Tottenham Hotspur took on Chelsea on Saturday in what was an exhilarating London derby. Chelsea bounced back from their defeat against Sunderland last Saturday and moved up to 3rd in the table as a result. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s side have now lost 2 games in a row and have also lost their last 3 out of 4 home games in the Premier League this season.
The rivalry between Tottenham and Chelsea is based on geography, culture, and a number of bitter sporting incidents. The rivalry really came into picture in the 1990s and 2000s when both teams began eyeing for similar goals: European spots, pushing into the top four, signing players of the same type, and trying to prove who was the bigger London club after Arsenal had already established themselves historically.
Spurs, on the other hand, strongly identify with North London, while Chelsea’s identity is West London.
But, when it is time for some banter between these two rivals before their derby match, former Chelsea captain John Terry never fails to amaze and impress Chelsea and other neutral fans with his humorous digs at Spurs. The renowned defender recently made a statement on an invitation sent to him by Spurs for this London derby clash. It was a brilliant bit of football humour that directly targeted Tottenham’s trophy record.
While in an interview with TalkSport, he said the following:
“I have been invited by Tottenham to the game, it’s a 5.30 kick off, they have told me to arrive at 5.29pm and they will take me round their trophy cabinet and have me at my seat by kick off.”
🚨 JT: “I have been invited by Tottenham to the game, it’s a 5.30 kick off, they have told me to arrive at 5.29pm and they will take me round their trophy cabinet and have me at my seat by kick off” (TalkSport on TikTok) pic.twitter.com/dbb3s5qaRs
— Pys (@CFCPys) October 31, 2025
Terry claimed, jokingly, that he was instructed to arrive at 5:29 PM for a 5:30 PM kick-off. He is left with exactly one minute to navigate the stadium, complete a ceremonial tour, and be seated.
So this one line — “1 minute before kick-off” — he basically means to say: There is nothing to see.
This is not the first time he has taken a dig at Spurs either. On many occasions in the past, he has spoken humorously about Spurs and how far behind they are than his former club, Chelsea.
Here are a few things he has said to belittle Spurs in the past:
Terry, who won 17 trophies with the Blues, joined talkSPORT’s Breakfast Show in March, where he was reminded about “that fateful” day by ex-Spurs midfielder O’Hara.
O’Hara asked: “Spurs last won a trophy in 2008, beating your mob. You played… Ange has promised to win a trophy in his second season. Will they win the Europa League? And if they don’t, do you get rid of him?”
Terry replied: “That’s the only trophy they’ve won in about 100 years and probably will be in the next 100 as well.” [talkSPORT]
On Spurs’ recent Europa League win:
“I remember my first trophy. Ah bless them.
“Get the tequila out. Great season from you boys, you should all be proud. 16 to go.
“After that performance, I think you have a chance. You just have to live for 900 years.” [The Sun]
On his feelings toward Spurs in a broader interview:
“Seeing where they finished last year (2024/25), I look at them and the foundations, the facilities, training ground and stadium are incredible, but I think it’s time for a change there with someone coming in to give it a real go.
“But I’m happy for them to stay where they are. There’s no beating around the bush with Spurs: I hate Spurs, they hate me. It’s really simple.
“You grow up on that and it’s pure hate, I hope they stay where they are if I’m being honest.” [talkSPORT]
So, if you want to talk about trophies for Spurs or Spurs in general, Terry is one of the worst targets. He is Tottenham’s foe as he is a former blue from their own (Chelsea) academy. He represents victory. Trophies are treated like ordinary objects by Chelsea supporters. Trophies are seen by Spurs supporters as once-in-a-decade miracles.
Tottenham have become the modern punchline in trophy banter culture. They are a huge club, historic fanbase, modern stadium, massive following globally, especially in South Korea — but very limited silverware in the modern era.
They always “nearly” get there. They become finalists. They build hype. They play beautiful football under some managers. They have star players. But silverware hardly comes. That is why they get labelled “nearly men”.
No trophies. No cabinet tour. No display. One minute of tour is enough because the trophy room is empty.
The phrase is an ideal representation of how football banter functions; its purpose is to provoke and amuse rather than to be true. John Terry made one of the most talked-about remarks of the week, reminding everyone that the fight for London’s sporting rights is fought both on the pitch and in the media, by blending a personal tale with a subtle criticism of their competitor’s history.
Here is the full video below:
John Terry to Jamie O’Hara after he said Chelsea bought the league:
— Joshua Rhodes | CFC 🦁 (@ChelsOnTheRoad) October 31, 2025
“Ridiculous… Spurs invited me to their game at 5:30, told me to arrive 5:29 so they can show me the trophy cabinet and have me seated by kick-off.” 😂💙
pic.twitter.com/tX5gK4MeKD
