Soccer derbies are games between two teams from the same locality. They usually involve teams from a larger locality than smaller ones. There are a few notable derby games played in England in the Premier League. These are five of the best English soccer derbies to watch.
The Manchester derby is between the giants of Manchester United and Manchester City. This is a derby game with some history. While Manchester United has won more trophies historically, in more recent years, Man City has been the dominant team in the Premier League, having won six titles. Great players have played in this derby match. This derby game is also played at Old Trafford, a theatre of dreams and one of the best stadiums in England.
The Liverpool vs Everton derby match is another big fixture in England, played between the Merseyside clubs. It is a derby game with some history, as both Everton and Liverpool are two of the top league’s best-established clubs. When they meet, it is usually a tradition for the fans to chant ‘Never walk alone’ at the derby game.
Given that both clubs have also won many trophies, these derby games have also been played in finals such as the FA Cup. In 1986, Liverpool beat Everton in the FA Cup final to win the double. In 1989, another thrilling cup final was played between the two clubs as Liverpool won again, this time with a 3–2 win over their Merseyside rivals. There have been some great games between the two clubs, with fine players such as Rush, Dalglish, Gray, and Rooney playing.
Further south, Arsenal vs Chelsea has become the foremost London derby. I say that because there are numerous London soccer derbies, but this is the biggest. These London clubs have had the best teams in the city in more recent times (not begrudging the great Spurs sides that have won nothing). Arsenal can play some sublime soccer, with players such as Saka and Odegaard in their team.
Chelsea has won the league more recently with the likes of Terry and Lampard in their first teams. These clubs have met in numerous key games, such as the Champions League quarter-finals, where Chelsea won the away leg over a great Arsenal team. Then, in the FA Cup, Arsenal sealed the double with a 2–0 win. It is a great derby that usually has two strong teams.
Arsenal against Tottenham is another of the best English soccer derbies worth watching. It is a derby game that has a great history, as Tottenham has also had some very exciting teams in times gone by. These teams have also had great cup teams and have met in the FA Cup semi-finals a few times. Arsenal also won the league at White Hart Lane in 1971, with a 1–0 win to clinch the league title and then a double. Great players like Henry, Bergkamp, Greaves, Jennings, Klinnsmann, and Viera have played in this derby fixture.
The local derby between Birmingham and Villa is another worth noting. Aston Villa has been the most successful club, but Birmingham City has played in the Premier League with Villa, making this a top derby. Perhaps the most notable derby match was the 1963 game in the League Cup final, where Birmingham beat Villa 3–1 to win the League Cup.
Overall, those are the greatest soccer derbies in England. The Manchester, Merseyside, Birmingham, and London derbies have history, great players, and matches. So, make sure you tune in to watch those soccer derbies when you can.
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