Crystal Palace (4) 5 v 2 (1) West Ham United
7 Olise, assist Andersen 40 Antonio, assist Soucek
16 Eze 89 Henderson (o.g.)
20 Emerson (o.g.)
31 Mateta, assist Olise
64 Mateta, assist Eze
Yellows: Hughes, Mitchell, Ahamada Antonio, Soucek
Played Sunday 21 April 2024 at Selhurst Park, attendance 25,145, Referee G Scott.
Electrifying performances by wingers Michael Olise and Eze, a goal and an assist apiece gave Crystal Palace an emphatic victory over hapless West Ham United. The Eagles followed this victory with another (2-0 v Newcastle United) to be in their customary 14th place in the Premier League (PL) and certain of PL football next season. The Hammers had no such worries, but their season is rapidly unravelling being out of Europe and now in 8th place on 48 points from 34 games, 2 points less than Newcastle United and 5 less than Manchester United.
The next Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match is Fulham v Crystal Palace on Saturday 27 April. The Eagles have scored 2 goals in each of their last 3 visits to Craven Cottage for 2 wins and a draw. Fulham, one place above them with 3 points more and a better goal difference will want to reverse this.
Then the PLDs heavy weights feature. On Sunday 28 April it’s Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal, and on Thursday 2 May Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur. Arsenal are top of the PL with 77 points from 34 games played, but know they must win all of their remaining 4 fixtures to have a chance of stopping Manchester City (76 from 33) from winning a fourth consecutive PL title. If Spurs (60 from 32 and 5th) lose this one, Aston Villa (4th with 66 from 34) will soon be out of sight. Likewise a win for Chelsea (47 from 32), who play away to Aston Villa on Saturday 27 April and they will be in the mix for a place in the European competitions next season. All very complex!
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.