A Tottenham fan favourite admitted Arsenal weren't the club's biggest rivals, instead naming another Premier League side
06:30, 23 May 2026
Tottenham players celebrate Toby Alderweireld's goal
View 3 Images
Arsenal weren't Tottenham's biggest rivals, according to a former Spurs star(Image: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea inflicted a crushing setback to Tottenham's relegation battle this week, more than a decade after their iconic 'Battle of the Bridge' encounter.
The Blues secured a 2-1 victory on Wednesday, meaning the north London club will be scrapping to preserve their Premier League status on the final day of the campaign. The two clubs have been involved in numerous gripping contests over the years, with their tempestuous 2016 meeting at Stamford Bridge standing out above the rest.
It was an era when Spurs were unquestionably superior to Arsenal, which prompted Tottenham legend Toby Alderweireld to declare it was Chelsea who represented their primary rivals rather than the Gunners.
Spurs were attempting to maintain their title challenge when they made the trip to west London, and what unfolded was amongst the most ill-tempered matches in Premier League history.
A total of 12 yellow cards were issued, with nine of them displayed to Spurs' outfield players in the 2-2 stalemate that confirmed Leicester City as champions. The retired Belgian defender featured in 236 matches across six years for the club and reflected on that fateful evening at the Bridge.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea players arguing during the Barclays Premier League match at Stamford Bridge
View 3 Images
The 'Battle of the Bridge' in 2016 ended Tottenham's title hopes(Image: PA Wire)
Speaking to The Times, he said: "The pressure had been building for a couple of weeks and all the attention meant everyone was so fired up. At that time we were always above Arsenal so for me that was not really the rivalry, it was much more Chelsea.
"With VAR you wouldn't get a game like that now. Maybe I'm a nostalgic guy, but that was the beauty of no VAR." The 37-year-old described it as the "craziest" match of football he's ever participated in.
FOLLOW OUR TOTTENHAM FB PAGE! Latest Spurs news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
He added: "I was the only one who didn't get a yellow! I think it was the craziest game I ever played. Foul, foul, the game always standing still and the yellow cards. You could feel the game from the first duel, the first foul, it's like 'Oh that was a nasty one'. Straight away."
More than a decade on from that encounter, the balance of power has shifted dramatically in north London. Arsenal were officially crowned Premier League champions following Manchester City's draw at Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
The Gunners' final match of the season against Crystal Palace promises a celebratory atmosphere, while Spurs must secure at least a point against Everton to guarantee survival and condemn West Ham to relegation.
Referee Martin Atkinson calls for a foul.
View 3 Images
The game resulted in 12 yellow cards between the two teams(Image: 2017 Getty Images)
Fortunes amongst London's top-flight clubs have diverged sharply, with Arsenal positioned to pursue additional silverware in their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Triumph at the Puskas Arena in Budapest would deliver Arsenal's maiden Champions League crown and establish them as the seventh English side to claim the competition.
Article continues below
Arsenal Premier League champions - special edition on sale now
After 22 years of near-misses, heartbreak and drama, the Gooners are once again the best team in the land. Our souvenir edition tells the story of what has been an extraordinary season by Mikel Arteta's men. Order your copy here