Arsenal (2) 5 v 0 (0) Crystal Palace
11 Gabriel Magalhaes, assist Rice
37 Henderson (og)
59 Trossard, assist Gabriel Jesus
90+4 Martinelli, assist Nketiah
90+5 Martinelli, assist Jorginho
Yellows: none for either team Referee: Paul Tierney
Played Saturday 20 January 2024 at The Emirates Stadium, attendance 60,28.
The North-South London football divide was glaringly shown up as Arsenal cruised past hapless Crystal Palace in the latest Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match. Albeit that The Gunners were only 2 up at half-time, the second of those goals was an own goal, and the last 2 goals were scored after 90 minutes. Nevertheless The Eagles were shot down by chaos rather than precision football, the home side capitalising on indecision. Arsenal are now 2 points off the top and Crystal Palace 5 points clear of relegation. The Eagles face bottom Club Sheffield United when Premier League (PL) fixtures resume. Neither Club is involved in this weekend’s FA Cup Fourth round.
The EFL Cup Finalists have now been decided. On Tuesday 23 January Chelsea overcame their 0-1 deficit against EFL Championship side Middlesborough in style with a thumping 6-1 win, Cole Palmer scoring 2 open play goals. They will play Liverpool in the Wembley Final who drew 1-1 away to Fulham on Wednesday 24 January to give a winning aggregate score of 3-2. The Blues and The Reds met in this competition’s Final and The FA Cup Final in 2021-22 season without scoring any goals in either, before Liverpool won both on penalties. For Chelsea it could be a difficult season’s success.
These two Clubs meet in the PL on Wednesday 31 January when our next PLDs match is Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford. Harry Kane scored in last season’s home defeat and Son Heung-min in the previous season’s home win. This time will Ivan Toney be the striker who makes the difference now he is back for The Bees?
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.