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The Chelsea F.C. vs Tottenham Hotspur Timeline
There are some derbies that are etched into the true football fan’s mind, like the Merseyside derby, Manchester derby, the Old Firm derby, or for the Championship fans, the South Wales derby or the Potteries derby. When we go through and think about these derbies, they are more often than not the most ferocious of games for players and fans alike. One that maybe doesn’t spring to mind when this conversation is brought up is Tottenham vs. Chelsea F.C. Aside from the obvious fact that they are both geographically based in London and currently play in the top flight of English football, we normally wouldn’t put these two teams up against one another. However, it seems we are wrong, and this derby has everything a derby needs—drama! The Chelsea F.C. vs. Tottenham timeline dates back as far as 1909 and has continued with bitterness and fireworks ever since.
Chelsea F.C. vs Tottenham Hotspur: The History
Over the last century or so, there have been 180 meetings between Chelsea and Spurs; the Blues winning 82, Spurs 56, and 42 ending in a draw. But where did it all begin? Chelsea F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur first met at Stamford Bridge on December 18th, 1909, in the First Division football league. Chelsea drew first blood by winning 2-1 thanks to James Bradshaw and Jimmy Windridge, resulting in the start of this London Derby. Although this was the first time they met, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the feelings of hostility really began.
In the 1960s, the era of football hooliganism was starting to take shape, and a London Cup final was the perfect thing for fans to get stuck into. This is where the timeline of Chelsea and Tottenham really starts. At this point, Tottenham were coming off a dominant few years, and Chelsea were starting to build a winning team. Both Chelsea F.C. and Tottenham were making a name for themselves in English football. This is when they met at the 1967 FA Cup Final. The first-ever final to feature two teams from London, it was later referred to as the ‘Cockney Cup Final.’ Tottenham found themselves victorious, winning 2-1 in front of 100,000 fans at Wembley!
Around ten years later, the rivalry between Chelsea F.C. vs. Tottenham deepened in the 1974/75 season. Both teams found themselves at the bottom of the old First Division football, both needing all-important points to avoid relegation. Tottenham sat one point below Chelsea in the relegation zone when they met at White Hart Lane. Tottenham found themselves victorious, overtook the Blues, and stayed up in the First Division. Consequently, Chelsea was sent down to the second tier of English football, where they would stay for the better part of ten years.
Over the 1970s and 80s, the Chelsea F.C. and Tottenham timeline leaned in Spurs’ favor. Spurs showed quality by winning two more FA Cups, making a couple more Cup finals, and asserting themselves as ultimately better than Chelsea. However, this flipped in the 90s. Chelsea gained a healthy amount of money from the board, resulting in the rise of Chelsea. They won two FA Cups, the League Cup, and made multiple finals throughout the 90s, whilst Tottenham essentially did nothing. Over the next 16 years, Tottenham did not win once against Chelsea, which included a thrashing where the Blues won 6-1 at White Hart Lane.
Chelsea F.C. vs Tottenham Hotspur: The Modern Rivalry
Fast forward to the last two decade and this is where the Chealsea f.c vs Tottenham derby really thrives.
League Cup Final 2008
The Chelsea f.c. vs. Tottenham rivalry continued with the 2008 League Cup Final. Spurs had not won a trophy in nearly a decade and were very desperate for silverware. Chelsea, on the other hand, were in their golden era under Roman Abramovich’s ownership, regularly competing for trophies. The match, played at Wembley, saw Chelsea take the lead through a Didier Drogba free kick. However, a controversial penalty decision allowed Tottenham to equalise through Dimitar Berbatov. Jonathan Woodgate then sealed victory for Spurs in extra time, winning their first major trophy since 1999 and giving their fans a much-needed reason to celebrate over their London rivals.
League Cup Final 2015
Seven years later, the two teams met again in the League Cup final. By this point, Chelsea had established themselves as one of England’s dominant forces, while Tottenham were beginning to emerge as a serious competitor under Mauricio Pochettino. Despite Spurs’ ambitions, Chelsea proved too strong on the day. A goal from captain John Terry and a deflected strike from Diego Costa secured a 2-0 victory for the Blues, reaffirming their superiority in the rivalry. This loss was a bitter pill for Tottenham fans, as it showcased the gulf in class that still existed between the two clubs.
Battle of the Bridge 2016
Arguably the most infamous encounter between Chelsea and Tottenham in recent history, the Battle of the Bridge took place on May 2nd, 2016. Tottenham needed a win to keep their Premier League title hopes alive, as Leicester City were on the verge of completing one of the greatest underdog stories in football history. Spurs raced to a 2-0 lead at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. However, Chelsea staged a dramatic comeback, with Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard scoring to level the match 2-2. The result handed Leicester the title and crushed Tottenham’s dreams. The match was marred by violent tackles, on-field brawls, and multiple bookings, with Spurs receiving a record nine yellow cards. To this day, Chelsea fans relish the memory of stopping their rivals from winning the league.
August 2022 – Tuchel and Conte Square Up
The animosity between the two clubs was reignited in August 2022 when Chelsea and Tottenham met early in the Premier League season. The game ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, but the real fireworks occurred on the touchline. Chelsea’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, and Tottenham’s boss, Antonio Conte, clashed multiple times throughout the match, culminating in an intense handshake at full-time that nearly led to a full-blown fight. Both managers received red cards for their conduct, further fuelling the fire of the rivalry. This incident highlighted the passion and intensity that still exists whenever these two clubs face off.
November 2023 – A Chaotic Clash
November 2023, Chelsea vs. Tottenham was one of the most hectic matches in Premier League history. Spurs took the lead in the sixth minute. Followed by two goals from Chelsea that got disallowed. In the 33rd minute Romero received a straight red, and Chelsea received a penalty (which Palmer scored). There were some very controversial ref decisions that Tottenham were lucky to get away with some red card worthy challenges. In the 55th minute Udogie was sent off following two yellow cards, leaving Tottenham with nine men. The match ended in a dramatic 4-1 victory for Chelsea, where Jackson scored a hat-trick sealing the three points for the Blues.
Chelsea F.C. vs Tottenham Hotspur: The Next Match
The next instalment of Chelsea f.c. vs. Tottenham is on the 3rd of April. Will Tottenham finally break their curse at Stamford Bridge, or will Chelsea continue their dominance? Only time will tell. The Chelsea vs. Tottenham rivalry may not be as historically celebrated as other derbies, but its intensity and drama make it one of the most compelling fixtures in English football. From early battles in the 20th century to modern-day clashes filled with controversy and passion, this rivalry continues to deliver unforgettable moments. With both clubs constantly evolving, the future promises even more thrilling encounters. No matter where they are in the standings, whenever Chelsea and Tottenham face off, one thing is guaranteed fireworks.
