The Premier League (PL) restarts this weekend with two Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches. On Saturday 14 September it’s Fulham v West Ham United and on Sunday 15 September Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal. All the London Clubs will have been in action in PLDs matches in the first 4 weekends of the 2024-25 PL season.
Fulham have 4 points from their first 3 PL matches and West Ham United only the 3 from their win at Selhurst Park. There has been a win for each Club in the last two PL seasons and draws in 2020-21 (0-0) and 2018-19 (1-1). Already neither Manager wants to lose this one so expect another draw, but that may not satisfy the Hammers fans!
The North London derby is always a big match and promises to be so again even so early in the season. Although Arsenal have won the last 2 at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Spurs have 4 wins and a draw in the seasons 2016-17 to 2021-22. This season The Gunners have 7 points from their first 3 matches and The Lilywhites 4. Even after summer transfers they still have a porous defence with two marauding full-backs and a centre back who likes to buccaneer up the pitch. Another away win will make the points gap 6 in Arsenal’s favour and the form and prospects gap an ever-widening chasm.
Congratulations to former Spur Harry Kane MBE the England Captain who won his 100th Cap in the 2-0 win v Finland on Tuesday 10 September 2024. Both goals were “Kane-specials” making it 68 goals in those 100 games. Surely an unbeatable record!
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.