The Rivalry that was Formed
The increasingly competitive nature of English football has led to tensions and rivalries. Rivalries between clubs in England are deeply rooted in the long history of their respective clubs. In England, rivalries are the lifeblood of football. When two clubs meet, the stadiums witness the meeting of two distinct groups, each representing its own identity. In this chapter, we will explore some of the greatest rivalries in England, why they formed, and how they reflect the social fabric of modern British society.
Rivalries in English football are a bit complex. We need to examine its social,economic, and geographical context. England has been a rapidly industrializing nation since the 19th century. Many football clubs emerged within working-class communities with strong regional identities. Clubs became symbols of regional pride, transforming on-field rivalries into big battles between communities. (Stebbins dkk, 2000) stated that rivalries in England often stem from social factors such as economic differences, working-class versus middle-class differences, or even religious differences. For example, in Scotland, the rivalry between Glasgow Celtic and Rangers is influenced by the Catholic-Protestant religious divide, while in England itself, the differences are more determined by industrial and regional factors.
North West Derby: Liverpool vs Manchester United
This is the most iconic rivalry in English football. These two major cities have been rivals since the Industrial Revolution. In the 19th century, Manchester flourished as a textile industry and emerging economic hub, while Liverpool became a major port supporting British trade with the world. This economic rivalry then extended to the sporting arena. As both clubs rose to prominence, the rivalry intensified. Liverpool FC was founded in 1892, while Manchester United was founded earlier in 1878 as Newton Heath. Both clubs share a long history and a large fan base. By the 2025 season, Liverpool had won 20 league titles, equaling Manchester United's previous record of 20. This rivalry peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, when Liverpool dominated English and European football, while Manchester United struggled to compete. After the 1990s, the tables turned when Sir Alex Ferguson led United to a new era of glory. Ferguson is even famous for his legendary statement, "My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch." This statement is a symbol of the competition between two powers who want to overtake each other.
Beyond history and achievements, this rivalry also involves a massive global fan base.
Data from the 2023 Statista shows that Liverpool and Manchester United are among the two most popular clubs in the world, with over 33% persen combined. This popularity makes each of their meetings, often called the North West Derby, one of the most watched matches in the world, even surpassing some major tournament finals in television viewership.
This rivalry is now not only about who is better, but also about who more "authenticly" represents the values of English football. Liverpool fans often describe themselves as a "working-class club" that still maintains its folk identity, while Manchester United fans are often criticized for being too "commercial" after becoming a global brand. Ironically, these two clubs have both become icons of the Premier League's globalization.
North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham
One of the most famous rivalries in the Premier League is the North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. This rivalry began in 1913 when Arsenal moved its home base from south to north London, specifically to Highbury, an area Tottenham considered "owned." This move was considered provocative, and since then, relations between the two clubs have been tense.
Arsenal and Tottenham have come from different social classes. Tottenham tended to represent the local community with its working-class base in north London, while Arsenal, in its early days, had broader support from industrial and military circles. This difference in social identity exacerbated fan hostility.
In terms of achievements, Arsenal clearly holds the upper hand. By 2025, Arsenal had collected 13 league titles and 14 FA Cup trophies, while Tottenham had only two. However, statistics don't diminish the intensity of this derby atmosphere. Arsenal-Tottenham matches are among the most heavily policed matches in England due to the high risk of fan violence.
One of the interesting things is with the influx of foreign players and coaches, social tensions between the two clubs began to change. After Arsenal appointed Arsène Wenger as the manager, he brought an elegant style of play to Arsenal, many observers said he "softened" the image of the north London derby. Nevertheless, the match remained steeped in prestige. Derby victories were often considered more valuable than trophies by some fans.
One of the most emotional examples occurred in the 2003-04 season, when Arsenal secured the league title unbeaten (The Invincibles) at Tottenham's then-home ground before moving to White Hart Lane. The scenes of Arsenal players partying on Tottenham's pitch became a painful wound for Spurs fans to this day.
Besides these two major derbies, there are several other important rivalries in English football history:
1.Manchester Derby (Manchester United vs. Manchester City) has experienced a sharp increase since 2008 when Sheikh Mansour acquired Manchester City and transformed the club into a new force. Today, this derby symbolizes the shift in power in Manchester.
2.Merseyside Derby (Liverpool vs. Everton) is the oldest rivalry in Liverpool, but unique because many families in the city support two different clubs. Despite being rivals, they are often called "The Friendly Derby."
3.Tyne-Wear Derby (Newcastle United vs. Sunderland) is the match between two clubs in northeast England known for its brutality. This derby is among the most frequently involved in fan arrests in England over the past two decades.
4.East Midlands Derby (Nottingham Forest vs. Derby County) holds historical significance because both clubs were once managed by the same legendary manager, Brian Clough. His story was even immortalized in the film The Damned United (2009).
In the modern era, the media plays a significant role in keeping rivalry alive. In the past, print media and radio were the primary drivers of fan opinion. Now, social media has expanded the space for expressing rivalries. On X, for example, hashtags like #YNWA (Liverpool), #GGMU (Manchester United), and #COYG (Arsenal) can become global trends whenever a major match takes place.
However, the effects are not always positive. Online fan hatred is increasing along with digital polarization, where club identities are becoming a kind of target of hatred. This demonstrates that rivalries are not just about 90 minutes on the pitch, but rather a complex and evolving social phenomenon. Rivalries add a unique flavor to English football culture. Without them, matches would lose their meaning. They serve as emotional outlets that demonstrate community identity. For many supporters, winning a derby is more meaningful than league standings.
Furthermore, rivalries also keep history alive. They remind us that clubs are not just businesses, but part of the long history of British society. Rivalries also tell a reminder that passion can be destructive if not balanced with healthy fan ethics. That's why the FA and supporter organizations are now promoting the "Fans for Diversity" campaign to promote fair rivalries and respect for differences. This campaign focuses on reducing hate speech, discrimination, and violence in stadiums and online.
SOURCES
BeSoccer. (2024). The Infamous North London derby. https://www.besoccer.com/new/the-evolution-of-arsenal-vs-tottenham-rivalry-the-infamous-north-london-rivalry-1292649
FSA. (n.d.). Fans For Diversity. https://thefsa.org.uk/our-work/fans-for-diversity/
Statista. (2023). Favourite Premier League Club in England. https://share.google/pPpYcEgYh3uRgowcr
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