The eventful Premier League relegation battle

Premier League fans experienced a season like no other as two clubs confirmed relegation on the final day. The two joined Southampton FC, whose relegation had earlier been confirmed. Three clubs were risking relegation to the Championship; Everton, Leicester City, and Leeds United. The battle was set for the deadline day, a unique phenomenon in the Premier League. After a ferocious fight that displayed the character in Sean Dyche’s men, Everton managed to escape the fall.

The last supper

Like the proverbial last supper, the clubs cautiously approached the last match, knowing its weight on the fan base. Leeds United had been in the league the past three seasons impressing in several matches. Everton had never been relegated since the inception of the new premier league in 1992. Leicester City had won the Premier League title as underdogs two years after their promotion to the league. The three clubs understood the assignment ahead and knew how crucial their wins would be.

Leeds United were sitting in 19th position with 31 points. In the 18th spot, Leicester City also had 31 points but with a superior goal difference to that of Leeds United. Everton was hanging by a thread with 33 points at position 17. All of them needed wins to solidify their chances of survival.

Leeds United suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur FC, who were focused on finishing the season strong. This humiliating loss confirmed to the fans that Elland Road will have to go at least a season without Premier League football. Leicester City held on to a 2-1 win against West Ham United. However, this win did not keep the 2015/16 underdog EPL winners in the coveted league as a defeat for Everton would have been mandatory to secure their position in next season’s PL campaign.

Disappointed Maddison following Leicester City’s relegation. Image: Skysports

Everton will forever be thankful to Abdoulaye Doucoure, whose strike gave them life for another season. Some fans had already started doubting whether they would enjoy the ambiance of Goodison Park next season. Doucoure’s goal proved the saving grace for the Toffees, who had lost their glory.

Therefore, The Championship will have three EPL regulars battling to get back to the EPL next season. Leeds United, Leicester City, and the Saints must adapt to the 44 games season while battling to get a slot back in the EPL.

The manager’s input

Sean Dyche deserves his flowers for powering Everton out of relegation despite finding them worse off. Although he recorded some humiliating defeats, Dyche held on his nerves and secured Everton from the jaws of relegation. Playing deep and utilizing set pieces, Everton survived relegation by a whisker—credits to Sean Dyche for giving some life back to the Merseyside Blue side.

Sam Allardyce, known as Big Sam, could not salvage Leeds United from the sinking ship. Despite looking promising when taking the job, Allardyce faced yet another relegation in the EPL. Having a vast experience in the league, it was thought Sam would find a way to survive the cut. However, he failed to steady the sinking ship and will have to do with the Championship next season.

What next for the fallen giants?

The 44 games a season league awaits the relegated parties in the Championship. They will be facing promising clubs like Coventry, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland FC, who slightly failed to gain promotion to EPL. The battle to return to the Premier League will be an exhilarating affair.

Consequently, the clubs risk losing some of their top cream of players. Leicester City might lose the likes of Harvey Barnes, Wout Faes, James Maddison, and Sinistera. Southampton risk losing Bella Kotchap, Lavia, and Mara, among other stars who impressed individually. Among talented players, Leeds United might lose Gnonto, Rodrygo, and Aaronson.

Also Read:

English Premier League to end in style.

English Premier League to end in style.

 As the Premier league ends this Sunday, there will be quite some interesting fixtures on that day. At the top of the table will be their fierce battle for Champions League qualification as three clubs fight for the third and fourth position. 

The matches to watch will definitely be Chelsea vs Wolves and Leicester City vs Manchester United. These fixtures will be moment defining for the three clubs. For Manchester United, a win or a draw against Leicester will be a direct ticket to the UEFA Champions league. They are at number three in the league with 63 points and a goal difference of 28 goals. For the Leicester Foxes, they strongly need a win against united to be assured of getting a UCL ticket. They are currently fifth with 62 points and a goal difference of 28 therefore, a draw for them would be an option depending on how the Chelsea match against wolves will turn out. Chelsea on the other hand also strongly needs a win because if it comes to goal difference they are the lowest in the top five with on 13.It surely never gets bigger than this. 

Since the leagues number five will automatically qualify for Europa, there is also a mid-table battle for Qualification by position 6 between Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur. Wolves at 59 points and a goal difference of 13 will be hoping to beat the South West London Blues to secure that position. They are also currently in the same tournament and if by any chance they win, they will be getting a ticket to the Champions League. For them its a no taking chances situation. Spurs at 58 points and a goal difference of 14 are also trying to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. A win against Crystal palace on that same day would be important to their campaign.

Finally, the tight relegation battle will be coming to an end of the same day. It is confirmed that Norwich City will be headed back to The Skybet Championship since they have 21 points and a goal difference of -44.Gaining 3 points against Manchester City wont save them but at least it will be a farewell match since they put up quite a show in the PL. Above them is Bournemouth with 31 points, and a goal difference of -27, who will be meeting Everton hoping for three points to put them level with Watford and Aston Villa who are at 34 points each. The Cherries can only escape relegation if both of the clubs above it loose. Watford, who will be facing Arsenal can only escape relegation if they win and Aston Villa loses their match against Westham. The last three clubs will be relegated and on Sunday we will be able to tell who gets axed and who gets lucky.

All matches on Sunday will be played at 6pm .The premier league is set to return in September 12th 

Photo Credits: Getty Images

English Premier League to end in style.

English Premier League to end in style.

 As the Premier league ends this Sunday, there will be quite some interesting fixtures on that day. At the top of the table will be their fierce battle for Champions League qualification as three clubs fight for the third and fourth position. 

The matches to watch will definitely be Chelsea vs Wolves and Leicester City vs Manchester United. These fixtures will be moment defining for the three clubs. For Manchester United, a win or a draw against Leicester will be a direct ticket to the UEFA Champions league. They are at number three in the league with 63 points and a goal difference of 28 goals. For the Leicester Foxes, they strongly need a win against united to be assured of getting a UCL ticket. They are currently fifth with 62 points and a goal difference of 28 therefore, a draw for them would be an option depending on how the Chelsea match against wolves will turn out. Chelsea on the other hand also strongly needs a win because if it comes to goal difference they are the lowest in the top five with on 13.It surely never gets bigger than this. 

Since the leagues number five will automatically qualify for Europa, there is also a mid-table battle for Qualification by position 6 between Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur. Wolves at 59 points and a goal difference of 13 will be hoping to beat the South West London Blues to secure that position. They are also currently in the same tournament and if by any chance they win, they will be getting a ticket to the Champions League. For them its a no taking chances situation. Spurs at 58 points and a goal difference of 14 are also trying to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. A win against Crystal palace on that same day would be important to their campaign.

Finally, the tight relegation battle will be coming to an end of the same day. It is confirmed that Norwich City will be headed back to The Skybet Championship since they have 21 points and a goal difference of -44.Gaining 3 points against Manchester City wont save them but at least it will be a farewell match since they put up quite a show in the PL. Above them is Bournemouth with 31 points, and a goal difference of -27, who will be meeting Everton hoping for three points to put them level with Watford and Aston Villa who are at 34 points each. The Cherries can only escape relegation if both of the clubs above it loose. Watford, who will be facing Arsenal can only escape relegation if they win and Aston Villa loses their match against Westham. The last three clubs will be relegated and on Sunday we will be able to tell who gets axed and who gets lucky.

All matches on Sunday will be played at 6pm .The premier league is set to return in September 12th 

Photo Credits: Getty Images