Top 10 rivalries in the English Premier League
Are you ready for the next big thing, guys? Yes! It is the English Premier League, one of the biggest sporting events of the year! There is hooting, clapping, cheering and jeering, with the fans divided over the clashing titans, united by the spirit of the game. It is not a game; it is a religion! The new opiate of the masses! Those 90 minutes of scramble for goals are interspersed with yellow & red cards, to scuffles leading to controversy. The EPL also has its fair share of rivalries, both team and personal. So many factors contribute to these rivalries, be it the big name-big money transfer or the geographical proximity, or even ancient history, these rivalries have kept the sheer brilliance of the game ALIVE.
Here we list some of the greatest rivalries in English football:
10. Manchester United vs. Leeds
Nicknamed as the Roses rivalry, this animosity originates from the strong enmity between the historic counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. This appears to have its origins in the War of the Roses in the 15th Century. Phew!
(Image source: www.telegraph.co.uk )
9. West Ham vs. Millwall
Millwall Athletic and Thames Ironworks consisted of dock workers from opposite sides of the river, each trying to grab business. No prizes for guessing that the rivalry grew in gargantuan proportions!
(Image source: www.independent.ie )
8. Newcastle vs. Sunderland
King Charles I’s decision to award East of England Coal Trade Rights to Newcastle’s merchants crippled their rivals in Sunderland. This prompted the two cities to take opposite sides when the civil war broke out. Newcastle lost, and was colonized by an army from Scotland, supported by Sunderland. Now, we see that rivalry showing up in the English Premier League!
(Image Source: www.telegraph.co.uk )
7. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal
The memory of Arsenal’s 5–4 win at White Hart Lane in 2004 is fresh in memory. Spurs’ 4–4 comeback at Emirates is also memorable. These North Londoners have a long way to go!
(Image Source: www.telegraph.co.uk )
6. Southampton vs. Portsmouth
Both teams are braving rough times now, but that doesn’t prevent the locals from calling their clash “El Clasicoast”. Separated by mere 20 miles, the matches between the Saints and the Pompey areoften marred by violence, with a mandatory ‘coach bubble’ used to minimize the contact between the teams!
(Image source: www.sportyghost.com )
5. Manchester United vs. Manchester City
One of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the league, it has given fans so many memories to cherish. Having won 19 Premier League titles, the Red Devils surely have made at least a few enemies! With the rise of City’s prominence, the 6–1 win at Old Trafford in 2013 and Sergio Aguero’s last gasp title-clincher have only added further fuel to this burning rivalry.
(Image source: www.bbc.co.uk )
4. Everton vs. Liverpool
Alternatively called the Merseyside Derby, at least since 1955. This rivalry has been very intensive, with the most number of red cards than any other game. It has been described as “The most ill-disciplined and explosive fixture in the Premier League”.
(Image source: www.espnfc.com )
3. Birmingham City vs. Aston Villa
The two clubs have a history of being fierce rivals, even if they are currently in different divisions. A lot of bad blood still exists.
(Image source: www.telegraph.co.uk )
2. Swansea vs. Cardiff City
One of the stiffest rivalries in English football, their games have been marred with violence. Swansea issued an apology to Cardiff in 2006 when Lee Trundle sported this T-shirt after the Swans’ Football League Trophy final victory.
(Image source: www.talksport.com )
1. Manchester United vs. Liverpool
The two most successful English clubs, they have shared bitter rivalry for a long time. Between them, they have won 121 honours: 59 for Liverpool and 62 for Manchester United. Both the teams have star-studded players and are two of the biggest-earning and widely supported football clubs in the world.
(Image source: www.dailymail.co.uk )
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