Tottenham Hotspur 2 (Son 19, Alderweireld 81) v Arsenal 1 (Lacazette 16), played Sunday 12 July 2020 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, attendance nil.
It looked like Tottenham Hotspur’s familiar defensive frailties would be their undoing in this all important Premier London derby (PLDs) when Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette took advantage of their slowness on the ball to open the scoring in the 16th minute with a strong shot. The Gunners themselves are not without weaknesses in that department and soon a sloppy back pass let Heung-Min Son in to equalize. Both teams had their moments thereafter for the next 50 minutes or so with chances and misses at both ends. The break through came late in the game as the home side strengthened and attacked more freely. The winning goal came from a corner when Toby Alderweireld (6ft 2ins) easily out jumped Arsenal’s promising, but 4 inches shorter, left full back Kiernan Tierney to head home what may be a priceless winner on 81 minutes.
For Jose Mourinho this win means he remains unbeaten in home PLDs throughout his career, although Mikel Arteta has the playing record of only 2 defeats in his 9 North London derbies. Spurs are also unbeaten in their last 6 consecutive home F.A.P.L. matches against Arsenalwhich is comparing well with their 9 in a row up to January 1968. The win took the home side 2 points clear of their rivals who bounced back with a 2-1 win over Champions Liverpool to hold on to 9th place on 53 points, 1 behind Sheffield United and 2 behind Spursall having now played 36 matches. Chelsea are 3rd on 63 points and Crystal Palace appear to be in free-fall, but safe, on 42 points in 14th after a series of defeats.
The next PLDs match is on Friday 17 July, at the other end of the table when West Ham United entertain, or will it be slog it out toe to toe, Watford. Both teams come into this vital match on the back of wins, the Hammers 0-4 away to relegated Norwich City and the Hornets 2-1 at home to Newcastle United, but are 16th and 17th respectively on 34 points. Previous seasons favour Watford scores being: 2-4 in 2016-17; 2-0 in 2017-18; and 0-2 in 2018-19. The winner this time will surely be safe from relegation if only on goal difference eventually. What a tumultuous end to this extraordinary season 2019-20 this is going to be!
Until next time, enjoy your virtual football and stay safe and alert, Andrew at PLDs.