Um you can't be open minded about Arsenal and Tottenham. That's like being open minded about the RedSox and Yankees, Michigan and Ohio State, Auburn and Alabama. If you choose one you have to hate the other.
Correct, there cannot be any fence sitting on Arsenal/Tottenham, if there is then you're not really a fan of either team.
On that note, here are the top rivalries across the Premiereship:
- North London derby - as mentioned Arsenal v Tottenham. Emirates and White Hart Lane (their two stadiums) are only a few miles apart from one another. The fans don't get on, neither do the teams.
- London derby Chelsea v Arsenal and to a slightly lesser degree Chelsea v Tottenham. The top clubs in London, as well as the League, all finishing in the top 5 of the table the past 5 years or so.
- West London derby Chelsea v QPR - not played as frequently as QPR has not been a consistent presence in the top flight, but they are back this season.
- Merseyside derby Everton v Liverpool - both clubs based in Liverpool, a big rivalry but not the same animosity in the stands as other derby's. Great match environment (at lesat on TV it comes across that way)
- Manchester derby City v United - has turned up in intensity the past 4 years as City has opened up the checkbook and become a top club
- Liverpool v Man U
- Tyne-wear derby Newcastle v Sunderland
- Swansea v Cardiff - this is a very heated rivalry in the stands. The fan bases despise one another.
-Aston Villa v West Brom
There are some other great rivalries with teams in different divisions, that generally only occur if drawn v one another in FA Cup or Cap One Cup play.