Brentford (0) 0 v 0 (0) Tottenham Hotspur
Yellows: Jansson, Sorensen Betancur Referee. Martin Atkinson.
Played Saturday 23 April 2022 at Brentford Community Stadium, attendance 17,072.
Was this a point won by Brentford in their journey to almost certain Premier League (PL) football next season, or two dropped by Tottenham Hotspur when they arguably needed them even more? Spurs were saved by their Captain Hugo Lloris and the woodwork which the Bees Ivan Toney crashed 2 headers against. Harry Kane headed off his own goal-line and at the other end in the dying seconds hit a spectacular overhead kick just wide. Brentford have now completed their Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches with only 3 defeats.
Chelsea (0) 1 v 0 (0) West Ham United
90 Pulisic, assist Alonso.
Yellows: Alonso Dawson (RED) Referee. Michael Oliver
Played Sunday 24 April 2022 at Stamford Bridge, attendance 32,231.
Goals were also in short supply at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea had to wait until the 90th minute before Christian Pulisic broke down a resolute West Ham United defence. Key to that defence was Craig Dawson, who was man-of -the-match, despite his 86th minute sending off for holding back the Blues’ Romelu Lukaku when through on goal. From the resulting penalty Jorginho had a chance to score his 10th goal and penalty of the season , but his characteristic run-up led to a tame “shot” which rolled straight to the Hammers’ Lukasz Fabianski. Pulisic’s goal 3 minutes later was some redemption for Jorginho, and some consolation, for a diminished and anxious home crowd as purchase negotiations continue.
Perhaps West Ham United had one eye on their UEFA Europa League semi-final first leg tie v Eintracht Frankfurt (whom they beat in 1976 on their way to winning the old European Cup Winners Cup), but that backfired with a 1-2 home defeat leaving a lot of work to do next week. In between they entertain Arsenal in the next PLDs match on Sunday 1 May 2022. Scores for the last 5 seasons have been: 1-5 in 2016-17; 0-0 in 2017-18; 1-0 in 2018-19; 1-3 in 2019-20; and 3-3 in 2020-21. With the Gunners hungry for points for Europe it seems likely the Hammers will be foiled and their very good season end in disappointment.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDS.