Chelsea (0) 0 v 2 (1) Brentford
37 Cesar Azipilicueta (o.g.)
78 Bryan Mbuemo, assist Shandon Baptiste
Yellows: Fofana Jensen, Henry Referee: Andrew Madley
Played Wednesday 27 April 2023 at Stamford Bridge, attendance 39,929.
Chelsea’s miserable season continues to stutter to an end, and Frank Lampard’s second coming isn’t with 5 defeats in 5 matches. Brentford only had to play at half-speed to outplay their hapless rivals. The Blues old-guard let them down – 7 of the starting 11 were over 25 – and only 3 of their 13 expensive season’s signings appeared. The Bees scored in both halves: the first through the home Captain’s own goal; and the second following a counterattack.
Chelsea will only have to wait a few days for their next Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match because it’s Arsenal v Chelsea on Tuesday 2 May 2023. Normally this is a PLDs mini-league decider with both Clubs fighting for a Premier League (PL) top 4 place. The Gunners have just shaded it with 3 home wins, 2 aways and 1 draw in the last 6 seasons. They will be crest-fallen after their mid-week defeat at PL Champions Manchester City (3-1) who now look to be ready to overtake Arsenal in the final matches. However another home win is still more likely and Chelsea woes will continue.
Before that it’s Crystal Palace v West Ham United on Saturday 29 April 2023. This one favours the away team with 1 home win, 3 aways and 2 draws in the last 6 seasons. The Eagles with 37 points from 33 matches are not safe yet, and The Hammers could catch them with another away win. A draw would suit both Clubs – we shall see.
Until next time, “Keep Safe”, and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.