Both clubs have been obsessed with each other for as long as I can remember, although in the early 70s we did have a bit of an inferiority complex. Soon disappeared when we realised and proved we are a much better club, ironically mainly because of one of their heroes. Since we've been the consistently better known and more successful club, since 2011, their obsession has grown further. The Doube Doube wounded them badly. Relegation would send them doolally.
Most clubs are obsessed with their nearest neighbours of similar size. Add on the spice added since England randomly designated their shithole an administration 'capitol' and there you have it. Nothing wrong with it in my view. Why anyone pretends (mostly them) I don't know. It's all part of the fun. I took great pleasure from last night, but it won't make up for us losing tonight. So, all in proportion.