West Ham United (0) 0 v 6 (4) Arsenal
32 Saliba, assist Rice
41 Saka (pen)
44 Gabriel, assist Rice
45+2 Trossard, assist Odegaard
63 Saka, assist Odegaard
65 Rice, assist White
Yellows: Phillips, Kudus, Areola, Alcarez Referee: Clive Pawson.
Played Sunday 11 February 2024 at The London Stadium.
West Ham United were overwhelmed by Arsenal. This PLDs match was all over by halftime when The Gunners were 0-4 up and now the 4th Club to score 8,000 Football League goals. Returning former Hammers’ hero Declan Rice scored the 6th goal and had 2 assists. He and four other teammates – Saka, Saliba, White and Odegaard – were in Tony Cascarino’s “Team of the Week” for 12 February 2024. The Hammers were caught between Manager David Moyes naturally pragmatic football and fans wanting more.
Crystal Palace (1) 1 v 3 (0) Chelsea
30 Lerma 47 Gallagher, assist Gusto
90+1 Gallagher, assist Palmer
90+4 Fernandez, assist Palmer
Yellows: Munoz, Lerma Referee: Michael Oliver
Played Monday 12 February 2024 at Selhurst Park.
It was another returner, Conor Gallagher of Chelsea who had previously played so well on loan to Crystal Palace, who settled this one. The Eagles’ Jefferson Lerma had surprised everyone with his first-half stunning goal to give the home fans some hope. Then two goals by Gallagher at the start and end of the second half gave The Blues their win. The 3rd goal wasn’t needed to deflate Selhurst Park any further.
There are no Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches this weekend but Crystal Palace face a “six-pointer” when they travel to face Everton on Monday 19 February 2024. The Toffees are 18th with 19 points only 5 behind The Eagles now 15th with 24 points.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.