Fulham (0) 1 v 1 (0) Crystal Palace
52 Muniz, assist Castagne 87 Schlupp, assist Wharton
Yellows: None Andersen, Hughes.
Played Saturday 27 April 2024, at Craven Cottage.
Both Clubs are safe in the Premier League (PL) and this Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match had an “end-of-season” feel. Perhaps Crystal Palace will be happier with their late equalizer – a rocket by Jeffrey Schlupp – and point. Fulham have consolidated but have no chance of European football for next season.
The three top Clubs in the PLDs All-Time performance table – Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – have been involved in a “grudge-triangle” series of matches. On Tuesday 23 April it was Arsenal 5 v 0 Chelsea! Leandro Trossard opened the scoring after 4 minutes followed 2 by Ben White (52 and 70) and Kai Havertz (57 and 65).
Next it was Tottenham Hotspur 2 v 3 Arsenal on Sunday 28 April. The game seemed all over at halftime with an own goal by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (15 minutes) and one from Kai Havertz, both from corner-kicks, and a fine effort from Bukayo Saka in between. Spurs rallied in the second half with goals by Christian Romero (64) and a penalty by Son Heung-min (87), but it was as so often too little too late and they deservedly lost.
Then it was Chelsea 2 v 0 Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday 2 May with both goals from set pieces. First Trevoh Chalobah headed in Conor Gallagher’s free kick on 24 minutes. Then a wicked free kick by Cole Palmer came back off the bar for Nicolas Jackson to get there first and head home. With a defeat at Liverpool next Sunday Spurs would be marooned on 60 points. That 4th UEFA Champions League place is now a dream, and with Manchester United, Newcastle and now Chelsea closing fast they face the nightmare of a scrap for 7th place in the PL and the UEFA Europa Conference League.
The next PLDs matches are Brentford v Fulham on Saturday 4 May and Chelsea v West Ham United on Sunday 5 May 2024. Brentford need a point for PL survival, and The Hammers 3 points to join that scrap for the PL 7th place and European football.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.