The F.A. Premier League (F.A.P.L.) resumes in earnest this weekend, and with it our next Premier London derbies (PLDs) match. Tomorrow Chelsea entertain Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge. Will it be another battle in the closely fought campaign for European competition places and the money they bring? In the first Battle of Stamford Bridge, which is somewhere near York, the English King Harold of arrow in the eye fame defeated the invading Norwegians and his brother’s English rebels on 25 September 1066. Less than three weeks later he was back on the South coast fighting the invading William Duke of Normandy at Battle near Hastings on 14 October 1066. It was there he got the arrow in the eye and lot his home winning record! The rest is history.
Spurs set a F.A.P.L. record on Monday 2 May 2016 in their battle at Stamford Bridge when 9 players received yellow cards to Chelsea’s 3, in a nasty tempered 2-2 draw. By half time Spurs were 2 goals and 3 yellows to 1 up. The F.A.P.L. eventual champions Leicester Citywere still in their sights. It all kicked off in he second half with the 2 equalizing Chelseagoals (and 2 yellows for them) to end Spurs’ hopes and bring 6 more yellows but no reds!
Thankfully the battle was not repeated in the next 3 seasons: 2016-17 Chelsea 2 v Spurs 1, with yellows also 2 and 1; 2017-18 Chelsea 1 v Spurs 3, yellows 0 and 1; and season 2018-19 Chelsea 2 v Spurs 0, and yellows 1 and 1. But with the visitors having closed the gap to 4thplace to 1 point following Spurs’ (LDWWW) better F.A.P.L. form than Chelsea (DWLDD), but appearing toothless without Kane (2 yellows and 1 goal in above games) and Son (1 goal, no yellows), and Jose Mourinho coming home again, will their frustration boil over? We shall soon see although it will be a difficult record to beat!
Until next time, enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.