Chelsea vs Tottenham: A gruelling inter-city rivalry in recent seasons

Andre Villas-Boas, currently helming Tottenham, has also managed Chelsea in the past

Matchday 6 of Premier League promises thrilling action as White Hart Lane gets ready to host another hugely anticipated London derby. Clashes between the two Premier League giants have never been short of talking points. It is a fixture that has seldom disappointed in throwing up intriguing subplots over the years, and this season it is all the more awaited.

Mourinho vs Villas-Boas. The Head Coach vs His Protege. This has been talked about a lot, but fact remains that the battle has to be won on the pitch and only there itself.

The encounters between the two London sides never fail to not impress. The magnitude or the necessities of winning by both teams vary, but there has always been an extra pinch of frantic keenness to be one up over their neighbouring rivals.

Over the past few years, notably since the start of the century Chelsea-Tottenham rivalry has gained huge significance. With each outcome hugely documented, the consequences of it for both teams were also, at times, highly contrasting.

In a total of 41 matches in the Premier League era, Chelsea have had the upper hand in terms of wins, with 23 wins under their belt compared to Tottenham’s 3. Fifteen games have seen both teams grab a point each.

Recalling the past 5 fixtures featuring the two teams, one should not place his bet on a stalemate. Plenty of goals have been scored when these sides have met, and Saturday’s fixture promises anything but a goal-less draw.

Here’s a look at the past 5 games between the two London teams:

May 8, 2013- Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham

Ramires of Chelsea after scoring his team’s second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on May 8, 2013 in London

This match was probably bigger than the Blues’ Europa League final against Benfica a week later.

A win and Chelsea would have all but secured a place in the 2013-14 Champions League. They would be six points above their rivals- who then sat fifth in the table – with two games remaining. And with a plus-16 better goal difference, it would have been difficult for Spurs to overturn that deficit.

A loss, however, and suddenly the race for the top-four spot could have become an even bigger game of luck, with nerves of Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal firmly put on the line.

With all these possibilities, it was almost forgotten that the match also marked Andre Villas-Boas’ return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since he was fired as manager last March.

The teams drew 2-2 at Stamford Bridge with Oscar opening the scoring after 10 minutes and Emmanuel Adebayor getting the equaliser after 26 minutes. Ramires put Chelsea ahead again after 39 minutes, but Gylfi Sigurdsson scored 10 minutes from the end to share the spoils.

In the end it was for enough Chelsea to grab third spot. Not so much for Totthenham though as they were left gasping as Arsenal sneaked in the fourth position, a result that left Tottenham on the fringes of Europe’s elite.

October 20, 2012- Tottenham 2-4 Chelsea

William Gallas of Tottenham Hotspur after scoring during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane on October 20, 2012

Tottenham boss Villas-Boas was facing Chelsea for the first time since he was sacked in March after only nine months in charge and for a brief spell in the second half of the game, it looked like he would celebrate with three points.

The match at White Hart Lane was won by Chelsea 4-2. A Gary Cahill volley after 17 minutes was the only goal of the first half but Spurs went ahead with goals from William Gallas and Jermain Defoe after the resumption of the second half. A brace from Juan Mata and a Daniel Sturridge goal gave Chelsea three points.

Behind the many headlines, there was much deserved admiration as a revolution gathered pace at Chelsea. Juan Mata, ironically brought in at Chelsea by Villas-Boas, proved instrumental in handing Chelsea the win and subsequently, earning rave review for his display in the match.

April 15, 2012- Tottenham 1-5 Chelsea

Goalmouth melee in the match

Chelsea thrashed Tottenham to set up an FA Cup final meeting with Liverpool but the victory was accompanied by fierce controversy.

Roberto Di Matteo was surely bringing the confidence back to the pale Chelsea side that had a string of bad results coming into this match.

It was the beginning of an historic Chelsea spring, with Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona scheduled midweek at Stamford Bridge.

Well, we all know how both finals went.

Coming back to the match, Chelsea were leading in the second half through Didier Drogba‘s goal when Ledley King and Benoit Assou-Ekotto blocked Juan Mata’s shot in a chaotic penalty area scramble.

The ball did not appear to cross the line, a view supported by television replays. But, Chelsea captain John Terry compounding pressure meant that referee Atkinson awarded the goal to the obvious anger of Spurs and their then-manager Harry Redknapp.

With further goals from Ramires, Lampard, and Malouda, Chelsea were overwhelming winners in the end.

December 22, 2011- Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea

Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur takes a shot at the goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane on December 22, 2011

A draw may not have proved enough in the long-term to revive Chelsea’s own interest in the title race, they trailed Manchester City by 11 points, by their experience nous to subdue an in-form Tottenham were applauded.

Then-Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas had no hesitation in selecting his captain John Terry 24 hours after discovering that Terry was being charged with racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Emmanuel Adebayor gave the hosts an early lead as Harry Redknapp’s side threatened to overcome Chelsea in their pursuit of the Premier League title, which was in sight at that point of the season.

The Blues stood firm though, and recovered to equalize through Daniel Sturridge before half-time. They were left frustrated shortly after as Didier Drogba struck the woodwork and then Ramires wasted two perfect opportunities in the second half.

Come Saturday, team sheets and matchday programme notes will be scrutinized closely. It should, at the least be an electrifying match, with all the history being relived.

Who will blink first?