Arsenal (1) 2 v 1 (1) Brentford
19 Rice, assist White 45+4 Wissa
86 Havertz, assist White
Yellows: Gabriel, Havertz Onyeka, Collins Referee: R jones
Played Saturday 11 March 2024 at The Emirates Stadium, attendance 60,331.
It was not quite “One-nil-to-The-Arsenal” football but Brentford made Arsenal work very hard to win this latest Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match. The win put them back on top of the Premier League (PL) table with 64 points from 28 games played and a better goal difference than Liverpool who drew 1-1 with defending Champions Manchester City, themselves now 3rd with 63 points. Both Gunners’ goals were headed in from right full-back Ben White’s crosses. The Bees’ goal had a little good fortune to it as ‘keeper Aaron Ramsdale delayed his clearance of a short back-pass which was pounced on by Yoane Wissa who deflected it into the net. Ramsdale atoned with at least 2 good saves. Brentford fought hard throughout and they should be safe.
The next PLDs match is Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 16 March 2024. This has been an away win in each of the last 3 meetings. Another away win would suit Spurs to capitalize on their stunning 0-4 win at Aston Villa who are still In 4th place in the PL, but now only 2 points ahead of Spurs who have a game in hand. That will be the rearranged fixture away to Chelsea – never an easy one! Fulham also had a match against a West Midland’s Club last weekend, being Wolverhampton Wanderers. Fulham lost that one 2-1 and will be wanting to pick up those points again against The Lilywhites whom they put out of the EFL Cup early in the season. We shall see.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.