Fulham v West Ham

The history between Fulham FC and West Ham United is marked by the rivalry of two clubs that have both spent considerable time in the Premier League and have a history of competitive encounters. While not as intense as other London derbies like Arsenal vs. Tottenham or Chelsea vs. Fulham, matches between these two West London clubs have still been significant, especially when they’ve met in crucial league battles.

Early Meetings

• First Meetings: Fulham and West Ham’s first competitive matches occurred in the early 1900s, during times when both teams were in regional competitions. Over time, as both clubs rose to prominence in English football, their matchups became more significant.

• Interwar Years: After both clubs played in the Southern and Football Leagues, they met sporadically in lower divisions until Fulham earned a place in the First Division in 1949. West Ham, on the other hand, established itself as a strong presence in the Football League during the 1950s.

1960s-1980s

• The 1960s and 70s were crucial decades for both clubs, though they had different levels of success.

  • West Ham established itself as a dominant force in English football, particularly under Ron Greenwood. With players like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters, West Ham enjoyed domestic and international success, including winning the 1964 FA Cup and the 1965 Cup Winners’ Cup.

  • Fulham, led by notable figures like Johnny Haynes (one of the first footballers to earn a £100-a-week salary), remained competitive but wasn’t able to replicate the same level of success, often playing in the lower divisions.

The 1990s and 2000s

• Fulham’s Rise: Fulham experienced a major resurgence in the 1990s under the ownership of Mohamed Al-Fayed, who bought the club in 1997. They quickly returned to the Premier League, where they spent much of the early 2000s as a stable, mid-table team.

  • During this time, Fulham’s matches against West Ham became more competitive as both clubs established themselves in the top flight.

• West Ham’s Struggles: In contrast, West Ham often faced relegation battles during this period, though they also had some decent seasons. The two clubs met in the Premier League regularly, and these games were often tight affairs.

2010s-Present

• The Modern Rivalry: The 2010s saw both clubs struggling with relegation at various points, leading to some tense encounters. However, despite their proximity in terms of London geography, the rivalry hasn’t reached the same levels of intensity as other local derbies.

• Notable Matches:

  • Fulham’s 2-1 victory over West Ham at Craven Cottage in the 2018/19 Premier League season was particularly memorable, as it was one of Fulham’s rare wins that season.

  • West Ham’s 3-1 win at London Stadium in 2019 also added another chapter to their rivalry, as both teams struggled to secure their Premier League status.

• Recent Encounters: The most recent meetings in the 2020-2021 season were notable for the relegation battle aspect, with both teams fighting for survival in the Premier League. West Ham finished in the upper half of the table, securing a 6th-place finish, while Fulham, despite some spirited performances, were relegated.

Head-to-Head Record

• Historically, West Ham has had the upper hand over Fulham in terms of total wins, but Fulham has had some memorable victories in key moments.

• The two teams have played a total of 50+ matches in the top flight, with West Ham winning a slight majority of those encounters.

Rivalry Today

• In recent years, both clubs have fought for Premier League survival and occasionally for European spots, but their matches remain competitive and hard-fought.

• Their rivalry is often characterised by passionate fans, with both clubs having loyal followings, but it doesn’t have the same level of animosity seen in other London derbies.

Key Players

• Fulham: Players like Johnny Haynes, Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora, and more recently, Aleksandar Mitrovic, have featured prominently in matches against West Ham.

• West Ham: Famous players such as Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Mark Noble, and Declan Rice have all made notable appearances in matches against Fulham.

Conclusion

While not one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, the encounters between Fulham and West Ham United have a rich history and often have important implications for both clubs’ positions in the league. Their matches continue to provide memorable moments, especially in the context of West London’s passionate football fanbase.