The rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur is one of the most intense and exciting in English football, despite the fact that the two clubs are not located in the same part of North London. Chelsea is based in West London, but their fierce rivalry with Tottenham is often linked to the wider North London football culture.
Over the years, Chelsea and Tottenham have competed for major trophies, particularly during the Premier League era. Chelsea has established itself as a dominant force in English football, winning numerous league titles, FA Cups, and UEFA Champions League trophies. In contrast, Tottenham has often been viewed as the underdog but has enjoyed its own successful moments, with strong league finishes and impressive cup runs, which further intensifies the rivalry.
In recent seasons, both teams have been undergoing transitions. Chelsea, despite facing some struggles, remains a powerhouse in European football, while Tottenham strives for major honours under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou in the 2024/2025 season. Matches between the two teams are unpredictable, thrilling, and eagerly anticipated by fans.
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Match background
Matches between Chelsea and Tottenham are often fiery and high-stakes. Notable encounters, such as Chelsea’s last-minute winner in the 2016-17 Premier League season to stop Spurs from winning the title, have only served to heighten the tension. Matches between the two teams are often marked by passionate fanbases and dramatic moments on the pitch.
Ever since then, there has been a real ‘edge’ to games between these clubs, and both will be hungry to win on Sunday evening – ostensibly to boost their own league campaign aspirations, but really more to earn the bragging rights over opponents they simply cannot stand.
Opinion from the managers
“My responsibility is preparing the team every game to make sure we reach certain levels. We didn’t do it against Chelsea last season so that lies on my feet and I’ve got to fix that,” said Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.
“If people think we are not going to concede any goals, that is only on the PlayStation, not real football. We are going to concede goals until the end, for sure, 100 percent. We decide in which way we are going to risk conceding goals, but in the end you are always going to concede goals,” said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
Key players to watch
Dominic Solanke, Tottenham Hotspur
A former Chelsea player from very early in his professional career, the England will be hungry to score against the Blues and continue his strong start to life with Spurs. The 27-year-old striker will need good service, but has the finishing skills to hurt the Blues on Sunday.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea
The ‘cool as ice man’ is one of the most gifted attacking players in the Premier League, able to provide defence-splitting passes, inch-perfect crosses and net-busting shots – all seemingly at will. If Palmer has a good game in North London, it’s likely the visitors will come away with all three points.
Head-to-head
In head-to-head stats, Tottenham and Chelsea have met in 177 matches across all competitions since 1909, with the Blues claiming 79 wins compared to 56 for Spurs, while 42 games have been drawn.
Chelsea did a league ‘double’ over Tottenham last season, winning 4-1 in North London in November 2023 and 2-0 in the return at Stamford Bridge in May 2024.
Broadcast details
Football fans have a chance to catch the action live Sunday 8 December here or on GOtv.
