Arsenal (1) 3 v 1 (1) Tottenham Hotspur
20 Partey, assist White 31 Kane (pen.)
49 Jesus, assist Saka
67 Xhaka, assist Martinelli
Yellows: Saliba, Martinelli Dier, Emerson (Red) Ref. A Taylor
Played Saturday 1 October 2022 at the Emirates Stadium, attendance 60,278.
Did the straight Red Card given by Referee Anthony Taylor to Spurs’ Emerson Royal for a high challenge on Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli in the home half really decide this North London Derby? No – Arsenal out-played, out-thought and out-ran their near neighbours, and deservedly held on to the top spot in the Premier League (PL), albeit only one point ahead of rampant Champions Manchester City. The only Tottenham Hotspur player to do himself credit was Harry Kane whose converted penalty was his 7th against the same Club, equalling PL all-time top scorer Alan Shearer’s 7 v Everton and made him the first player to score 100 away goals in the PL – congratulations again.
Crystal Palace (1) 1 v 2 (1) Chelsea
7 Edouard, assist Ayew
38 Aubameyang, assist Thiago Silva
90 Gallagher, assist Pulisic
Yellows: Edouard Mount, Kovacic, Thiago Silva
Played Saturday 1 October 2022 at Selhurst Park, Referee Chris Kavanagh.
At Selhurst Park the Red Card denied to Crystal Palace probably had more bearing on the result. Chelsea’s Thiago Silva is a very well-seasoned professional who probably knew just what he was doing. His first handball pushed the ball into the path of Eagles’ Jordan Ayew who would have been through into a one-on-one with Blues’ ‘keeper Arrizabalaga. The second contact deliberately pushed the ball away. VAR said Referee Chris Kavanagh had not made a ‘clear and obvious error’ in only giving a Yellow Card. Eagles’ Chairman Steve Parish and many others suggested that itself was the error. Salt was rubbed in when Chelsea substitute Conor Gallagher, who played so well on loan at Palace, scored a great winner.
The next Premier London Derby (PLDs) match is West Ham United v Fulham on Sunday 9 October 2022. Both matches played in the last 6 seasons were home wins. The Hammers are up and running now in the PL and with 3 wins from 3 in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Fulham lost heavily at home to Newcastle United. Another home win is likely.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.