Brentford (0) 0 v 0 (0) Crystal Palace
Yellows: Sergi Canos No one Referee Simon Hooper
Played Saturday 12 February 2022, at Brentford Community Stadium, att. 16958.
This was a lacklustre match with mediocre performances by both sides, the only on-field highlight being a dubious penalty appeal by Eagles’ Wilfried Zaha readily and correctly dismissed. But then any game which followed the pre-match appearance of Christian Eriksen on the pitch would be outshone. St. Valentine’s Day it may not have been but the emotion and love was there for all to see.
The previous day there had been another London derby goalless draw between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women in the Women’s Super League (WSL). That kept Arsenal top with 31 points from 14, 2 ahead of 2nd placed Chelsea (29 from 13) and 4 ahead of Tottenham Women (27 from 140). Manchester are trailing!
While all this was going on Premier London Derbies (PLDs) leaders Chelsea were in Abu Dhabi for the FIFA Club World Championship. Having beaten Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia by Romelu Lukaku’s only goal in the Semi-Final the Blues won the Final 2-1 against Palmeiras with Lukaku scoring again, the Brazilians equalizing from the penalty spot, and Kai Havetz converting an extra time penalty to win. That is Roman Abramovich’s 21st trophy since taking over Chelsea in 2003!
There are 2 PLDs matches on Saturday 19 February 2022: Arsenal v Brentford being the return of the season’s opener won by the Bees; and Crystal Palace v Chelsea – the new FIFA Club World Champions – sounds good. There have been 4 away wins in the last 5 seasons, and the only home win included an own-goal by Cesar Azpilicueta who has now won every possible Club trophy with Chelsea.
Finally please look out for the “Second PLDs Year Book for season 2020-21” to be published free on www.premierlondonderbies.com. Enjoy it and your football and “Keep Safe” until next time, Andrew at PLDs.