the league.
In theory, a London team will have 10 derbies this season - Arsenal Chelsea Palace Fulham Spurs West Ham. If you include Watford, then thats 12. Some of these games are massive.
Spurs Arsenal and Chelsea form half of the big six. So not just big important games in the context of the league but also fierce local derbies. Chelsea loved ending our title tilt in the battle at the bridge. Would they have shown such joy and pride if it were City they were denying?
Add to that West Ham love to try and upset their bigger London neighbours and have a special hatred of Spurs. We all know its their Cup Final and they usually raise their game whatever their current form.
Or is the impact of derbies over-stated? are they really just another game where the better team usually wins?
Is it harder for a London team to win....
posted on 11/11/18
London Derbies do make a massive difference. London teams have 10 usually minimum. Liverpool for instance only have two derbies a season against Everton. City only have two against United.
posted on 11/11/18
Hasn’t been a problem for Chelsea.
posted on 11/11/18
I think Spurs real Derby is always Arsenal. The others are not the same but West Ham will always try to raise their game against Spurs. Chelsea's closest Derby isn't too hard for them as Fulham seem to have fallen to pieces and it is hard to generate the passion 10 or 12 times a season that a Spurs /Arsenal game or United/City or United / Liverpool.
posted on 11/11/18
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posted on 11/11/18
There are only 3 London teams who are any good, so I don't think it's a big issue. It's proven not to be for Chelsea, or Arsenal back when they were winning leagues.
It's as much about who is quality in this league. Man United are going to find facing top London teams tough, just as we are. And we like to think that a lesser London team like West Ham might put in a bit more effort in against us than others, but being significantly better than them we will tend to win our games against them just as other top teams will, which is why we've beaten them a few times this year already.
posted on 11/11/18
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posted on 11/11/18
It's been harder for arsenal and spurs because they haven't been good enough to win it
posted on 11/11/18
west ham
posted on 11/11/18
No it’s not.
posted on 11/11/18
I actually agree with you op. West Ham and palace away I dread whether as a Bournemouth for example I see as a good opportunity at 3 points.