“Spurs stay top – Bees hat-trick v Blues”.

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Crystal Palace (0) 1 v 2 (0) Tottenham Hotspur

 90+4 Ayew, assist Andersen                       53 Ward (o.g.)

                                                                             66 Son, assist Johnson

Yellows: Andersen, Ayew                            Johnson

Played Friday 27 October 2023 at Selhurst Park, Referee Andrew Madley.

This was Crystal Palace’s Manager Roy Hodgson’s 500th match in English Club football, but not a classic for either side. Tottenham Hotspur had much more possession (76% v 24%) but arguably only one shot on target being that which gave them a second half two goal cushion. Their first goal was an own goal when James Maddison’s driven cross went in off Eagle’s defender Joel Ward. Unlike in many earlier seasons Spurs held out to the end despite Jordan Ayew’s well struck goal deep in added time. They started therefore the weekend 5 points clear and ended it still top of the Premier League (PL) by 2 points. 

                                           Chelsea (0) 0 v 2 (0) Brentford

                                                                          58 Pinnock, assist Mbeumo

                                                                          90+6 Mbeumo, assist Maupay

Yellows: Caicedo                                              Norgaard, Ghoddos, Onyeka, Maupay

Played Saturday 28 October 2023 at Stamford Bridge.

This win completed Brentford’s hat-trick of wins in this fixture v Chelsea since coming up to the PL. The Blues had all the possession (69% v 31%) and goal attempts (17 v 7) but were disjointed, wasteful and desperate. The Bees second goal came with the home goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the opposition penalty area at a corner-kick. Brentford are now one place higher (10th v 11th) in the PL and have one point more (13 v 12) than a poor Chelsea.

Premier London Derbies (PLDs) matches continue to come thick and fast with Brentford v West Ham United on Saturday 4 November 2023. While The Bees will be looking to extend their 13-match unbeaten PLDs run The Hammers will be buoyed by their mid-week EFL/Carabao Cup 4th round 3-1 win over Arsenal. The Gunners were much changed, under performed and deserved to lose. Then in another Monday match for them it’s Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea on 6 November 2023. Will the bubble burst for Spurs in this usually feisty fixture, or will The Blues owners be left rueing more lost points, this time in the magnificent Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?  

Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.