West Ham United 3 (Antonio 6, Soucek 10, Rice 36) v Watford 1 (Deeney 49) played Friday 17 July 2020 at the London Stadium, attendance nil.
All our Premier London derbies (PLDs) Clubs will be in action on Sunday 26 July with two PLDs matches to preview, and all involved in the end of season battles, but let’s deal with last Friday’s PLD first. In it West Ham comfortably saw off Watford in a vital relegation battle with 3 first half goals the first by Michail Antonio fresh from his 4 against already relegated Norwich City which made him the first Hammer to score 4 in a F.A. Premier League (FAPL)match. Tomas Soucek continued his good heading form with the second, and then the other central defender Declan Rice struck a long-range shot home to his delight. An early second half goal by the Hornets’ ever reliable Captain Troy Deeney did not spark the revival needed from the visitors, and maybe this lack of commitment was one of the issues for the stand-up row between Watford Manager Nigel Pearson and the owner Gino Pozzo which led to Pearson’s instant dismissal. Three Managers in a season, so who would want to manage them next season anyway?
Watford are now in 18th place with 34 points from 37 games and their final match is away to Arsenal in one of our two PLDs that day. Scores over the last 3 seasons have been in the Gunners’ favour: 1-2 in 2016-17; 3-0 in 2017-18; and 2-0 in 2018-19. However, a draw could save Watford still if West Ham United beat Aston Villa unless A F C Bournemouth win away at Everton and jump above them both on goal difference! The Hammers are safe anyway after their goal (Michail Antonio again) and point away at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The other PLDs match is at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace, in free-fall since the restart but safe, entertain Tottenham Hotspur. Jose Mourinho has got the Spurs within sight of Europe in 7th place with pragmatic counter attacking football and a win would give them 61 points. If Chelsea beat Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United do not win at Leicester City then Spurs would be up to 6th and into the Europa League. Chelsea must win to hold on to a Champions’ League place. Seventh place would not be enough for the Europa League if Arsenal were to win the F.A. Cup Final against Chelsea on Saturday 1 August. But that is another matter after a long and complicated season 2020!
Until next week for a final round up, enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.