Premier League Winners And Losers
Who had a good weekend, and who had a bad one! This weekend saw two teams’ fates sealed, as Burnley and QPR were officially relegated to the Championship. But the final relegation spot is still to be decided, with four teams realistically battling to avoid the drop.
If it wasn’t already decided, Manchester United effectively qualified for next season’s Champions League, whilst ending Liverpool’s faint hopes. Liverpool are six points off with two games left, and must also rely on a 14 goal swing to go in their favour. Here are this week’s winners and losers
Winners of the Premier League weekend
Here are this week’s winners:
Sunderland – This was a massive result for the Black Cats, but boy did they ride their luck in their 2-0 win over Everton. Jordi Gomez’s deflected shot cannoned off Danny Graham and looped into the corner. Then the second goal could have been chalked off twice, one for a foul by Fletcher, and then Defoe unintentionally handled the ball into the net. But one must embrace any slices of luck you get at the bottom. Being the early kick off, the result would have cranked the pressure up on Newcastle and Hull. Sunderland face Leicester at home next week in what promises to be a nerve jangling affair. They then play their game in hand against Arsenal, and then it’s Chelsea on the final day.
Leicester – The Foxes continued where they left off last week, beating a lacklustre Southampton 2-0 at the King Power. Riyad Mahrez took both goals exceptionally, despite poor defending from the visitors. Leicester, backed by a raucous home crowd, played the high intensity pressing game which has caused teams such havoc in recent weeks. Nigel Pearson’s side now face a crunch game against Sunderland next week, but the form they have been showing, they should have enough to survive.
Swansea – The Swans’ excellent season under Gary Monk could finish with European football, after a 1-0 win at Arsenal. Truthfully, it was a smash and grab win courtesy of a late Bafetimbi Gomis goal. Monk has done a remarkable job in his first full season to guide Swansea to 8th, now just a point off 7th placed Southampton. They could snatch a Europa League spot if they beat the Saints to 7th, and Arsenal win the FA Cup. Their last two games are Manchester City at home, and Crystal Palace away, with Monk attempting to beat Swansea’s highest Premier League finish of 9th.
Losers of the Premier League weekend
Here are this week’s losers:
Burnley – The Clarets were officially relegated after one season in the top flight, despite a spirited 1-0 win away at Hull. Danny Ings’ goal wasn’t enough, with wins for Sunderland, Leicester and Aston Villa, and a point for Newcastle sealing their fate. Burnley have slumped at just the wrong time with five losses out of their last six. But they have been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League, and have put up a remarkable fight on such a small budget. They will still want to go out on a high in their last home game next week against Stoke. This summer could be hard for them, with clubs potentially interested in signing up manager Sean Dyche, and star striker Ings.
QPR – Chris Ramsay’s side by contrast to Burnley went down with a whimper, 6-0 to Manchester City. Their lack of fight and work rate was sycophantic of their two Premier League relegation seasons. With a lot of players out of contract, and loanees such as Eduardo Vargas and Mauricio Isla unlikely to want to play Championship football, a major overhaul is likely at Loftus Road. Ramsay will more than likely leave, but there won’t be a long waiting list for the manager’s position.
Hull – This was a catastrophic defeat to Burnley, as Hull’s rivals for the drop all won or avoided defeat. Wins against Crystal Palace and Liverpool had given the Tigers real hope of survival, but that looks difficult now. They were angry that Michael Dawson had to leave the field with a bloody nose, which led to the visitors’ only goal. But they failed to muster any sustained attacks, and Steve Bruce was left to say that they had a “mountain to climb”. They are two points adrift in 18th, and must win or draw against Tottenham to give themselves a glimmer on the final day at home to Manchester United.
