Brentford (0) 0 v 2 (0) Chelsea
80 Pontus Jansson (o.g.)
85 Jorginho (pen.)
On Wednesday 21 December 2021 there were 2 London derbies in the EFL/Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Although both Brentford and Chelsea lined up with changes from their Premier League (PL) teams the Bees held the Blues for 80 minutes. From half-time onwards Chelsea brought on 5 regular first teamers but it took an own goal by Brentford’s Captain Pontus Jansson and a penalty by that arch-taker Jorginho which decided the tie.
Tottenham Hotspur (2) 2 v 1 (1) West Ham United
29 Steven Bergwijn 32 Jarrod Bowen
34 Lucas Moura
In contrast Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were up for it from the beginning of their match, played at the fever pitch of many PL Premier London Derbies (PLDs). Even though all the goals came in the first 34 minutes the action carried on throughout the 90. Interestingly only one player was booked, the Hammers’ goal scorer Jarrod Bowen, by the Referee Chris Kavanagh the VAR official for the controversial Spurs v Liverpool match. The match was very good PL football but the officials’ decisions controversial.
Liverpool will be the semi-final opponents of the 3rd PLDs Club Arsenal, 5-1 winners over EFL League One Sunderland on 20 December. Should the Gunners win then there will be another London derby EFL Cup Final against either the Blues or the Lilywhites. Tottenham Hotspur won the trophy, their last, in 2008, overcoming Chelsea 2-1, with the result reversed in 2015. The 2 leg matches will be played in the weeks beginning 3rd and 10th January 2022. Whether fans will be watching on the grounds or on TV depends on the Covid-19 Pandemic and its effects on all people, players, coaching staff and officials.
The PLDs match featuring Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace is still scheduled for Boxing Day 26 December 2021. This has been a home win in 4 of the last 5 seasons with an aggregate score of 10-3. The Eagles only win was to spoil the party at the first home game at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 3 April 2019!
“Keep Safe” and enjoy your Christmas whether there is football or not, Andrew at PLDs.