Tottenham's rivals: Identifying rivals of the Spurs and reasons why the rivalries are intense

Tottenham's rivals: Identifying rivals of the Spurs and reasons why the rivalries are intense

Claudia Kogi
October 26, 2023 at 4:51 AM
In this article:
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
English Carabao Cup logo
EFL Cup
England

The Spurs have become a consistent club in the Premier League, competing with some of the best teams in England. Most of Tottenham's rivals come from London, where the team is based. The club has produced top talents and continues entertaining its fans with high-end football.

A list of Tottenham rivals
Tottenham Hotspur players pose before the Premier League match against Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 23 October 2023 in London, England. Photo: James Gill (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Football is a culture, a lifestyle, and a source of entertainment for millions of people worldwide. With thousands of athletes emerging every day, fans worldwide have found a niche in celebrating specific teams of their liking. Consequently, it has created a healthy enmity and rivalry between both the players and fans.

A list of Tottenham's rivals

The Spurs have bitter rivalries with several clubs in the Premier League and the EFL Championship. Some animosity goes beyond football, rooted in numerous factors like politics, history, life experiences, or geographical closeness.

After an in-depth analysis, Sports Brief has compiled a list of all Tottenham rivals, detailing the main reasons and causes of the rivalry between the various soccer clubs.

Who are Tottenham's biggest rivals?

The most publicised opponents of the London-based club include Arsenal, Chelsea, Millwall, and West Ham United. Their matches involve a lot of tension as players fight to the death to maintain a good reputation.

Founded in 1882, Spurs has become one of the most significant oppositions in English football. Here is a breakdown of the top Tottenham's rivals in the club's history.

Arsenal

why are Arsenal and Tottenham rivals
Arsenal players celebrate with fans during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on 24 September 2023 in London, England. Photo: Sebastian Frej (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Why are Arsenal and Tottenham rivals? The most notable event that still has fans agape is the North London derby, which is one of the fiercest derbies in English football. With the feud dating back to 1887 when the two sides met in a friendly, it was more than a battlefield for the two teams in the North London derby.

Allegedly, the feud started after their first professional encounter in December 1909, which resulted in a 1-0 scoreline, with Arsenal being the champions. To date, aside from the players, fans are always fired up and ready to defend their respective clubs.

West Ham United

Most people are often wondering whether West Ham and Tottenham are rivals. Well, West Ham are among the most popular clubs in the English topflight. They are known for their attacking skills on the pitch.

West Ham and Tottenham are rivals
West Ham United players pose for a group photo during the pre-season friendly match against West Ham United at Optus Stadium on 18 July 2023 in Perth, Australia. Photo: James Worsfold (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

One notable factor that often makes this fixture unique and worth anticipating is the atmosphere fans create when Spurs and the Hammers meet. Constantly battling for the city's supremacy, the two prestigious teams are the London rivals.

Chelsea

Wondering whether Chelsea and Tottenham are rivals? Well, after the fiercest against Arsenal, it is the second most important London Derby. And while Chelsea and Spurs rivalry dates back to the 1967 FA Cup final, meetings between the two teams have raised eyebrows and attracted vast masses during match days.

Chelsea is among the most successful teams in football. They have consistently participated at the highest levels and attracted top European talents; however, when they meet their opponents, all that often changes either negatively or positively.

Chelsea and Tottenham are rivals
Chelsea players take a break during the Premier League match against Spurs on 26 February 2023 in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Craig Mercer (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Liverpool

Are Liverpool and Tottenham rivals? Another Premier League Club that shares some feud with the Spurs is Liverpool. And while this is not a historic rivalry, it is mainly based on a geographical proximity level. The two teams have constantly met in English football, and the competition has always been fierce.

One of the most notable encounters that somewhat stamped their feud was the 2019 UEFA Champions League finals that the Reds in favour.

Manchester City

Of course, participating in the Premier League comes with many challenges, most significantly, the encounters with different prestigious soccer clubs. Unlike Arsenal, Chelsea, and West Ham, Spurs' rivalry with Manchester City is relatively new.

Nevertheless, the two soccer teams have this intense competition whenever they meet in the Premier League or any other competition.

Who are Tottenham's most disliked rivals?

Are Man City and Tottenham rivals
Manchester City players during the Premier League match against the Spurs on 5 February 2023 in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Marc Atkins (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

According to various online sources, the Spurs' fans named West Ham United their most hated rivals, followed by Arsenal and Chelsea. Even more interesting, Spurs and West Ham have endured a long, unfriendly history in their respective fanbases feud against each other.

What is the biggest rivalry in London football?

The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is the best feud in the Premier League. The fixture delivers an incredible atmosphere as the two teams strive to establish dominance over the other.

Arsenal and Spurs have different approaches to soccer, making their games distinctively attractive. And while the Gunners focus on entertaining fans, Tottenham's motto is to fight and win at all costs.

Most of Tottenham's rivals result from the club's involvement in English football since its establishment in 1882. Spur's rivals have given them stiff competition, challenging them to improve. Consequently, the fans' passion and team culture continue to attract some of the best football talents on earth.

READ ALSO: A list of all West Ham's rivals: Find out who the Hammers biggest opponents are

Sports Brief has recently published an article about West Ham's rivals. The Hammers have become a consistent club in the Premier League, competing with some of the best teams in England. Most of West Ham's opponents come from London, where the team is based.

Founded in 1885, West Ham is one of the most competitive teams in England. They are in West London and play their home matches at the London Stadium. Click the link above for more information about the renowned feuds of West Ham United.

Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.