Top 20 English football rivalries ranked
English football is renowned for its fast-paced, fiery, and unpredictable matches. On any given day, top teams like Chelsea, Manchester City, or Manchester United can come together to create the most insane scenarios. Unlike the pragmatic style of Italian football or the meticulousness of German or French football, the Premier League has its own distinctive flair. In today’s article, let’s take a look back at the top “20 English football rivalries ranked” with Kingsoccertips admin. Surely, there will be matches that will evoke the explosive and captivating atmosphere as if it were just yesterday.
The best English football rivalries of all time
1. Newcastle 4 – 4 Arsenal (5/2/2011)
Newcastle is often remembered for the image of a team prone to surrendering easily and squandering advantages when faced with adversity. However, in the match against Arsenal in early 2011, they proved the opposite. Newcastle found themselves trailing 4 – 0 to Arsenal at halftime. But in the second half, with Arsenal reduced to ten men, Newcastle rallied and achieved the unthinkable.
The man who secured the 4 – 0 victory for Newcastle was Cheick Tiote, with a perfect long-range shot. It was his only goal for the Magpies after seven seasons. In the seasons that followed, Newcastle showed signs of strong growth. In encounters with Arsenal, this team consistently played a tough brand of football.
2. Man Utd 4 – 3 Man City (21/9/2009) – English football rivalries ranked
Without this match, many Manchester United fans might have forgotten that Michael Owen once played for them, even wearing the iconic number 7 shirt. The former English prodigy will forever live in the history of the Manchester derby with his goal in the 90+6th minute of the encounter in September 2009.
It was a perfect combination: Giggs’ pass was exquisite and the way Owen brought it down and slotted it into the far corner was equally so. Manchester United at that time was a team no one wanted to face, especially when playing at Old Trafford. While Owen’s contribution was remarkable, credit should also be given to The Citizens.
3. Liverpool 4 – 4 Arsenal (21/4/2009)
At the time of hosting Arsenal, Liverpool was experiencing its most glorious season under manager Rafa Benitez. A win would see them leapfrog their arch-rivals Manchester United in the title race. And it seemed like a task not too difficult as Arsenal was almost out of steam (sitting 7 points behind Aston Villa in 5th place).
What Liverpool didn’t account for was the extraordinary form of Andrey Arshavin. The Russian player single-handedly scored 4 goals for Arsenal at Anfield, contributing to the downfall of The Kop’s morale. Since then, every time Arsenal players have visited Liverpool, they have played with the determination akin to what Arshavin had displayed.
4. Arsenal 2 – 4 Man Utd (1/2/2005) – English football rivalries ranked
This match is remembered for an incident in the tunnel. Roy Keane famously demanded to “sort out” Patrick Vieira for confronting Gary Neville. However, amidst the controversy, it’s easy to forget that this was one of the highest-quality matches in Premier League history.
Arsenal led 2 – 1 at halftime, but ultimately Manchester United managed to leave Highbury with all three points thanks to a stellar second-half performance from Cristiano Ronaldo. The encounters between the two teams have always contained a certain level of violence, and there’s no sign that this will change anytime soon.
5. Tottenham 3 – 5 Man Utd (29/9/2001)
One of the matches that best showed the so-called “United spirit”. The White Hart Lane side had a jubilant first half and took a 3 – 0 lead. Going into the break, no one believed that United could get even 1 point. But the unbelievable happened.
In the 2nd half, United scored a 5 – goal streak due to the work of… 5 different players are Andy Cole, Laurent Blanc, Van Nistelrooy, Veron and Beckham. However, coach Ferguson was still very upset after the game.
6. Leeds 4 – 3 Liverpool (4/11/2000) – English football rivalries ranked
This is a famous victory for Leeds, an up-and-coming force trying to change the footballing order in England. It was also a standout performance by Mark Viduka. The Australian striker single-handedly scored all four goals against The Kop.
What’s noteworthy is that Liverpool, at the time, were considered the stronger side and had the personnel advantage (Leeds lost four key players and then lost Woodgate early in the game), as well as quickly establishing a two-goal lead within the first 16 minutes.
7. Arsenal 3 – 2 Man Utd (9/11/1997)
Ian Wright was directly involved in this match, and according to the legendary English striker, it was a “memorable” game. “We started really well and were leading 2-0, but everyone knows they [M.U] hadn’t warmed up yet,” Wright said.
“Their squad at that time was very strong, and just before we knew it, Teddy Sheringham had scored two goals to bring the game back to square one. David [Platt] put us ahead with a fantastic header, but it wasn’t until the end of the match that we dared to believe we had won.”
8. Newcastle 5 – 0 Man Utd (20/ 10/1996) – English football rivalries ranked
Former Newcastle star Alan Shearer reckons the match against United in October 1996 was a perfect performance for Newcastle. It could also be seen as a sweeter revenge by the Warblers against their North East neighbours who robbed them of their 1993/94 Premier League title.
But manager Alex Ferguson thinks otherwise. Because of this win, Newcastle were born complacent, and from then on could never find their status as title contenders again. A humiliating and disgraceful 0-5 defeat for the Premier League’s most prolific team.
9. Liverpool 4 – 3 Newcastle (3/4/1996)
Newcastle once led Manchester United by 12 points in January. But by the time they marched to Anfield, Kevin Keegan’s team knew that if they couldn’t take all three points, their title hopes would immediately evaporate. The Magpies from the northeast played their familiar brand of spirited football, and with no shortage of effectiveness.
However, this was Anfield, and Liverpool never accepted other teams easily getting what they wanted. With this defeat, the Magpies virtually conceded in the race with Man Utd for the EPL crown. It was a season where the home team did everything they could, but ultimately couldn’t lift the trophy for their fans.
10. Everton 3 – 2 Wimbledon (7/5/1994) – English football rivalries ranked
Heading into the final game of the season, Everton and a host of other teams, including Oldham, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and Southampton, were all in danger of relegation. Ipswich and Southampton secured relegation thanks to favourable results. It also means that Everton’s fate depends on the necessary condition that they beat Wimbledon, and the sufficient condition that Sheffield Utd lose to Chelsea.
After an hour of play, Sheffield led Chelsea 2 – 1, while Everton were 2 – 0 down by Wimbledon. But in the end, something crazy happened. Sheffield lost against Chelsea, while Everton won against Wimbledon. Fans of “The Toffees” took to the pitch to celebrate as if they had just won the Champions League.
11. Man Utd 2 – 1 Man City (14/01/2023)
The Manchester derby lived up to the fans’ expectations, unfolding as an enthralling encounter. As the second half began, Manchester City intensified their attacks. In the 60th minute, Jack Grealish easily headed home to beat De Gea. It seemed like Manchester United would crumble after conceding, but in the 78th minute, Bruno Fernandes equalized, a goal confirmed by the referee.
Just 4 minutes later, Rashford scored from close range, following a well-executed dribble and assist by Garnacho. Everything changed rapidly, and despite Manchester City’s efforts to find an equalizer, their strikers were helpless against De Gea’s goal. Manchester United secured a remarkable come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
12. Arsenal 3 – 2 Man Utd (22/01/2023) – English football rivalries ranked
With good form and the home advantage, Arsenal confidently pushed forward, pressing Manchester United from the start. Conversely, Erik Ten Hag’s side didn’t attack much, but every time they ventured forward, they made Arsenal nervous. In the 17th minute, Rashford surprisingly put the visitors ahead, but 7 minutes later, Nketiah’s header brought the game level for Arsenal.
Entering the second half, Saka electrified the Emirates Stadium with a stunning long-range goal to make it 2 – 1. Despite being on the back foot, Manchester United unexpectedly equalized to make it 2-2.
In the 90th minute, just when Manchester United fans thought the match would end in a draw, a turning point occurred. Inside the Red Devils’ penalty area, Nketiah unleashed a lightning-fast shot to score Arsenal’s third goal, sealing a thrilling back-and-forth encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
13. Liverpool 4 – 3 Tottenham (30/4/2023)
In Matchday 34 of the Premier League, Tottenham once again left their fans feeling disappointed. Just 15 minutes into the game, they conceded three goals to Liverpool, with Jones scoring in the 3rd minute, Diaz in the 5th minute, and Salah converting a penalty in the 15th minute. Tottenham managed to pull one back before halftime with Kane’s goal in the 39th minute.
In the second half, despite Tottenham’s efforts to come back, Liverpool continued to press high, leading to Son Heung Min breaking the offside trap in the 77th minute and beating Alisson. Tottenham controlled much of the game in the final 15 minutes, with Mason bringing on Richarlison and Lucas Moura in search of an equalizer. In the 90+3rd minute, Spurs seemed to come back from the dead as Richarlison’s header bounced past Alisson into the net, leveling the score.
However, the joy was short-lived as Tottenham conceded again in the 90+4th minute. Diogo Jota capitalized on a defensive mistake from Lucas Moura and fired a shot past Forster into the corner of the net, sealing a 4-3 victory for Liverpool. With this win, Liverpool claimed the 5th position in the league table, surpassing Tottenham.
14. Chelsea 2 – 2 Tottenham (14/08/2022)
The away trip of Antonio Conte’s team to Stamford Bridge encountered many difficulties. Just 19 minutes into the game, Kalidou Koulibaly helped “The Blues” take the lead with a right-footed volley that beat Hugo Lloris. In the second half, the drama continued to escalate.
The 68th minute, Hojbjerg’s long-range shot leveled the score for Tottenham. Less than 10 minutes later, Kante provided an assist for Sterling, who then set up Reece James to score past Hugo Lloris, restoring Chelsea’s lead. Just when it seemed like Chelsea had secured the three points, they allowed Harry Kane to head home in the 90 + 6th minute, the last minute of stoppage time, and had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Tottenham.
15. Newcastle 3 – 3 Man City (21/08/2022) – English football rivalries ranked
Man City traveled to St. James’ Park with the aim of defeating Newcastle to snatch the top spot from Arsenal. And it took only 5 minutes to open the scoring through a combination between Bernardo Silva and Gundogan. However, surprises followed one after another. On a day when Allan Saint-Maximin shone brightly, he assisted in Newcastle’s lead with consecutive goals, putting them ahead 2-1 (Miguel Almiron 28′ and Callum Wilson 39′).
At the start of the second half, the challenges piled up for Man City as they conceded their third goal from Trippier’s superb free-kick in the 54th minute. Despite trailing by two goals, Man City remained calm. In the 60th minute, De Bruyne delivered a cross to the far post before Rodri’s effort to lay it off for Erling Haaland to slot home from close range, reducing the deficit to just one goal.
And just 4 minutes later, De Bruyne displayed his class with a precision pass to put Bernardo Silva in a favorable position before the Portuguese midfielder found the back of the net for Newcastle, equalizing the scoreline 3 – 3 for Pep Guardiola’s side.
16. Chelsea 4 – 4 Man City (11/12/2023)
The Premier League Round 12 match between Chelsea and Man City ended in a 4 – 4 draw, a scenario that few dared to imagine before the game began. Man City took the lead thanks to Erling Haaland’s penalty. However, thereafter, it was the home team’s turn to rise. Silva and Sterling each scored to put The Blues ahead. However, just before halftime, Akanji helped Man City equalize 2 – 2.
At the start of the second half, it was Erling Haaland again who scored to make it 3 – 2 for the reigning champions. Things didn’t stop there as shortly after, N. Jackson found himself in the right place to tap in and level the score. The climax came in the 86th minute when Rodri’s shot deflected off T. Silva’s leg into the net, despite R. Sanchez’s helpless attempt to clear, making it 4-3 for Man City.
In the added minutes of the second half, A. Broja came on, and just a minute later, he was fouled by R. Dias inside the box, resulting in an instant penalty for Chelsea. From the spot, Cole Palmer made no mistake to seal the crazy 4 – 4 draw at Stamford Bridge.
17. Liverpool 2 – 2 Man City (03/10/2021)
Playing at their home ground Anfield, Liverpool started the game with enthusiasm, pressing high up the pitch. Despite having less possession, Man City had the first clear opportunity. Similar to the first half, Liverpool began the second half better. They continuously made direct passes into the midfield to exploit Diogo Jota’s agility.
Their energetic start to the second half paid off quickly. In the 59th minute, Mohamed Salah burst down the wing and set up Sadio Mane for the opening goal. However, Liverpool’s lead lasted for less than 10 minutes. From a straight dribble from the right flank, Gabriel Jesus made a perfect pass for Phil Foden to slot home.
The scoreline was again level for less than 10 minutes. In the 76th minute, Mohamed Salah dribbled past three players, then shifted past Laporte and finished perfectly to make it 2 – 1. The back-and-forth game at Anfield continued in the 80th minute with Manchester City equalizing. Gabriel Jesus smartly released the ball after Sterling’s cross for De Bruyne to finish. It ended 2 – 2, which was the final score of the match.
18. Man City 1 – 3 Chelsea (03/12/2016) – English football rivalries ranked
The early and highly anticipated match of Premier League round 14 between Manchester City and Chelsea on the evening of December 3, 2016, ended with a score of 3 – 1 in favor of the London team. True to the nature of a top match, both teams actively controlled the ball and launched attacks right after the kickoff. In the dying minutes of the first half, the Sky Blues surprisingly took the lead with an own goal by Gary Cahill.
Moving into the second half, the away team’s players surged forward in attack to seek an equalizer, and they achieved their goal in the 60th minute. By the 70th minute, from a counter-attacking situation, Costa delivered a precise pass to Willian. The player controlled the ball well and fired an accurate shot, putting “The Blues” ahead 2 – 1.
In the final minute of play, Alonso made a crossing pass for Hazard to burst past Otamendi and finish dangerously to seal a 3-1 victory for Chelsea.
19. Arsenal 2 – 2 Tottenham (24/09/2023)
Arsenal dominated the first half at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s players exerted pressure continuously, preventing Tottenham from building up their play and successfully winning possession on several occasions. In the 26th minute, White moved forward from the backline, creating space for Saka to cut inside and curl a left-footed shot into the far corner.
Shortly after, James Maddison bypassed Saka on the left flank and played a reverse pass for Son to strike with his left foot, hitting the far post and bouncing into the net.
The script unfolded similarly at the beginning of the second half. In the 53rd minute, Arsenal once again took the lead with Romero and Saka involved. From the penalty spot, Saka shot straight down the middle as Vicario dove to his right.
Just a minute later, Maddison and Son combined again to equalize for Tottenham. Jorginho – who came on for Declan Rice after half-time – lost possession to Maddison right in his own half. Tottenham’s number 10 dribbled the ball close to the edge of the box before delivering a perfectly timed pass to Son, who beat Raya with a low shot into the far corner.
20. Man City 2 – 3 Man Utd (07/04/2018) – English football rivalries ranked
Losing 0 – 2 in the first half, United had the most classic comeback of the 2017/18 season with 3 goals scored in the second half to win all 3 points right above the Etihad. City entered the game with a very strange scheme, with both Jesus and Aguero sidelined. However, City were the team that controlled the ball much better and deployed the attack effectively, while United did not have the ball because they were pressed at high altitude continuously. The 1st half belonged to Man City and they had 2 goals.
In the 25th minute, from Sane’s corner kick, Kompany leaped courageously to head in the opening goal for Man City. Just 5 minutes later, Man City scored their second goal. Gundogan skillfully turned and shot to find the net against MU.
In the 53rd minute, from a cross from the right wing by Sanchez, Matic chested the ball down for Pogba to burst into the penalty area and score with a one-touch shot to make it 1-2 for the Red Devils. Then, 2 minutes later, again from a cross by Sanchez, Pogba leaped powerfully to head into the far corner, helping the Red Devils equalize emotionally. And the match reached its climax when the away team scored their third goal. From a free kick, Smalling charged in bravely to nod the ball in, making it 3-2.
Conclude
So, we have gone through a series of captivating and dramatic “English football rivalries ranked” together. In a fiercely competitive league that thrives on clashes, it’s rare to see consistently wild scorelines. Therefore, the matches listed above deserve to be remembered and talked about over and over again. If you want, you can always go on YouTube to relive these intense and fiery showdowns.
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