Sunderland were, until last night, the only team who could have caught us, so I guess that means we are now mathematically certain of staying up.
Sunderland can still mathematically catch us. But we are still mathematically safe as we cannot be caught by Cardiff, Fulham or Norwich. Edit: nevermind, Sunderland also cannot catch us.
Sunderland had a mini turn-around in Jan, where they won three and drew one (vs us) out of four PL games. But either side of that they have been rubbish. And they were rubbish in that draw against us too. Seven PL games since that mini run has resulted in one draw and six defeats, never scoring more that once in a game. And those defeats have included Norwich, Hull and West Ham, whilst the draw was at home to Palace. Their only win in that whole time was their cup win against us. And before that mini run, in was three wins, five draws, and 12 defeats from 20 games. I think their two cup runs just made it seem like they'd turned the corner more than they actually had. Like I say, the purple patch lasted all of just four games. Poyet was getting far too much credit in the media.
Can't see the point of sacking Houghton. Not a great season, but they are now betting on the new manager effect and have put themselves into limbo land. The other teams don't look like they can string much together either. I think they would have got the points needed under Houghton and at least have had time to think in the summer.
All over now for Sunderland and Norwich, in my opinion. Cardiff and Fulham both have the fixtures to stay up (just as I highlighted the other week), but I don't imagine they will both take full advantage of them. So it's probably one from those two. But if they were both to take advantage, then WBA, Swansea or Villa could yet be caught. WBA just can't seem to quite get over the line (but then again, what did I predict the other week? That they'd stumble across the line).
So, if Norwich were to lose their last four and Fulham win one, Fulham would be safe... Fulham face Tottenham, Hull, Stoke and Palace. I can see them doing it... Norwich look totally rudderless.
Not sure about rudderless, but what has happened this week, happened too late. Looks like we are gone now, barring a 'shock' on the last day home to Arsenal.
I really fear for Norwich now . I have had a soft spot for them ( personal reasons ) for a few years now , but looking at their run in........ Still If they go down , they will be back before long . Still hope they survive though
Fond of Norwich...good fans. But Fulham have started pulling it together. Cardiff managed to get 3 valuable points against us, but are they consistent enough? The ones who stay up will be those who deserve it in the end.
Blimey! Er was anyone at St Mary's yesterday? Did the team second bottom team beat one of the most promising and difficult to beat teams in the league, who have just scored 4 in their last two league games?? It is silly season and anything can happen. I will not be surprised if Norwich turn over one of those four teams. This is the beauty of the best game in the world. Backs against the walls and everything; you never know. I still remember Saints being bottom of the league (I think or second bottom) in either 98 or 99 and winning our last three to stay up. I think that was the year of Dellhurst park
We are definitely third favorites now.although as Paul Ince pointed out on MOTD at this end of the season strange things happen,as you found out yesterday.My guess is that this will go to the last day and we have a Wembley bound Arsenal at home.If we were to sneak a point from one of the other three then it might be interesting.
I'm certainly not missing those days. I remember some idiot saying he was bored in a season where we were reasonably successful...I'll take boredom.
I actually spent the last 15 - 20 mins of yesterday's game feeling a little bit sorry for the Cardiff fans at the other end of the ground. We've been in their position so many times, you knew exactly the suffering they were going through in willing their team to hang on. Stomach in knots, fingers nails being bitten, the clock only 30 seconds further on than when you last looked. I don't miss that.
