Three matches into the 2021-22 Premier League (PL) season and there was a glimmer of optimism around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Three straight wins, albeit 1-0, under a new Head Coach and the bonus of arch-rivals Arsenal bottom of the PL. Then came 3 Premier London Derbies (PLDs) as their next 3 PL matches resulting in 3 defeats with only 1 goal for and 9 against. Four matches and two defeats later and Nuno Espirito Santo was gone in record time even for Tottenham Hotspur.
Antonio Conte has started with 6 PL matches unbeaten, but the UEFA Conference League performances have been an embarrassment. Inept, and at times farcical, losses against fierce London rivals Chelsea in both the away (2-0) and home (0-1) legs of the EFL/Carabao Cup Semi-finals, have dulled any optimism. Surely you play your strongest team, if you have one, in a Semi-final whatever your feelings about loyalty? Could these defeats be followed by two more against PLDs rivals in the next two weeks of January?
These PLDs matches are the home return Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal on Sunday 16 January and the away fixture Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 23 January 2022. Spurs’ misery could be completed by the end of the month. Their form against the Gunners at home should offer some optimism with 4 wins and 1 draw in the last 5 seasons, but we are talking “Spursy football” again!
Let’s finish with some real optimism for 2022 at least for Crystal Palace followers. The optimism surrounds their young forward Michael Olise. He followed a goal and an assist in the New Year’s Day PLDs match which the Eagles lost 2-3 to the Hammers, with the same in the FA Cup 3rd Round London derby Millwall 1 v 2 Crystal Palace. Long may it continue.
Until next time, above all “Keep Safe”, and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.