Chelsea (1) 2 v 0 (0) Brentord
26 Pedro, assist Fernandez
76 Palmer (penalty)
Yellows: Cucurella, Palmer, Fofana Janelt, Schade Ref. John Brooks
Played Saturday 17 January 2026 at Stamford Bridge, attendance 39,704.
The scoreline belies Brentford’s statistical dominance in this Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match – more possession (55%v45%), more shots (15v6), more on target (5v2) and more corners (9v3) – which Chelsea won with a goal in each half. It was Liam Rosenior, The Blues latest Head Coach, first Premier League win for them. That The Bees target man Igor Thiago missed a good headed chance was a surprise. That Chelsea are looking for yet another, no doubt expensive central defender if they can convince UEFA of their transfer financial fair play, is not.
Tottenham Hotspur (0) 1 v 2 (1) West Ham United
64 Romero, assist Porro 15 Summerville, assist Fernandez
90+3 Wilson
Yellows: Davies, van de Ven, Romero, Soucek, Bowen, Castellanos Ref. J Gillett
Gray, Spence
Played Saturday 17 January 2026 at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, att. 60,857.
Another home defeat for Spurs despite more possession (62%v38%), shots (21v17), corners (11v5), and less fouls(12v17) but more Yellow Cards (5v3). One of these went to stalwart Ben Davies who broke his left ankle in a tackle and had to be carried off. His luck was really out. The Hammers winner came from Callum Wilson who came on in added time, had one shot saved and then scrambled the ball home from a corner. The home crowd vented their fury on Head Coach Thomas Frank and 8,000 stayed away on Tuesday 20 January missing a very creditable win by Spurs 2-0 v Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League. Maybe someone’s luck is turning?
The next PLDs match is Crystal Palace v Chelsea on Sunday 25 January 2026. The Eagles have suddenly become dysfunctional after last season’s successes based on togetherness from top to bottom. They no longer have their Captain Marc Guehi, sold to Manchester City for a bargain £20 million, but at least Chelsea cannot have him. They probably will however have the 3 points with their being 7 away wins, 1 home win which was in last season’s Halcyon Days, and 1 draw in the last 9 meetings.
Until next time “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.