Join us at Sportsbreaks.com as we dive into one of the fiercest rivalries in English football.
We’ll explore the history of the London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham and the 146-year-old stadium that has hosted it countless times, Stamford Bridge.
The Battle of the Bridge rivalry uncovered: Chelsea v. Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea vs. Tottenham has become one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, not just because of its proximity, but largely a result of some controversial decisions.
The real rivalry began in the 1975 season where they both met as relegation rivals – Tottenham won, and Chelsea went down a few weeks later. Spurs went on to have a dominant streak, winning league titles and two FA Cups. Meanwhile Chelsea was at rock bottom, nearly relegated from Division Two in 1983.
Come 1990, Chelsea started to hit form and enjoyed a period of dominance over their rivals. Over the next 16 years, Chelsea did not lose a single league game against Tottenham; a notable one was a 6-1 thrashing at White Hart Lane in 1997.
Then came the 2016 Battle of the Bridge where Premier League leaders Tottenham visited Stamford Bridge with their eyes on the title, all they had to do was win. Antonio Conte’s side destroyed that hope in what is known as one of the fiercest games in Premier League history. The game ended 2-2 despite Spurs being up 2-0 at halftime with a total of 12 yellow cards were given throughout the match. Chelsea was not letting Tottenham win on home soil for the first time since 1990.
Since this 2016 game the Chelsea Tottenham rivalry has been intense and it’s always a battle when Spurs return to Stamford Bridge.
Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC
Stamford Bridge is amongst the oldest football grounds in the country and has been Chelsea FC’s home since their formation in 1905.
But, in its first 27 years, it was used almost exclusively for athletics competitions. It wasn’t until 1904 that the ownership changed, and the new football-enthusiast owners proposed hosting football at the venue.
Initially the stadium was offered to Fulham, but they turned it down and so a new side was established, Chelsea FC. Samford Bridge has since been their fortress, a tough away game for any visiting opponent.
It has had its fair share of struggles, in the 70s the club faced bankruptcy, and the owners sold the stadium to property developers. After a 10 year fight, ownership of the Bridge was returned to Chelsea in 1992 and it has since undergone extensive redevelopment, now seating 40,341 people.
Memorable clashes at Stamford Bridge
1. The start of a dynasty
December of 1990 saw the start of Chelsea’s dominance over their city rivals. It was a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge that kicked off 16 years of consecutive wins against their rivals. Goals from Dixon, Bumstead and Durie started a streak of goals that would continue for years to come.
2. Tottenham’s first win at The Bridge in 28-years
April 2018 saw Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge and thanks to goals from Dele Alli and Christian Erikson, Spurs took home all three points with a 3-1 win and their first win at Stamford Bridge in 28 years.
3. A match with no managers
A Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on 14th August 2022 was notable as both Chelsea’s Thomas Tuchel and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte were sent off, leaving no managers on the pitch. The match resulted in a 2-2 draw after a 96th minute equaliser from Harry Kane.
Looking ahead
Overall, there have been 177 meetings between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, 79 wins have gone to The Blues and 56 to Spurs, with 42 ending in a draw. They have all been highly memorable clashes and there are more to look forward to this season.
It’s not too late to get your tickets to this season’s clash at Stamford Bridge, you can register your interest in tickets on our Chelsea FC ticket page.
Join us for more stories, updates, and fan experiences at SportsBreaks.com, where the game never ends and every match is more than just a game.
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