Fulham (1) 1 v 2 (0) Chelsea
20 Iwobi, assist Sessegnon 83 George
90+3 Neto, assist Fernandez
Yellows: Bassey Cucurella, Colwill, Caicedo Ref. A Taylor
Played Sunday 20 April 2025 at Craven Cottage, attendance 27,712.
Fulham have yet to beat their rich West London neighbours, but came close to it, with Chelsea having to produce a last gasp winner. Fulham dominated the first half with better, brighter football, but could not add to their first quarter goal. Chelsea woke up in the second half with two goals – the first being Academy graduate Tyrique George’s first for The Blues – to steal the show. Chelsea have now slipped down to 6th and out of the UEFA Champions League places. Fulham are on the fringe with their hopes fading.
Arsenal (2) 2 v 2 (1) Crystal Palace
3 Kiwior, assist Odegaard 27 Eze, assist Wharton
42 Trossard, assist Timber 83 J-P Mateta
Yellows: Rice Devenney Referee Michael Salisbury
Played Wednesday 23 April 2025 at The Emirates Stadium, attendance 60,167.
It may have been William Shakespeare’s Birthday but there was little prosaic about this drawn Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match. Both of these Clubs perhaps had an eye on their respective Cup competition Semi-finals. The 3 first half goals were well worked and well taken if not stylish. The Eagles worked hard to get their equalizer and it was a mistake by the usually reliable William Saliba which gave J-P Mateta an opportunity. He cleverly beat Gunners’ ‘keeper David Raya which was perhaps the game’s high point.
There are no PLDs matches this weekend but Crystal Palace will be playing in the FA Cup Semi-final v Aston Villa on Saturday 26 April 2025. Good luck Eagles and remember the old adage “The team that beats Villa wins the Cup.” Arsenal have their UEFA Champions League Semi-final first leg v Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Tuesday 29 April. By then they should know if they are Premier League (PL) Runners-up with Liverpool expected to easily beat ailing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 27 April.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.