Perhaps we should begin at the end. The close of the PL season saw some high drama for our London Clubs. West Ham played valiantly for a 3-0 victory against a somewhat lacklustre Leeds, whilst Tottenham scraped a shambolic win against an Everton side who were already setting up their sun loungers at the beach. Spurs had got lucky in their relegation battle – Aston Villa fielded a second eleven to spare their horses for European triumph, and Everton clearly didn’t fancy any last game injuries – besides, they’ve never had any real beef with the Lillywhites.
And so our PLD league is reduced from 7 teams to 6. We lose one of our most esteemed London clubs, West Ham, founded in 1895, originally as Thames Ironworks.
Historically the consequences of relegation are mostly fiscal – a loss of broadcast revenue, cheaper tickets and large sponsorship reductions. Coupled with the sale of high-end players, and departure of trusted backstaff management – there can also be an exodus of faith. But in this case, the latter is hard to believe. The Hammers’ fans are diehard, they’ve been here before, and will seek to drag their club back. Next season, they’ll meet an old foe, Millwall, in the infamous London ‘Dockers Derby’. Intense and fierce, Shipbuilders versus Dockworkers, we can expect some fireworks.
The Tottenham post mortem so far has been vicious. The fans are calling for CEO Vinai Venkatesham’s head, they want owners ENIC out and a clean sheet. The club has countered with a declared profit, but admitted its sporting failings and hinted at big future player expenditure. Perhaps it’s time for the Saudis and Amanda Staveley to go shopping for the club.
And now for a look at The Table…
Final PLDs Table for season 2025 to 2026
| Club | PL | Wins | Draws | Lost | Goal Diff. | Points |
| Arsenal | (1st/85) | 6H/4A | 0H/2A | 0H/0A | +18 | 32/1st |
| Brentford | (9th/53) | 1H/1A | 5H/0A | 0H/5A | -5 | 11/5th |
| Chelsea | (10th/52)) | 4H/3A | 2H/1A | 0H/2A | +11 | 24/2nd |
| Crystal Palace | (15th/45) | 1H/3A | 2H/2A | 3H/1A | +1 | 16/4th |
| Fulham | (11th/52) | 3H/2A | 0H/2A | 3H/2A | -2 | 17/3rd |
| Tottenham Hotspur | (17th/41) | 1H/2A | 0H/1A | 5H/3A | -7 | 10/6th |
| West Ham United | (18th/39) | 0H/2A | 0H/1A | 6H/3A | -16 | 7/7th |
Arsenal dominated the EFL season. Winning the title, and coming within an inch of Champions League glory, only to capitulate in a very English way, with a failed penalty shootout. The Gunners’ celebrated their season with a civilised open top bus ride through North London, whilst the victorious CL Paris Saint Germain supporters burnt and smashed up their own city, for the second year running.
Second table Chelsea FC, had a disappointing PL run, but will take solace in that they very almost relegated arch-rivals Tottenham. Although fourth, Crystal Palace, a club very much on the rise, thanks to outgoing manager Oliver Glasner, won their first piece of European silverware. Tottenham’s results make for disgraceful reading, but unfortunately West Ham’s were even worse.
And so we come to the close. There are seven London club players heading to the Americas for England’s World Cup campaign. We wish them happy hunting and look forward to some drama and thrill of the game.
Until next time, enjoy the beautiful game, Matt at premierlondonderbies.com .