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34 Facts About West Ham Vs. Chelsea

Melba Temple

Written by Melba Temple

Published: 21 Oct 2025

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Source: Skysports.com

Who has the upper hand in the West Ham vs. Chelsea rivalry? This question has sparked countless debates among football fans. Both teams have rich histories, passionate supporters, and memorable moments. West Ham, known for its gritty East London roots, often plays the role of the underdog. Chelsea, with its more recent success and deep pockets, usually enters as the favorite. But football isn't just about stats and money. It's about heart, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck. In this blog post, we'll explore 34 fascinating facts that highlight the highs, lows, and unforgettable clashes between these two iconic clubs. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these insights will give you a deeper appreciation for this storied rivalry.

Table of Contents
01The Rivalry Begins
02Memorable Matches
03Players Who Made a Mark
04Managers in the Spotlight
05Stadium Atmosphere
06Fan Rivalry
07Historic Moments
08Recent Encounters
09Records and Statistics
10Transfer Tales
11Cup Competitions
12Future Prospects
13Final Whistle

The Rivalry Begins

West Ham United and Chelsea have a long-standing rivalry that has seen many memorable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about their encounters.

  1. The first match between West Ham and Chelsea took place on September 9, 1923. Chelsea won 1-0.

  2. West Ham's biggest win against Chelsea was a 4-0 victory on October 1, 1986.

  3. Chelsea's largest margin of victory over West Ham came on March 9, 1966, with a 6-2 scoreline.

Memorable Matches

Several matches between these two teams have left a lasting impact on fans.

  1. On December 1, 2012, West Ham came from behind to beat Chelsea 3-1 at Upton Park.

  2. Chelsea's 4-1 win at Stamford Bridge on April 11, 2010, featured a hat-trick from Frank Lampard.

  3. The 2-2 draw on March 4, 2020, saw both teams scoring in the last 10 minutes, making it a thrilling encounter.

Players Who Made a Mark

Many players have left their mark in West Ham vs. Chelsea games.

  1. Frank Lampard, who played for both clubs, scored 10 goals against West Ham while at Chelsea.

  2. Paolo Di Canio's memorable volley in 2002 helped West Ham secure a 3-2 win over Chelsea.

  3. Joe Cole, another player who represented both clubs, scored crucial goals in these fixtures.

Managers in the Spotlight

Managers have also played a significant role in shaping the outcomes of these matches.

  1. José Mourinho, during his first stint at Chelsea, had a strong record against West Ham, winning 7 out of 8 matches.

  2. Harry Redknapp, while managing West Ham, secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Chelsea in 1997.

  3. David Moyes, in his second spell at West Ham, has managed to secure crucial points against Chelsea.

Stadium Atmosphere

The atmosphere at both Stamford Bridge and the London Stadium adds to the excitement of these fixtures.

  1. Upton Park, West Ham's former home, was known for its intimidating atmosphere, especially during London derbies.

  2. Stamford Bridge, Chelsea's fortress, has seen many memorable encounters with West Ham.

  3. The London Stadium, West Ham's current home, hosted its first match against Chelsea on March 6, 2017, ending in a 2-1 defeat for the Hammers.

Fan Rivalry

The rivalry extends beyond the pitch, with fans of both clubs passionately supporting their teams.

  1. West Ham fans often chant "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles," creating a unique atmosphere during matches.

  2. Chelsea supporters are known for their loud renditions of "Blue is the Colour."

  3. The rivalry is particularly intense in East and West London, where both sets of fans reside.

Historic Moments

Some moments in this rivalry have become part of football folklore.

  1. The 1975 FA Cup tie saw West Ham beat Chelsea 2-0, with goals from Billy Bonds and Trevor Brooking.

  2. Chelsea's 3-1 win in the 1980 FA Cup quarter-final is still remembered for Clive Walker's stunning goal.

  3. West Ham's 3-2 victory in 2002, featuring a Paolo Di Canio wonder goal, remains a fan favorite.

Recent Encounters

Recent matches have continued to provide excitement and drama.

  1. On July 1, 2020, West Ham secured a dramatic 3-2 win over Chelsea, with Andriy Yarmolenko scoring a late winner.

  2. Chelsea's 3-0 victory on December 21, 2020, saw Tammy Abraham score twice in quick succession.

  3. The 1-0 win for West Ham on November 30, 2019, was their first victory at Stamford Bridge in 17 years.

Records and Statistics

The rivalry has produced some interesting records and statistics.

  1. Chelsea has won 52 of the 116 league meetings, while West Ham has won 42.

  2. The highest-scoring match between the two clubs ended in a 5-5 draw on December 17, 1966.

  3. Chelsea has kept 38 clean sheets against West Ham, while the Hammers have managed 28.

Transfer Tales

Transfers between the two clubs have added another layer to the rivalry.

  1. Frank Lampard's move from West Ham to Chelsea in 2001 remains one of the most talked-about transfers.

  2. Joe Cole also made the switch from West Ham to Chelsea, becoming a key player for the Blues.

  3. Glen Johnson, who started his career at West Ham, moved to Chelsea in 2003.

Cup Competitions

Matches in cup competitions have added extra spice to the rivalry.

  1. West Ham knocked Chelsea out of the League Cup in 2016 with a 2-1 win at the London Stadium.

  2. Chelsea defeated West Ham 1-0 in the 1981 League Cup final, with a goal from Alan Hudson.

  3. The 2004 FA Cup tie saw Chelsea win 1-0, thanks to a goal from John Terry.

Future Prospects

The rivalry shows no signs of slowing down, with both clubs aiming for success.

  1. With both teams investing in new talent, future encounters promise to be just as thrilling as those in the past.

Final Whistle

West Ham vs. Chelsea matches never fail to deliver excitement. From historic wins to unforgettable goals, these games are packed with drama. Both clubs have passionate fanbases that bring energy to every encounter. Whether it's a Premier League clash or a cup tie, the rivalry is intense. Players like Frank Lampard and Paolo Di Canio have left their mark on this fixture, adding to its rich history. The tactical battles between managers also add another layer of intrigue. As both teams continue to evolve, future matches promise even more thrilling moments. Keep an eye on this rivalry; it's one of English football's most captivating. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, West Ham vs. Chelsea is always a match to watch. So, next time these two teams face off, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.

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