“Away winners all smiles.”

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Arsenal (0) 0v 1 (1) West Ham United

 73 Myles Lewis-Skelly Red card            44 Bowen, assist Wan-Bissaka

Yellows: Partey                                                    Ward-Prowse, Scarles, Todigo

Played Saturday 22 February 2025 at The Emirates Stadium, attendance 60,262.

“One-nil to The Arsenal” was the famous cry that followed The Invincibles around the land, but when that is the score against you it’s different. This may have been The Gunners’ first home defeat of the 2024-25 Premier League (PL) season but their deficiencies are there to see. They have no goal scorer with 10 or more PL goals; Havertz is injured; and Saka has been. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s second Red Card of the month may have made a difference but West Ham United’s goal was a worthy winner. Captain Jarrod Bowen started the counter-attacking charge from the edge of his own penalty area releasing Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The revitalised full back took the ball all the way up Arsenal’s weak side, and Bowen headed in his 50th PL goal from the cut back. A smile of relief from Graham Potter and some joy for the fans from East London.  

                                                        Fulham (0) 0 v 2 (1) Crystal Palace

                                                                                        37 Joachim Andersen (og)

                                                                                        66 Munoz, assist Mateta

Yellows: Berge                                                           Hughes, Guehi, Munoz

Played Saturday 22 February 2025 at Craven Cottage, attendance  26,777.

Four 0-2 away wins for Crystal Palace and this in another PLDs match. Fulham did not have a single shot on target and belied their recent PL form. The Eagles strength came from centre backs Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix, but this was an all-round performance. Their former player Joachim Andersen was unlucky to open the scoring with an own-goal, but Daniel Munoz’ clinching goal was well worked. This was a fitting first anniversary present for Head Coach Oliver Glasner after a weak start to the season.

There are no PLDs matches this weekend it being the FA Cup 5th Round, but there is that intriguing Eagles v Lions tie. Crystal Palace had only two home wins until this week’s comprehensive 4-1 win over Aston Villa. Millwall may be meeting a very competent and confident opponent, but The Lions have a lot of pride!  

Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.