There are no Premier London derbies (PLDs) to preview for this coming weekend, but two to report on, although the first sounds like a bit of a non-event. That was the match on Saturday 7 December where Watford played out a goal-less draw in front of 20,070 fans at Vicarage Road, and their third Manager of the season, Nigel Pearson. Crystal Palace, the opposition, had no shoots on target in the whole game, but their goal-keeper Vicente Guaita was busy keeping a clean sheet.
Back at the London Stadium West Ham United entertained Arsenal in front of 60.000 and lost again on Monday 9 December 2019. This makes it one win (away at Chelsea on 30 November) and 5 defeats in the last 6 games, and only 4 points in the last 9 for the Hammers. For Arsenal, under their Interim Manager Freddie Ljundberg (he of underpants fame), this was their first win in 9 games. West Ham’s goal came in the first half when defender Ogbonna’s header was deflected in. The visitors were described as “utterly woeful” for the first 60 minutes of the game then scored their 3 goals in the next 9 minutes! Brazilian GabrielMartinelli opened the Gunners’ scoring and at 18 years and 174 days is Arsenal’s youngest scorer on a F.A.P.L. debut to date. Nicolas Pepe, hitherto a very expensive buy, added the second with a good shot, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the third. That was Aubameyang’s 11th F.A. Premier League goal of the season, and in the last 11 PLDs he has scored 9 goals and made 3 assists. Pretty impressive.
Next PLDs match will pit Jose Mourinho against another of his former clubs when Chelsea visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 21 December, but more on that next week.
Until then enjoy your football, and Christmas shopping, Andrew at PLDs.