English Premier League Rivalry Survey 2018

Recently, we here at AnalysisFC conducted our very first English Premier League rivalry survey with the aim to understand which team’s fans feel the greatest passion for (or against) other teams in the league.

Our survey used targeted social media ads to ensure at least 100 fans from each team were represented, meaning there were more than 2000 respondents overall. The question that asked to each set of fans was “Which other EPL team do you dislike the most?”.

Later on we’ll announce the fiercest rivalries currently in the Premier League as well as the crown for the most unpopular team, but first we will take you through the results club by club so that you can see how your team’s fans voted, as well as which other teams aren’t big fans of yours!

If you missed out on the survey but would like have your say and view the full results for your team, you can do so by clicking here. So let’s get started…

 

Arsenal

 

Biggest Rival: Tottenham (68%)

No real surprises here as traditional rivals Tottenham were nominated as the most unpopular amongst Arsenal fans, with close to two thirds of the vote. This has been a long standing rivalry ever since the Gunners moved from South-East London into Spurs territory back in 1913.

Second biggest: Chelsea (12%)

With Arsenal and Chelsea arguably the most successful of the London-based teams in the Premier League era, we’ve witnessed some intense battles over the years between these rivals as they’ve competed to be crowned “Kings of London”.

Third Biggest: Manchester United (11%)

Many of us will remember “pizzagate”, Fergie vs Wenger, Keane vs Viera. Feelings appear to remain strong at least from the Gunners point of view.

 

Bournemouth

 

Biggest Rival: Southampton (35%)

Feelings in the New Forest derby are strongly felt by Bournemouth supporters with nearby rivals Southampton being nominated as nemesis number one.

Second biggest: Manchester United (19%)

Located at the opposite end of the country, Manchester United were the second most disdained by Bournemouth supporters with almost one in five nominating the red devils.

Third Biggest: Liverpool (12%)

Similarly, northern rivals Liverpool were nominated as third biggest, indicating the start of a common theme across the league for dislike of traditionally strong top flight teams.

 

Brighton and Hove

 

Biggest Rival: Crystal Palace (67%)

The M23 Derby is reflected in the survey with over two-thirds of Brighton supporters nominating their former Southern League rivals Crystal Palace. The rivalry was arguably at it’s fiercest in the 70s during the Taylor-Allison and Mullery-Venables eras, but clearly feelings are still strong.

Second biggest (equal): Manchester United (8%)

As was similar for Bournemouth, the (equal) second biggest  rivals for Brighton were Manchester United despite being located at the opposite end of the country.

Second biggest (equal): Tottenham (8%)

An interesting choice with London rivals Tottenham also coming in at (equal) second. Would any of our readers have insight to share on why Spurs would be disliked by Brighton supporters?

 

Burnley

 

Biggest Rival: Manchester United (33%)

There is no East Lancashire Derby in the Premier League at the moment, with traditional rivals Blackburn Rovers plying their trade in the Championship. Manchester United, one of the next closely located teams playing in the top tier were nominated by Burnley fans as their biggest rivals.

Second biggest: Liverpool (17%)

While Clarets supporters nominated one of the closest located Premier League teams in Manchester United as their biggest rivals, they interestingly overlooked both Manchester City (8%) and Huddersfield Town (3%) despite their similar distances from Turf Moor. Liverpool were nominated as second biggest rivals continuing the pattern of dislike for traditionally strong teams.

Third biggest: Arsenal (10%)

One in ten Burnley supporters nominated Arsenal as their biggest rivals meaning they take third place. Another case of traditionally strong teams being nominated. While Manchester City is in closer proximity to Burnley, perhaps there is an argument that their success is only a relatively recent phenomenon which has potentially let the off the hook.

 

Cardiff City

 

Biggest Rival: Manchester United (29%)

As is the case with Burnley, Cardiff’s traditional rivals aren’t playing in the Premier League this year, with Swansea City’s relegation last year depriving us the chance to witness the fierce South Wales derby in the EPL. Instead Cardiff City supporters nominated Manchester United as their top rivals in the division.

Second biggest: Liverpool (21%)

Also similar to Burnley, Liverpool were nominated as second most disdained. The pattern of dislike for traditionally successful teams continues.

Third biggest: Chelsea (17%)

Lastly, Cardiff City supporters nominated Chelsea to complete their top three with teams coming from the “Big Six”, in absence of their traditional rivals.

 

Chelsea

 

Biggest Rival: Tottenham (50%)

This author was half expecting Fulham to be nominated in the top 3 by Chelsea fans given their proximity in West London, however they received only 1% of the vote. Instead the title of most unpopular goes to cross town rivals Tottenham, with a significantly high 50% of the vote.

Second biggest: Liverpool (25%)

Liverpool continue to be in a number of team’s top threes, including those from fellow “Big Six” teams’ fans. Perhaps feelings linger after all those champions league controversies from a few years ago during the Mourinho-Benitez era as well as from the collapsed Steven Gerrard transfer saga. Though you would imagine that would have hurt Liverpool fans more. 

Third biggest: Arsenal (10%)

Another London team makes it into the Chelsea top three with Arsenal receiving 10% of the Chelsea vote. Not really a surprise given they have arguably been the strongest two London teams in the Premier League era, with the trophies to prove it. While not the fiercest, both sets of fans nominated each other in their top 3, suggesting there is certainly a healthy rivalry there.

Would any Chelsea fans care to comment on why Tottenham are voted above Arsenal as their main rivals despite Arsenal’s greater success during the Premier League years?

 

Crystal Palace

 

Biggest Rival: Brighton (56%)

Crystal Palace fans reciprocated Brighton fans feelings by voting for them as their most unpopular opponents in the Premier League, cementing the M23 Derby as one of the most passionate rivalries in the division. However, whilst 67% of Brighton fans voted for Crystal Palace as their most unpopular team, only 56% of Crystal Palace fans felt the same way. This potentially reflects Crystal Palace’s greater number of local rivals from within London.

Second biggest: Watford (12%)

Another surprising nomination pops up here with Watford being selected in second place. This may have to do with relatively close proximity as well as both teams having played each other in the Championship from the mid 2000s before following each other into the Premier League in the mid 2010s. They know each other well.  I’m also sure that Watford mascot Harry the Hornet didn’t help things with his diving jibe at Wilfred Zaha back in 2016.

Third biggest: West Ham (9%)

Of all the London teams in the Premier League, Crystal Palace fans nominated West Ham as their next biggest rival which may come as a surprise to some.

 

Everton

 

Biggest Rival: Liverpool (73%)

One of the most famous rivalries in the Premier League is that between Merseyside clubs Everton and Liverpool, and it was reflected in this survey. Almost three quarters of all Everton fans who responded nominated Liverpool as their biggest rivals. But did Liverpool fans feel the same way? We shall see.

Second biggest: Manchester United (12%)

After Liverpool, Manchester United were nominated by Everton fans. Again perhaps due to proximity, but this is also a continuation of the pattern of dislike for traditionally strong teams.

Third biggest: Arsenal (3%)

While only a small percentage, Arsenal were nominated in third place by Everton fans again reflecting a general dislike for members of the “Big Six”.

 

Huddersfield Town

 

Biggest Rival: Manchester United (48%)

With the absence of regional rivals Leeds United and Bradford City in the EPL, it may be no surprise that the main rival for Huddersfield fans comes from Manchester. The red devils were in top spot which continues a familiar theme of dislike for the red devils from across the league, particularly from those teams located outside of London. However Manchester City were again let off the hook.

Second biggest: Chelsea (7%)

After Manchester United, votes from Huddersfield supporters were so evenly spread across the league that the second placed team only received 7% of the total. But again we see a the pattern reflecting a general dislike for traditionally strong teams.

Third biggest: Crystal Palace (6%)

Interestingly, Huddersfield fans chose Crystal Palace as the next most unpopular team, albeit with only 6% of the vote. Perhaps this due to their similar positions in the league or maybe due to facing off a number of times in the second tier, particularly during the 90s in the old first division.

 

Leicester City

 

Biggest Rival (equal): Manchester United (28%)

Along with Wolves, Leicester City are the most centrally located team in the EPL. There is currently no East Midlands derby in the league as both Nottingham Forest and Derby County are playing in the Championship. Leicester fans therefore appear to feel like much of the rest of the league in nominating Manchester United as their most unpopular team.

Biggest Rival (equal): Tottenham (28%)

What was a bit of a surprise was the selection of Spurs for equal biggest rival as they are located far away and amongst a host of other teams in London. One might suggest this stems from the 2015/16 season where Tottenham were the main challengers during the latter stages of Leicester’s magical title run. Would any Leicester fans like to leave their thoughts in a comment below this post?

Third biggest: Liverpool (17%)

Lastly, continuing the theme of dislike for “Big Six” teams, we see Liverpool chosen as third most unpopular team by Leicester fans.

 

Liverpool

 

Biggest Rival: Manchester United (77%)

It is no secret that a huge rivalry exists between Manchester United and Liverpool, but this was one of the strongest results across all sets of fans, despite there also being a small thing called the Merseyside derby to consider. Almost 4 out of 5 Liverpool fans chose Manchester United as their top rivals. Feelings run strong between these neighbouring major cities due to a number of social, economic and political factors. But in football terms their competition as two of the biggest earning clubs, with large global supporter bases and similar levels of success over the years not only domestically but also in Europe clearly fuels the rivalry.

Second Biggest: Everton (13%)

As is no real surprise, Merseyside rivals Everton were high on Liverpool fan’s lists for most unpopular clubs with 13% of the vote. While feeling is clearly there, it can be argued that passion from the Liverpool fan base for the rivalry is far diminished in comparison to the feeling from Goodison Park with as mentioned earlier 73% of Everton fans overwhelmingly choosing Liverpool as their major rivals. While for Liverpool fans Manchester United was the focal point in this poll.

Third biggest: Chelsea (3%)

The third biggest rivals only received 3% of the vote, but this 3% voted for Chelsea, another one for the “Big Six”.

 

Manchester City

 

Biggest Rival: Manchester United (70%)

The Manchester Derby is strongly reflected in the poll results, at least from the blue side of the city with 70% of the vote for cross town rivals Manchester United. No surprises here and one might feel like the rivalry will only intensify with, after so many years of United dominance, the relatively recent influx of money into City now seeing both teams competing as part of the “Big Six”.

Second Biggest: Liverpool (20%)

While the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool grabs many of the headlines, there is clearly strong feeling between the clubs from the blue half of Manchester as well. The proximity of the two cities and their competing for football success, particularly over the last couple of seasons, sees this rivalry simmering nicely with potential to explode over the next few seasons.

Third biggest: Tottenham (4%)

It’s only 4% of the vote, but Tottenham come in third place. Potentially due to healthy competition between the two clubs often for Champions League places in recent seasons.

 

Manchester United

 

Biggest Rival: Liverpool (66%)

As was similar on Merseyside, the feelings between fans of Manchester United on their rivalry with Liverpool is stronger than their own local derby with Manchester City, gaining two thirds of the Red Devil fans’ votes. Feelings run strong between the two traditional super powers in the region. However it will be interesting to see if and how this changes if City can maintain their current levels of success over the long term.

Second Biggest: Manchester City (17%)

While the rivalry with Liverpool takes centre stage for United fans, there is still a very healthy level of feeling for the Manchester derby. Manchester City taking 17% of the United fans’ votes. It is certainly not a one way rivalry despite Liverpool attracting most of the attention of Red Devils fans in this poll.

Third biggest: Arsenal (3%)

It’s only 3% of the vote, but there is clearly still feeling between United and London rivals Arsenal. Though one would argue the rivalry is not at the same level it was when Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were at their primes in the EPL. Slice of pizza anyone?

 

Newcastle United

 

Biggest Rival: Manchester United (43%)

These days local rivals Sunderland are plying their trade in England’s third tier, so Newcastle fans look elsewhere for their biggest rivals in the EPL. It’s been over 20 years since Kevin Keegan’s famous television rant late in the 1995/96 season as they battled with United for the title, but Manchester United take top spot for Newcastle fans.

“You can tell him now, we’re still fighting for this title and he’s got to go to Middlesbrough and get something.

And I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it.

But it really has got to me. I’ve voiced it live, not in front of the press or anywhere. I’m not even going to the press conference. But the battle is still on and Man United have not won this yet.”

We can’t say from this poll that feelings today stem from this era, or whether its just a continuation of clubs including United in their top three. But these were certainly entertaining times, and with almost half of Newcastle United fans nominating the Red Devils as their most unpopular team, there is definitely some sort of feeling there.

Second Biggest: Chelsea (14%)

Magpies supporters continued with the theme of nominating traditionally strong EPL teams as their key rivals with Chelsea next on their list. The mostly working class Newcastle region is an almost polar opposite from the type of “Bling F.C.” that fashionable Chelsea represent. This possibly adds extra feeling to the rivalry despite them being from opposite ends of the country.

Third biggest: Liverpool (8%)

Who could forget that famous match at Anfield in 1996, full of end to end attacking football which ended 4-3 in Liverpool’s favour? Liverpool is one of the Newcastle United’s long standing Premier League rivals with many memorable encounters between them. Liverpool are selected in third place as Newcastle’s third biggest rivals in the EPL.

 

Southampton

 

Biggest Rival: Liverpool (36%)

Typically Saints fans would be expected to select Portsmouth as their biggest rivals, however with Portsmouth not in the league this year one might expect a vote for New Forest derby rivals Bournemouth. Interestingly Bournemouth did not feature in the top 3 for Southampton fans like they did in the Bournemouth vote, indicating this rivalry is somewhat felt in one direction.

Saints fans instead chose Liverpool as nemesis number one, possibly due to the large number of players poached by Liverpool from the Saints in recent times. Some of these include Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne, Rickie Lambert, Sadio Mane and the relatively recent transfer Virgil van Dijk.

Second Biggest: Manchester United (26%)

As with many teams, Saints fans chose Manchester United as one of their most unpopular rivals. This maybe a continuation of the same pattern for choosing traditionally successful teams or it may have something to do with the string of epic encounters between these sides throughout the 90s. Southampton were considered United’s bogey for a time with this culminating in the famous half time kit change in 1996. According to reports, changing kit was the first thing that Sir Alex Ferguson instructed players to do when they entered the dressing rooms after trailing 3-0 at half time. After the game he suggested that the grey strip they had worn for the first half made it hard for players to see each other. United had lost several games wearing the grey strip leading up to Southampton encounter and never wore the grey strip again.

Third biggest: Tottenham (8%)

Third pick from Southampton fans is Tottenham with 8% of the vote. This rivalry potentially fuelled by irritation around the turn of the century when Glenn Hoddle was poached by Tottenham after building a solid base at the club. Hoddle later returned to take Dean Richards to Spurs which rubbed salt into Saints wounds.

 

Tottenham

 

Biggest Rival: Arsenal (62%)

Tottenham fans voted almost exactly how you would expect. They put traditional rivals Arsenal as their number one most unpopular, reciprocating the Gunners fans opinions (they voted Tottenham at 68%). This emphasises the strong feeling which originated in 1913 when Arsenal moved from South East London and invade Spurs territory forcing them to share North London.

Second Biggest: Chelsea (21%)

There was also a strong vote towards fellow London club Chelsea. Meaning Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs all chose each other in their top three. This makes complete sense given they’re currently the three strongest teams in London.

Third biggest: West Ham (13%)

West Ham round out Tottenham’s top three, which is also a common sense given their proximity at only 5 miles apart. It may also have something to do with West Ham’s knack for beating Tottenham in the latter stages of the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons, inflicting damage on Spurs title aspirations. Does anyone remember “lasagne-gate”?

 

Watford

 

Biggest Rival: Crystal Palace (37%)

Next we have Watford who’s traditional rivals Luton Town have not played in the same division since the 2006/07 season. In the absence of their traditional rivals, Watford fans chose Crystal Palace as their top most unpopular Premier League opponents. These teams have followed similar paths over the last decade or so. Both were plying their trade in the championship from 2007-08 through to 2012-13 when Crystal Palace were promoted to the Premier Division. Watford followed in 2014-15 and they’ve been fighting it out in the bottom half ever since.

Watford mascot, Harry the Hornet, has helped fuel the rivalry with a number of digs including his diving jibe aimed at Wilfred Zaha back in 2016.

Second Biggest: Tottenham (17%)

Watford fans chose Tottenham has their next biggest rivals in the EPL. This likely has to do with Watford’s proximity to North London, but the Hornet’s fans didn’t choose Arsenal in their top three so it can’t only be for that reason. Would any Hornet’s fans care to explain?

Third biggest: Bournemouth (13%)

A number of controversial refereeing decisions have helped the Watford-Bournemouth rivalry grow over the last few years. The two that stand out both involve centre back Gabriele Angella who in 2014 was sent off in a case of mistaken identity, and again in 2015 when he was sent off controversially for a foul after only 26 seconds of the Bournemouth match. It appears as if this has helped develop some animosity at least from the Watford side.

 

West Ham United

 

Biggest Rival: Tottenham (64%)

Traditional rivals Millwall have never played in the Premier League, so West Ham fans have had to look elsewhere for meaningful regular rivalries. Closest neighbours Tottenham seem to have become the focal point. While Tottenham fans focus on North London rivals Arsenal, West Ham fans seem to have strong feelings against their London neighbours who are based only 5 miles to the north. They are so close in fact that they made rival bids to move into the nearby London Olympic stadium, with West Ham eventually sealing the deal.

Second Biggest: Chelsea (11%)

District Line derby opponents Chelsea were possibly chosen by Hammers fans due to the Blues success over the the last couple of decades. But it could also be due to the number of players Chelsea have signed from East London. These names include Joe Cole, Glen Johnston and Frank Lampard.

Third biggest: Arsenal (6%)

Another London rival comes in at third place, that team is Arsenal. Like Tottenham, Arsenal are close neighbours to West Ham.

 

Wolverhampton

 

Biggest Rival: Cardiff City (46%)

West Bromwich Albion’s relegation to the Championship last season has deprived fans of witnessing a Black Country derby in the EPL this year. In the absence of traditional rivals, Wolves fans chose Cardiff City as their biggest rivals in the EPL. Whether this is due to their relatively close proximity, the Championship title run last year where they finished in the top two spots or expected battle for survival as two promoted teams this year, feelings are strong amongst Wolves fans.

Second Biggest: Manchester United (19%)

For second and third positions, Wolves fans looked north at traditional regional powers. In second place we have Manchester United in a continuation of the theme where traditionally successful teams are at the top most unpopular lists.

Third biggest: Liverpool (14%)

Similarly, we have Liverpool who with Manchester United are traditionally one of the most successful in the region.

English Premier League’s Biggest Rivalries – the conclusion

By calculating the average percentage of votes between each pair of teams in the league, we’ve come up with the following list of top 10 rivalries in the English Premier League. The percentage shown in the brackets indicates the proportion of votes from each respective fan base for their opponents as most unpopular. As you can see, some of votes are somewhat one-way, particularly those further down the list.

1. Liverpool (77%) vs. Manchester United (66%)
2. Arsenal (68%) vs. Tottenham (62%)
3. Brighton (67%) vs. Crystal Palace (56%)
4. Everton (76%) vs. Liverpool (13%)
5. Manchester City (70%) vs. Manchester United (17%)
6. Tottenham (13%) vs. West Ham (64%)
7. Chelsea (50%) vs. Tottenham (21%)
8. Cardiff (14%) vs. Wolves (46%)
9. Chelsea (1%) vs. Fulham (58%)
10. Huddersfield (48%) vs. Manchester United (1%)

English Premier League’s Most Unpopular Teams

We’ve taken the percentage votes across all fan bases and added them together to come up with a total score measuring the level of dislike for teams across the league. The higher the score, the more disliked a team is. Using this method, Manchester United take out the title for most unpopular team, followed by other members of the “Big Six” in Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal. Interestingly, Manchester City were let off the hook, coming in at 10th position.

There was an issue displaying the chart. Please edit the chart in the admin area for more details.

 

So that’s it for the 2018 English Premier League rivalries survey. The views above are just one set of opinions. We’d love to hear yours, whether you agree, disagree or have anything to add. Please leave your views in the comments section below this post.

Once again if you didn’t get to vote and would like to see your team’s full set of results, the survey is still available by clicking here. Depending on the popularity of this post, we intend on an annual survey to measure the changing dynamics of Premier League rivalries.

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Full disclaimer: The author of this post is a long term Arsenal fan. While we try to remain as neutral as possible in our writings, we do apologise for any unintended bias.