Brentford (2) 2 v 2 (2) Tottenham Hotspur
27 Mbeumo (pen.) 11 Romero, assist Maddison
36 Wissa, assist Henry 45+4 Emerson Royal, assist Maddison
Yellows: Henry Maddison, Sanchez, Skipp, Vicario
Played Sunday 13 August 2023 at The Gtech Stadium, 17,066, Referee Robert Jones.
Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the first Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match of the season. Having ended last season mid-table, they may well both be there again this season. All the goals were in an incident and action filled first half, which included the substitution of Spurs’opening goal scorer Cristian Romero with a head injury. The other half of the accidental clash, Bryan Mbeumo, scored The Bees’ equalizing penalty following a foul by Spurs’ new Captain Son Heung-min who had a quiet game. James Maddison, the man now wearing the departed Harry Kane’s number 10, assisted for both goals. It was his free-kick, won, swung in, and headed home, which opened the scoring. He was clearly fouled but completed his pass to defender Emerson Royal who rifled home his shot. He politely thanked Referee Robert Jones for letting play continue.
PLDs matches are coming thick and fast with Brentford in action again away at Fulham on Saturday 19 August. Last season was the first time this PLDs match was played, the score being 3-2. The Cottagers will want the same again after the 0-1 win away at Everton.
Then on Sunday 20 August it’s West Ham United v Chelsea. The Hammers may proudly display their Europa Conference League trophy, but no longer have Declan Rice. His reported £105 million transfer fee has been eclipsed by the £115 million paid for the Brighton and Hove Albion mid-fielder Moises Caicedo. He has been joined for £53 million by Romero Lavia from relegated Southampton. Together with Enzo Fernandez that makes about £250 million spent on The Blues midfield. Whether they are worth it the season will tell us. There have been 3 home and 2 away wins and 2 draws in the last 7 seasons in this fixture.
Monday 21 August sees Crystal Palace v Arsenal. The Eagles have Roy Hodgson back in charge. The Gunners will be looking for a better performance than their sluggish 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest last week. Expect them to add to their 3 away wins in the last 7 seasons, but with 2 homes and 2 draws this will be an even, competitive PLDs match.
Finally all the very best of luck to The Lionesses in the Women’s World Cup final v Spain in Australia on Sunday 20 August. We may see history made, Andrew at PLDs.