experienced several false dawns. The latter club was reliant on its talismanic captain, Steven Gerrard – who famously slipped over and allowed Demba Ba to score for Chelsea, thereby surrendering all but the title.
In modern times, the two clubs have endured mixed fortunes. In the 2024 Carabao Cup final, Liverpool edged out their rivals, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Virgil van Dijk. In recent clashes, Alexis Mac Allister has played a crucial role for Liverpool, particularly in their midfield dominance over Chelsea, showcasing his versatility and technical ability.
Tottenham vs Manchester City: David vs Goliath?
Of course, the gulf in quality between Tottenham and Manchester City has, in recent years, been vast. One club has racked up a record-breaking string of Premier League titles; the other has won zilch. And yet, Tottenham have proven something of a bogey team for Manchester City. It wasn’t until the 2023/2024 season that City managed to score a crucial win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – thanks largely to Son missing a crucial chance that would probably have helped hated rivals Arsenal to the title. Spurs fans had mixed views on the encounter.
The Future of London vs. Northern Rivalries
The rivalry of the future looks set to involve Arsenal, who have managed to assemble a strong squad under a strong manager. Other forces, like Saudi-funded Newcastle United, might yet emerge. Much depends on the outcome of legal processes and spending rules – and on the charges hanging, cloud-like, over Manchester City.