A look back at the origins of the intense Tottenham Hotspur-Chelsea rivalry
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are fierce rivals. Among a number of London based clubs, the antagonism between the two English giants gives our clashes a special significance.
This fierce rivalry was born in the 1967 FA Cup final. 100,000 spectators witnessed what was to become a new chapter in the rivalry between the two sides.
Chelsea might be one of the most successful English sides in recent history. This was not the case back then. Tottenham was in the midst of one of the club’s successful eras as we won five major trophies in eight years.
The last of them took place at the legendary venue of Wembley in what came to be known as the Cockney Cup final.
The first all-London final in the illustrious trophy’s history, it was a hard-fought contest where we emerged the winners. Goals from Jimmy Robertson and Frank Saul put us 2-0 up before Bobby Tambling scored a late consolation goal for Chelsea.
The Blues at that time were yet to win the FA Cup. Spurs ensured that that wait will extend for another couple of years.
No let off!
The rivalry continues to this day with a number of Spurs stars always up for playing the Blues. Star midfielder Dele Alli is one of them. The 23-year-old considers Chelsea to be bigger rivals even in comparison to Arsenal.
“The rivalry with Chelsea is bigger than the one with Arsenal, purely because of what they have done to us in recent years.”
A rekindling of the old flame is evident given our rise up the table in recent years. Things boiled over at Stamford Bridge in 2016 as Chelsea fought back to draw the game after Spurs had taken a 2-0 lead.
With our chance of Premier League glory up in smoke, the heated encounter ended with an almighty tussle at the full-time whistle.
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With former Chelsea fan favourite Jose Mourinho now at the helm at Spurs, the age-old rivalry looks set to continue.
Generations may come and go but the effects of that encounter in Wembley 53 years ago to this day, will still linger.
