Football is about more than just the game – it has much more to do with pride, history, and rivalry, and there is no better example of this than the West Ham United Football Club.
Yes, this club may not always be at the top of the table, but one thing is certain: they are always at the centre stage of London’s football wars. Understanding West Ham United’s rivalries is important for anyone who wishes to understand the team. The Hammers’ story is built on fierce, historic rivalries that define how they play and are perceived.
Football fans love the thrill of a heated game between two rivals, absolutely refusing to be bested by the other as a matter of club pride, history, and bragging rights. These games often lead to unpredictable outcomes, and there is a sense that anything can happen. That’s what attracts bettors to Premier League rivalries, as the unpredictability of these games may lead to higher odds. Games between historic rivals like West Ham and Millwall are usually intense and ideal for strategic wagering. With these rivalries as old as the club itself, it’s no wonder that these intense encounters have shaped West Ham’s identity. Let’s explore how these battles have moulded and are still influencing the club’s character.
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How did these rivalries begin?
For West Ham, it all began soon after the club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC in East London. Just as other historical wars have begun, West Ham’s location on the map put them in close competition with other clubs from the same area. And since rivalries like these have always had a unique intensity, their encounters have come with bragging rights and local pride. In fact, fans don’t just see the competitions as games. They have become moments in the season that define what it means to be part of the West Ham family.
Some popular ‘West Ham vs rival’ competitions
Now that we know where West Ham’s story began, let’s look into the club’s most prominent rivals.
The East London Derby: West Ham vs Millwall
Millwall and West Ham are only a few miles apart in East London so you can easily imagine how this has created one of the fiercest rivalries in football.
Popularly known as the East London Derby, this is unarguably the most intense of West Ham’s rivalries. It’s a story that started well over a century ago, steeped in history, and running deep in the veins of both fan bases.
Over the years, matches between the two clubs have been heated. Among their 99 matches, West Ham has won 34 and drew 27. But as it stands, Millwall has the lead as the team with the most wins in their head-to-head record, having won 38 of their matchups.
The North London Rivalry: Tottenham Hotspur vs the Hammers
Another notable rival of West Ham is Tottenham Hotspur. Like with Millwall, West Ham is only separated by a short distance from Tottenham and all of their matchups have carried a great deal of emotional weight.
Each club’s victories are not only about the three points—they represent the spirit of East London versus North London. The atmosphere is usually charged, with fans’ anticipation at an all-time high during the clash.
Since the 19th century, when Tottenham and West Ham had their first clash, there have been 224 competitive meetings. Of those 224 games, West Ham has 67 wins, Tottenham has 102, and there have been 55 draws.
Another London rivalry: Chelsea vs West Ham
Chelsea vs West Ham is another fierce competition. This rivalry is extreme since the former has a reputation for competing at the top. Chelsea, with its deep financial resources, sharply contrasts West Ham’s working-class roots. As a result, this rivalry has a personal twist to it. On one hand, there’s West Ham, a club that takes great pride in their underdog status, and on the other, there’s Chelsea’s wealth.
These two clubs have had 123 matches. West Ham triumphed in 44 compared to Chelsea’s 56 wins and drew 23 matches. Considering the Hammers’ underdog status, that’s a decent record.
How these rivalries have shaped the club’s identity
West Ham’s rivalries with its neighbours are more than just fixtures. They are a symbol of the club’s identity, shaped by these matchups in the following ways:
Community pride and underdog spirit: it’s not news that club fans have a sense of East London pride. When facing wealthy clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United, it’s of great pride when West Ham wins despite its underdog status.
Historic ties: most of the Hammers’ rivalries date back centuries. This historic tension keeps fans grounded in the club’s roots and traditions.
Competitive edge and fighting spirit: West Ham has frequent showdowns with top clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham. These rivalries drive the team to rise in the standings, pushing them to compete at higher levels.
Wrap up
West Ham United’s fierce rivalries have created a legacy that goes beyond the pitch. They are proof of the club’s resilience, fighting spirit, and connection to its supporters. Rivalries like this remind us of the raw emotion and heart that make football more than just a game – it’s a way of life.