“Chelsea and Palace’s progress stalled.”

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Brentford (0) 2 v 2 (1) Chelsea

 50 Roerslev                                                             35 Jackson, assist Gusto

 69 Wissa, assist Onyeka                               83 Disasi, assist Palmer

Yellows: Zanka, Onyeka, Janelt                    Gallagher          Referee: John Gillett  

Played Saturday 2 March 2024 at The Gtech Community Stadium, attendance 17,140.

This was not a happy 52nd birthday for Chelsea Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino who heard chants of “Jose Mourinho” and the previous ownership regimen when The Blues trailed Brentford at half-time. It may have been aimed more at the present owners and how spending £1 billion has failed to produce a winning team with strong identity, cohesion and style. Chelsea did however grab a late equalizer when Brentford’s own robust organization let them down for once.

Still “a point is a point”, and both Clubs definitely need them. Brentford will be hard pressed to get any in their next Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match away v Arsenal on Saturday 9 March. This was a 1-1 draw last season, and a 2-1 home win in the 2021-22 season, but Arsenal, rampant goal-scorers at present, will show no mercy if on form.

                                 Tottenham Hotspur (0) 3 v 1 (0) Crystal Palace  

 77 Werner, assist Johnson                                      59 Eze

 80 Romero, assist Maddison

 88 Son, assist Johnson

Yellows: Bentancur                                                          Johnstone, Lerma Ref. J Brooks  

Played Saturday 2 March 2024 at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, attendance 61,339.

Spurs came from behind for the 5th time this season to beat Crystal Palace but characteristically left it late. The Eagles opened the scoring through Eberechi Eze’s brilliant freekick. The Lilywhites’ equaliser by Timo Werner from close range was his first goal for the Club having failed in a one-on-one situation earlier. Son’s 88th minute third goal made it safe, but knowing Spurs have conceded 8 goals after 90 minutes of play already this season. They have no PLDs match this weekend but are away to Aston Villa who are currently in the coveted 4th place in the Premier League (PL) 5 points above Spurs having played one game more. No room for late errors, or any, then!

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