Tottenham Hotspur (2) 3 v 0 (0) Crystal Palace
32 Kane, assist Moura
34 Moura, assist Emerson
74 Son, assist Moura
Yellows: Sanchez Tomkins, Zaha (x 2 = Red)
Played Sunday 26 December 2021, attendance 40,539. Referee J. Moss.
Tottenham Hotspur are now unbeaten on Boxing Day in 15 years following this rather routine win over Crystal Palace. Routine made easier by the sending off of Palace’s Wilfried Zaha for 2 Yellow cards for a foul and then an impetuous push on Spurs’ defender Davinson Sanchez. Already 2-0 up through goals by Harry Kane and star man Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min added a second-half third. Kane now has 9 Boxing Day goals equalling Robbie Fowler of Liverpool, and he and Son have now both scored in 27 Spurs Premier League (PL) games, only one behind current Reds pairing of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Watford (1) 1 v 4 (2) West Ham United
4 Dennis, assist King 27 Soucek, assist Bowen
29 Benrahma, assist Antonio
58 Noble (pen.)
90+2 Vlasic, assist Bowen
Yellows: Nil Dawson, Referee Darren England.
Played Wednesday 29 December 2021 at Vicarage Road, attendance 20,073.
This was a match both Clubs needed desperately to win: Watford because they have only won 4 of 17; and West Ham United to scotch the old adage “like decorations they come down after Christmas”! Despite the promise of an early goal by, appropriately, Emmanuel Dennis the Hornets lost their sting and the Hammers 4 goals gave them a comfortable win. Jarrod Bowen again starred with 2 assists but without scoring.
These 4 Premier London Derbies (PLDs) Clubs will play again in the first matches of 2022 on New Year’s Day when it is Crystal Palace v West Ham United and Watford v Tottenham Hotspur. The Hammers just edge the last 5 seasons’ results with 2 away wins to 1 home, but the Eagles with 8 draws this season so far may well get another one. There are 2 draws and a win a piece between the Hornets and the Lilywhites, but a draw would not please either Club or their Head Coaches. At least they can discuss matters after confidentially in Italian!
That is all for 2021 from Premier London Derbies. We do not know what is ahead of us in Covid-19’s next year but it looks like Premier League (PL) football will continue in front of crowds of some size.
More than ever “Keep Safe” and Happy New Year, Andrew at PLDs.