Crystal Palace (0) 1 v 4 (3) Chelsea
63 Benteke 8 Havertz (assist Hudson-Odoi
10 Pulisic (assist Havertz) and 78
30 Zouma (assist Mount)
Yellow: Kouyate.
Played Saturday 10 April 2021 at an empty Selhurst Park.
This was a “record win” for Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel in that it was the first time in 16 matches since Frank Lampard left that the Blues had scored more than 2 goals. The score line of 1-4 reflected Chelsea’s superiority over Crystal Palace in all departments. The game was over in the first half, if not the first 30 minutes, and the Eagles only consolation was a classic centre-forward’s header by Christian Benteke from Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross. Star of the show was Kai Havertz who showed up enough to score the visitors’ opener, miss 2 more, provide an assist for one of Christian Pulisic’s brace, and sort of please his Manager.
Chelsea duly celebrated 3 days later on Tuesday 13 April 2021 by getting into their first Champions’ League semi-final for 7 years with a 2-1 aggregate win over F C Porto despite a 0-1 home defeat through a very late goal. They will play Real Madrid 3-1 aggregate winners against a lack lustre Liverpool.
Next up in the Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches is Arsenal v Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 18 April 2021. This fixture was last played on New Year’s Day 2019 in the 2018-19 season and was a 4-1 win for Arsenal. Fulham are losing touch with Newcastle United, Burnley and Brighton and Hove Albion above them and West Bromwich Albion are closing in below them. Arsenal’s Premier League (PL) form is inconsistent but their 0-4 win away to Slavia Prague on Thursday 15 April has put them into the Europa League semi-finals. A home win seems very likely and what’s the betting on the Gunners getting into the Champions’ League via a Europa League win and not the PL top 4!
Until next time, “Keep Safe”, and enjoy your football whatever, Andrew at PLDs.