This weekend is the final one of the 2021-22 Premier League season. There is only one Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match being Chelsea v Watford. You may or may not regard the Hornets as a London Club, being outside the M25 circle, but we shall not have that dilemma next season as they have been relegated and replaced by Fulham as EFL Champions – congratulations. Marco Silva’s job next season is to keep them in the PL.
The Blues are assured of UEFA Champions League football next season, and 3rd place in the PL, despite their stuttering end to this one, including a 1-1 draw on 19 May at home to Leicester City, unless they lose by a huge margin and Tottenham Hotspur win by one. Third place will be some consolation for their FA Cup Final defeat, their 3rd in a row, on penalties v Liverpool on 14 May. Spare a thought for Mason Mount who missed his penalty and now has 5 losers Cup medals. Perhaps we should call the beaten team the “Runners-up”, surely less psychologically damaging? Congratulations however to Chelsea Women who beat Manchester City Women 3-2 in their FA Cup Final on 15 May to add to the Women’s Super League (WSL) title.
The North London derby on 12 May was a truly momentous one when followed by another home win for Spurs (v Burnley 1-0) and a defeat for Arsenal away at Newcastle United (2-0). 4th place and coveted UEFA Champions League football is now in the Lilywhites grasp if they do not lose away to relegated Norwich City, even if the Gunners beat Everton who assured their PL survival with a 3-2 win v Crystal Palace on 18 May.
The Eagles are at home on the last day v Manchester United. Only an away win would allow their once illustrious visitors to swap places with West Ham United and finish 6th to the Hammers 7th whatever their result away to Brighton and Hove Albion.
That leaves Brentford of our PLDs Clubs who are well safe in 11th on 46 points, and entertaining Leeds United who may be literally fighting for their PL lives, being currently 18th. Congratulations to the Bees, their Head Coach Thomas Frank and re-born star Christian Eriksen on a successful first Premier League season whatever their final day result.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDS.