In the heart of London, two football giants, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, are set to go head-to-head in a highly anticipated London derby. This match preview delves into the historical rivalry between these two clubs, the current form of the teams, players to watch, and the intriguing subplot of former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino now leading Chelsea.
The Rivalry Renewed: A Historical Perspective
The rivalry dates back to the early 20th century when both clubs were founded. Chelsea FC was established in 1905, while Tottenham Hotspur was founded in 1882. However, the rivalry truly intensified in the 1960s and 1970s when both clubs were competing at a high level in English football. The 1967 FA Cup Final, dubbed the “Cockney Cup Final”, was a watershed moment in London football history, as it marked the first-ever FA Cup final between two teams from the bustling capital. The match took place with a staggering 100,000 spectators in attendance, and it was Tottenham who emerged victorious, defeating Chelsea 2–1. This historic clash set the stage for a rivalry that would endure for decades.
The intensity of this rivalry reached its pinnacle during the 1974–75 season when both clubs found themselves embroiled in a bitter battle to avoid relegation from the First Division. The stakes were high, with Tottenham in the relegation zone and Chelsea just one point ahead. The tension surrounding the match was so palpable that it spilled over onto the pitch even before kick-off, with fans invading and engaging in fights. After a delayed start, Tottenham triumphed 2–0, securing their survival by the narrowest of margins, while Chelsea’s relegation was confirmed. However, over the years, the rivalry has seen Chelsea resoundingly dominant, with November 2006 marking the first time Spurs had beat Chelsea in 16 years.
The rivalry extends beyond the pitch to the transfer market, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refusing to do business with Chelsea or any other Premier League rival. There have been only FOUR players in the Premier League Era who have switched between the two clubs and the most recent one first-team signing was Carlo Cudicini back in January 2009, Soonsup-Bell signed in January 2023 to the Spurs development squad.
Battle of the Bridge – 2016
The ‘Battle of the Bridge – 2016’ stands as a defining moment in the intense rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. In May 2016, the stage was set at Stamford Bridge for a showdown of epic proportions.
Spurs, who had been chasing their first league title in 55 years, were eight points behind Leicester City, with three games to go but still had a glimmer of hope. On the other hand, Chelsea was enduring a disastrous season, marked by their dramatic collapse following their title win the previous year and the sacking of manager Jose Mourinho.
Despite their own struggles, Chelsea was determined to prevent their London rivals from claiming the title. In a game that saw Spurs take a 2-0 lead in the first half, Chelsea made a remarkable comeback, with goals from Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard, ultimately denying Tottenham the title.
The match was not only a display of footballing drama but is also remembered as one of the dirtiest and ugliest games of football which further cemented its place as one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in the history of the Premier League. A total of 12 yellow cards were handed out by referee, Mark Clattenburg. 9 of which were for the self-destructed Tottenham players. Eye gouging from Moussa Dembele on Diego Costa, the benches of both teams erupting, this game truly had it all.
Pochettino’s Homecoming: From Spurs to Chelsea
Considered one of Tottenham’s greatest managers in the modern-day era, Mauricio Pochettino now has a complicated legacy for many Spurs fans.
Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur marked a transformative era for the club. Taking over as the sixth manager in a span of just 10 years, he inherited a squad suffering from muddled recruitment decisions, and a disillusioned fanbase. Initially, the first season under his leadership served as a transitional period, but what followed was nothing short of remarkable. Pochettino orchestrated four consecutive top-four Premier League finishes, a feat twice as frequent as what Spurs had managed in the previous 22 years. Notably, during the 2016/17 campaign, Tottenham finished as runners-up with a points total that would have secured the league title in most other recent seasons.
And who can forget their Champions League run in 2019? Sweeping aside Borussia Dortmund, VAR drama at Manchester City and last-minute wins against Ajax in a dominating fashion before ultimately losing the final to Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Pochettino who himself called Chelsea “Spurs biggest rivals” and yet 5 years after his departure finds himself managing in West London. On his homecoming, who knows what reception will greet him?
Current Form:
Spurs this season are a new look under Ange Postecoglou, playing free-flowing football and being able to press teams in a way they couldn’t previously under both Conte and Mourinho. There is also a steeliness to the team that fans will be unfamiliar with. Remaining unbeaten, they have taken a point at the Emirates, taken 3 against Luton with 10 men, and won against Liverpool for the first time since 2017. The results again seem unimaginable under former managers but under Ange are Tottenham finally ready to shed their “spursy” title? Odds from top new online bookmakers 2023 seem to think so, backing the North London club to win over their former manager.
The same sort of start cannot be seen in West London. Currently having their worst start to the season in 45 years. They sit 10th in the table, with losses to Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Fulham and an ever-mounting injury list, with seven starting players out injured. A win against Tottenham could be key in boosting spirits and morale amongst the team and fans, as well as ensuring job safety for a little bit longer for the Argentinian manager.
Players to Watch
Son
Spurs Sonny has had a flying start to the season with six goals in his four appearances in September subsequently voted the Player of the Month. Reverting to the central position with Harry Kane departing in August, clearly suits the South Korean, who is now averaging almost 20% of his touches in the opposition box. Many wondered how Tottenham would cope without their talisman in Kane but Son has shown that he is not as reliant on the England captain as first thought. The South Korean has already bagged 6 goals in 9 apps in all competitions.
Sterling
Raheem Sterling’s impact at Chelsea cannot be understated, as he has become an indispensable key player for the team. His lightning-fast pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and versatility make him a constant threat to opposition defences. Currently Chelsea’s top scorer with three goals – only highlighting more of Chelsea’s current troubles.
Cole Palmer
A City wonder kid, Palmer made the surprise switch to the Blues this summer and has quickly become instrumental in their attacking play. The England U21 scored a penalty against rivals Arsenal in the 2-2 draw and with every passing game looks better and better. The Spurs midfield will have to be at their best to stifle him.
Summary
The upcoming Tottenham vs. Chelsea match promises to be a personal battle filled with historical significance, and top-class footballing talent. As these two London giants lock horns, fans can expect a captivating battle for supremacy in the English Premier League. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a neutral observer, this match is sure to provide entertainment. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a real tough battle.
