There are no F.A. Premier League London derbies (PLDs) this weekend, in fact none until 22 February when Chelsea “entertain” Tottenham Hotspur. Will it be another “Battle of Stamford Bridge” as in 2016, and 1066 when the English beat the invading Norwegians? Instead let’s look at how the London Clubs are doing in the F.A. Cup so far.
There were no F.A. Cup London derbies in the 4th Round, and will not be in the 5th. London derbies are unusual in Cup history, certainly in the early Rounds. Taking the E.F.L. Championship sides first, who all had Premier League opposition, lowest placed Millwall (8th) lost at home 0-2 to Sheffield United (8th) ; Brentford (5th) lost 0-1 at home to an early goal 0-1 by Leicester City (3rd); and Fulham (3rd) did well to keep the score down to 0-4 away to Manchester City (2nd) after Captain Tim Ream was sent off after 6 minutes for fouling Gabriel Jesus for a penalty.
As for the Premier League sides Chelsea (4th) won 1-2 away at Hull City, which apparently was further from London (155 miles) than Lille in Northern France (150 miles) where they played in Europe. The Pensioners’ reward is a home tie against Shrewsbury Town or Liverpool, but if it is the Reds will it be their first team or second? Arsenal (10th) overcame Bournemouth (18th) 1-2, and will return to the South Coast to play Portsmouth of League One who are previous F.A. Cup winners. Tottenham Hotspur (6th)have to beat Southampton (9th), in what will be a keenly fought replay, to face Norwich City (20th). Were there any F.A. Cup shocks? Well West Ham United’s home defeat (0-1) against WestBromwich Albion may have been a personal tragedy for Captain Mark Noble who missed an equalizing penalty, and a triumph for the returning Slaven Bilic W.B.A’s manager, but was it a shock….no! These teams may be playing one another anyway next season!
Until next time, enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.