Tottenham Hotspur has long established intense rivalries in English football since the club’s early years. Today, the club has grown to show not just local rivalry in London but geographical and national rivalries, especially against teams in the English Premier League.

So who are Tottenham Hotspur’s biggest rivals? Founded in 1882, Spurs has grown to be one of the big oppositions in English football to date.

Who are Tottenham Hotspur biggest rivals?

North London Derby: Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

The North London derby is one of the fiercest derbies in English football, played between Arsenal and Tottenham. The rivalry dates back to 1887 when the two sides met in a friendly.

What happened next that generated the rivalry was when the match was brought to a halt about fifteen minutes before the end due to darkness. And it was because the players from the visiting team arrived at the ground late.

But the first meeting between Spurs and Arsenal at the professional level was on 4th December 1909 in the league. The match eventually resulted in a 1-0 scoreline favoring Arsenal.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are two Traditional teams in London alongside Chelsea.

Read: North London derby history, facts and stats

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

After the fiercest against Arsenal, it is the second most important London Derby, which the two clubs have continued to share.

Previously the two teams did not see each other as rivals, especially in the early years of professional football. However, the past decades have brought a significant change in the way the two teams see each other.

Chelsea and Spurs rivalry dates back to the 1967 FA Cup final. To date, meetings between two teams have raised eyebrows and attracted large crowds during match days. Sometimes the heat on the field of play is extended to the fans.

Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United

The meeting between Spurs and West Ham United is regarded as one of the bitter rivalries in London, even though it may not be compared to the same extent as Chelsea and Arsenal.

Read: biggest football (soccer) clubs in London ranked 

One of the reasons that have fueled the rivalries between the two sides is because of proximity. The Hammer’s former ground, The Boleyn ground, was the epicentre of these clashes until it was demolished. This United plays at London stadium.

Sometimes the rivalry between the two sides is seen as a clash to determine who is better. Spurs are considerably higher due to their performance in English football, winning the First Division, FA Cups, League Cups, and European trophies, unlike West Ham, which has won the FA Cup, and other trophies are not at the level of their neighbours.

Premier League rivals

Manchester City

Spurs’ rivalry with Manchester City is relatively new. But the two teams have this intense competition whenever they meet in the Premier League or any other competition.

Liverpool

This is not a historic rivalry but only based on geographical proximity. The two teams have constantly met in English football, and the competition has been fierce.

The recent meeting that has escalated the tension between Tottenham and Liverpool was the 2019 UEFA Champions League final that ended in favour of The Reds.

Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Although not as big as what one might call a rivalry, whenever Spurs take on United, there’s usually an intense atmosphere off and on the pitch.

Wrapping up

Spurs were established as FC Hotspur in 1882. They competed in the Southern League from 1986 until 1908 before suffering relegation to the English Second Division.

Tottenham Hotspur’s involvement in English football since its establishment has led to some of the biggest rivalries in English football.