Every Premier League Club’s Main Rival

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In the fervent environment of English football, rivalries are the essence of the Premier League. Each team has a particular adversary that provokes strong emotions, whose very mention brings to mind epic battles, disputed incidents, and raw competition. These grudge matches go beyond geography or history—they’re fueled by honor, politics, silverware, and sometimes, plain hostility. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are involved in one of the fiercest rivalries, with Arsenal holding a slight edge in their North London confrontations. Their memorable league championship secured at White Hart Lane during the “2003-04 invincible season” is legendary, having also done so at the same stadium in 1971.

In their Premier League clashes, 64 games have occurred, with Arsenal victorious in 25 and defeated in 15. This matchup is known for its intensity, often marked by emotion and dismissals. Aston Villa’s long-running feud with Birmingham City, known as the Second City Derby, typically favors Villa. Located in England’s second-largest city, it’s seen unforgettable moments such as Jack Grealish’s decisive strike in 2019 after an on-field assault. Villa have claimed 57 wins, while Birmingham follow with 38, with the discord stretching back to the late 19th century. Brentford’s rivalry with Fulham has slowly grown, particularly with both teams now top-tier regulars.

Brentford currently have the edge in their head-to-head encounters. With Fulham’s legacy of financial strength and Brentford’s emphasis on analytics, this West London feud is becoming increasingly relevant as both clubs now compete more evenly. Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace share a rivalry that defies geographical norms, as they are over 40 miles apart. The hostility stems from lower-division clashes in the 1970s, sparked by personal animosity between managers Alan Mullery and Terry Venables. Although Palace trail Brighton slightly in total wins, the “1-1 draw” has become a regular result in recent meetings, reflecting the close nature of the contest.

Bournemouth and Southampton have seen their tension grow, particularly with their shared time in the Premier League. Their first top-division faceoff occurred in 2015 and ended in Southampton’s favor, though Bournemouth have pushed back. Despite only securing nine victories in 34 matches, Bournemouth are becoming a more formidable rival on the South Coast. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s rivalry stands out in the capital. Chelsea have historically dominated, winning 79 times to Spurs’ 56. The feud intensified with iconic games like the “Battle of the Bridge,” where Chelsea’s comeback halted Spurs’ title pursuit, gifting it to Leicester City in 2016. Chelsea have come out on top in 35 of 64 Premier League matches with Spurs, losing just eight. Crystal Palace’s main feud continues with Brighton, though clashes with Charlton Athletic and Millwall persist.

Wilfried Zaha has had a significant impact in this rivalry, scoring eight times, including match-winners in the “Championship playoff semi-final in 2013.” Palace haven’t beaten Brighton in their last six games, their previous victory dating back to 2021. Everton and Liverpool are part of one of England’s most historic rivalries. Starting in 1894, the Merseyside Derby has since seen Liverpool secure 125 victories to Everton’s 84. The 1980s featured both teams at their peak, facing off in the “FA Cup finals in 1986 and 1989,” with both won by Liverpool. Neville Southall holds the record with 41 derby appearances. Though traditionally balanced, Liverpool have recently been dominant, recording 28 wins in 64 Premier League meetings. Fulham’s enmity with Brentford sharpened during the “2020 Championship playoff final,” which Fulham won behind closed doors due to pandemic restrictions.

Joe Bryan scored twice, including a sneaky free-kick that beat Brentford’s goalkeeper. Fulham have yet to win away against Brentford in the Premier League, but their contests are increasingly competitive, with both now fixtures in the top division. Ipswich Town and Norwich City contest the East Anglian derby, known as the “Old Farm Derby,” a rivalry often overlooked outside the region.

This fixture, dating back to 1902, once favored Ipswich, though Norwich now enjoy a 14-game unbeaten stretch. Despite some fans being relatives, the rivalry is fierce and deeply rooted in both Suffolk and Norfolk. Leicester City’s primary adversary is Nottingham Forest, a fellow club from the East Midlands. One of the most unusual meetings took place in 1909 when Forest routed Leicester 12-0, partially attributed to Leicester’s squad reportedly celebrating the night before. Their rivalry is remarkably close, each winning 41 times across 109 games. The intensity of Liverpool and Everton’s clashes warrants a second mention.

In modern Premier League meetings, Liverpool have had the upper hand, with 28 victories out of 64. Under Klopp, they only lost twice to Everton, including a shock 2021 defeat that ended a 22-year unbeaten home run. Divock Origi’s late header in 2018 is remembered as a standout moment in recent derbies. The rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United has evolved significantly in recent years. While United historically reigned, City’s emergence under new ownership and Guardiola’s leadership has flipped the script. Their “FA Cup win over United in 2023” symbolized their supremacy, although United answered back the next season. The fixture now pits tradition against modern dominance, often influencing major honors. United still lead overall wins, but results like City’s 6-3 triumph in 2022 have reshaped perceptions. Wayne Rooney is the top scorer in this derby with 11 goals, including a spectacular bicycle kick in 2011. Figures like Sergio Aguero and Francis Lee also left a legacy, but the present rivalry is shaped by City’s rise and United’s historic stature. Newcastle United and Sunderland’s Tyne-Wear Derby is among the most intense and evenly matched rivalries in the nation. In their latest “FA Cup match in 2024,” Newcastle secured a 3-0 away victory.

Historically, Newcastle have 54 wins to Sunderland’s 53 from 156 matches. In Premier League terms, they’ve each won nine of their 28 matchups, drawing 10. The rivalry encompasses not just sport, but also identity, regional pride, and cultural relevance. Nottingham Forest and Derby County’s East Midlands clash goes beyond football—it’s steeped in legacy. Brian Clough’s legendary tenure at both clubs, leading Forest to “back-to-back European Cups,” adds extra significance. Winners claim the “Brian Clough Trophy” each time, heightening the historical tension. Fans from both sides feel a strong bond to their club’s heritage, and Clough’s legacy intensifies the matchup. Southampton and Portsmouth, two southern clubs only 17 miles apart, are locked in a rivalry rooted in social and financial contrasts.

The two clubs once celebrated each other’s triumphs, such as Portsmouth’s “FA Cup” victory in 1939, but that mutual respect faded with growing inequality. Their meetings are now rare due to league differences, but when they happen, the atmosphere is volatile and emotional. Tottenham Hotspur have rivalries with several London clubs, including Chelsea and West Ham, but none as bitter as their North London Derby with Arsenal. Arsenal lead with 87 wins compared to Spurs’ 67. Though often second best, Spurs bring full intensity to this fixture, always producing dramatic moments regardless of venue. West Ham United consider Tottenham their biggest rival, a resentment driven by closeness and shared history. While Tottenham may not see it the same way, West Ham supporters savor the chance to defeat Spurs. Their matchups are gritty, often surprising, and occasionally feature unforgettable goals. Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion, though not often in the same league, maintain a fiery “Black Country” rivalry.

It’s a century-old contest, known for its physicality and intensity. While every rivalry has its own background, fire, and frequency, all contribute uniquely to the Premier League’s rich tapestry. They embody what makes English football so magnetic: emotion, tradition, honor, and the urge to win not just for the standings, but for pride. In truth, it’s the derbies—the songs, the stoppage-time goals, the devastating defeats—that fans remember most. These matchups are the lifeblood of the sport, keeping it exciting, meaningful, and endlessly captivating.

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