Part of what makes the Premier League so good is the fierce rivalries. It feels as though nearly every game week two teams with some sort of history between them are facing off.
It may be local derbies, inter-city clashes, or just simply a pair of clubs who don't like each other for whatever reason. Either way, the English top-flight regularly deserves up dramatic encounters.
The question is, then: What are the fiercest club rivalries in the Premier League today? Well, thanks to the experts at Online Free Games, the top five have been revealed.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Historic rivalry
This is the only entry in the top five that is not based on geography. Indeed, Arsenal play their football in London, while Manchester United are absolutely a more northern club, but that doesn't mean there isn't a long-term rivalry between the two Premier League giants. Animosity truly exploded in the late 90s and has hung around ever since. The experts explained:
"This one might not top the charts today, but don’t let recency fool you—it’s packed with history. During the late ‘90s and early 2000s, this was the defining rivalry in the Premier League. The infamous “Battle of Old Trafford” in 2003—when Ruud van Nistelrooy clashed with Arsenal’s bruisers—is still one of the most replayed Premier League moments. And who can forget the pizza-throwing incident in the tunnel, where Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas threw a slice of pizza at United manager Alex Ferguson’s head?"
Liverpool vs Everton
Merseyside Derby
This is actually the Premier League game responsible for the most red cards in history. There have been 23 dismissals when Liverpool take on Everton in the competition – four more than the next closest fixture. Serge Eliseeff, CEO of Online Free Games, noted:
“Everton hasn’t had the silverware to back up their rivalry in recent decades, but that doesn’t take the sting out of derby day. The infamous 2020 tackle by Jordan Pickford that sidelined Virgil van Dijk ignited outrage among Liverpool fans, and it’s incidents like that that keep this rivalry heated, regardless of league positions.”
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Manchester United vs Manchester City
Manchester Derby
Whenever Manchester United play Manchester City, it's guaranteed to make headlines. As local rivals, there is plenty of history between the teams, but for a long period of time, the Red Devils dominated. However, that has changed in the modern era. As explained by the experts:
"Once dubbed the “noisy neighbors” by Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester City are now anything but quiet. This derby has transformed dramatically since the 2008 takeover by Sheikh Mansour. City went from mid-table mediocrity to serial trophy collectors, often at the expense of their once-dominant red-clad rivals."
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
North London Derby
In the early 20th century, Arsenal moved from the Manor Ground in South-East London to Highbury. This placed them within four miles of Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane – a local rivalry soon developed. In the years since, this fixture has become one of the most exciting and dramatic games in the British footballing calendar. Eliseeff said:
“Arsenal’s golden era under Arsene Wenger in the late '90s and early 2000s saw the Gunners rise far above Spurs—but recent seasons have seen the gap close, with both teams vying for Champions League spots."
That said, under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have gone from strength to strength, regularly vying for major honours, while Tottenham have endured a bit of a recent slump and have not won a trophy since 2008.
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Liverpool vs Manchester United
North West Derby
Despite both teams coming from the North West, this is as much about history as it is about geography. A fixture for 19 red cards over the years – only topped by the aforementioned Merseyside Derby – this game is always a tense encounter.
In recent years, kick-started by the 20115 arrival of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have enjoyed plenty of success. In that same period, United have struggled since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite that, these games still mean the world to players and fans alike. Eliseeff remarked:
“Separated by just 35 miles, Liverpool and Manchester United represent two of the most successful and supported football clubs on the planet. With decades of shared dominance in English football, this is a clash of dynasties.”