There are no Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches this weekend so here’s a roundup of the progress of our London Clubs in the UEFA European competitions. In the Champions League on Tuesday 26 October 2022 Chelsea won 2-1 away to RB Salzburg to ensure their place in the last 16 as Group E winners. This after losing their first match away to Dinamo Zagreb which culminated in the sacking of then Head Coach Thomas Tuchel.
On Wednesday 26 October 2022 Tottenham Hotspur had a chance to ensure qualification for the knockout rounds at home, against Sporting CS (Lisbon) in Group D. A poor performance and 1-1 draw ending in controversy and another red card for Head Coach Antonio Conte means the group could still go to anyone, with Eintracht Frankfurt beating Marseille 2-1. The French Club are Spurs’ hosts for their very tricky last fixture.
In the Europa League, on Thursday 27 October 2022, Premier League (PL) leaders Arsenal were uncharacteristically off-form, and well beaten, 2-0 away to PSV Eindhoven. The Gunners must now win against Zürich at home next week to go through to the last 16 automatically.
In contrast, fast improving West Ham United have won all 5 of their Europa Conference League matches, the last 1-0 at the London Stadium against Denmark’s Silkeborg IF. They, like The Blues, are through to their last 16 with one to play, and have won 8 of their last 11 matches in all competitions. Well done the Hammers!
Until next time, enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.