If you are a football fan, you must have heard of London derby. It is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in English football. In this article, we will discuss how many London derbies are there and some interesting facts about them.
What is a London Derby?
Before we dive into the number of London derbies, let’s understand what a London derby is. A London derby is a football match played between two teams from London. These matches are known for their intense rivalry and have been the source of some of the most memorable moments in English football history.
How Many London Derbies Are There?
There are six Premier League teams based in London, and they play each other twice during the season. So, there are a total of 10 matches played between these teams every season. The six teams are:
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Tottenham Hotspur
- West Ham United
- Crystal Palace
- Fulham
Out of these six teams, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur have been playing in the Premier League consistently for several years now and have established themselves as top clubs not just in England but also in Europe.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
The North London club Arsenal has a fierce rivalry with West-London club Chelsea. This rivalry started in 2004 when Jose Mourinho took charge of Chelsea and had several heated exchanges with Arsene Wenger, who was managing Arsenal at that time. Since then, both clubs have played some memorable matches against each other.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
The North-London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is one of the most intense rivalries in English football. Both clubs have a large fan base, and the matches between them are always full of passion and energy.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
Although not as intense as the North-London derby, the rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur is still significant. The clubs are only a few miles apart, and both have been competing at the top level of English football for several years now.
West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur
The rivalry between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur is also quite fierce. These two clubs are located in close proximity to each other, which has resulted in some heated matches over the years.
Crystal Palace vs Brighton & Hove Albion
While not technically a London derby, the matches between Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion have gained significance in recent years due to their proximity to each other. Both clubs are located on the south coast of England, and their fans do not share good terms with each other.
Conclusion
London derbies are some of the most fiercely contested matches in English football. With six Premier League teams based in London, there are plenty of opportunities for these teams to play against each other every season. The rivalries between these teams have resulted in some unforgettable moments in English football history.