West Ham United (0) 0 v 2 (0) Crystal Palace
48 J-P Mateta, assist Eze
80 Mavropanos Red card (2xYellow) 89 J-P Mateta (pen.)
Yellows: Edson Alvarez
Played Saturday 18 January 2025 at The London Stadium, attendance 62,469.
West Ham United’s attack, and more, remains depleted without Jarrod Bowen. He is Captain and a leader which new Head Coach Graham Potter needs to galvanise and re-shape the still ailing Hammers. They were not helped by a Red Card when only one down. Winners Crystal Palace have now taken 11 points from their last 5 Premier League (PL) matches and are distinctly mid-table in 12th place with 26 points.
They will be back in action in the next Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match which is Crystal Palace v Brentford on Sunday 26 January 2025. Last season it was a home win and there have been draws in the previous two seasons this one has been played. Brentford have a point more than The Eagles with 28 points and are one place above them in 11th. The Bees have lost 3 more PL matches than The Eagles (10 v 7) and their away form is poor. Expect Crystal Palace to get at least one point again.
In Europe Chelsea head the Europa Conference League with 6 straight wins and 2 matches to play, and Arsenal are 3rd in the Champions League with 16 points and one to play. A win will give them automatic qualification for the last 16 knock-out round. A win at last for the injured, young, and confidence lacking Tottenham Hotspur squad away to Bundesliga Hoffenheim means they also need a win from their last match at home next week to also get through automatically. They need some PL points too!
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoyb your football, Andrew at PLDs.