Close-up of the relegation picture of the Premier League
The battle for relegation in the Premier League seems to be coming to a tense point when most of the teams in the bottom half of the table are still looking forward.
However, the PA news agency considers the clubs have more work to do to maintain their top position.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe has changed Newcastle’s fortunes since arriving in November (Owen Humphreys/PA)
Eddie Howe has overseen a remarkable change at Newcastle, who have won six of their seven games over the course of February and March to weather impending danger. The Magpies were three points safe in December but after a successful January transfer window they are now nine points above the bottom of the table and show no signs of letting go.
Brentford
Brentford tumbled late last month after picking up just one point from eight league games, but consecutive wins have moved them eight points above the bottom three. The arrival in January, Christian Eriksen gave a huge boost and despite going through a difficult period – they face relegation rivals Everton and Leeds in the last two games – Bees should stay away from the relegation zone.
Leeds
Teenage striker Joe Gelhardt greatly increased Leeds’ survival with a stoppage-time goal against bottom club Norwich on Sunday to keep his side four points clear of the bottom of the table. Having gone on a six-game losing streak, new head coach Jesse Marsch still faces a huge task with games against Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal coming up.
Everton
Everton have lost five of their six league games under Frank Lampard and are just above the relegation zone on goal difference. Their 22 points from 26 games is their lowest figure at this stage of any season and they are indeed in danger of being dropped out of the top flight for the first time since 1951. The Toffees have games. hand in hand, but arguably the hardest match- in.
Watford
Watford have been in free fall since late November and are aiming for an immediate Championship return. Saturday’s win over Southampton was only their second since November 20 and the relegation rivals all have games in hand. The Hornets still have to face Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, while the remaining games against Leeds, Brentford and Burnley could prove important.
Burnley
Burnley is having a sixth consecutive Premier League season under Sean Dyche (Mike Egerton/PA)
Second-placed Burnley has won the fewest Premier League games this season – three – and two of those came back last month. But three consecutive defeats have left them one point behind Everton and Sean Dyche’s survival skills are set to be the most rigorous test in a run that includes crucial trips to both Norwich and Watford.
Norwich
Norwich showed the spirit to force a late equalizer at Leeds on Sunday, but the winner of Gelhardt’s last gasp was a big blow. It put the bottom club on a sixth straight loss in the league for the third time this season. The canaries are four points behind Burnley and five behind Everton – both with matches in hand – and are likely to appear in the mix for a quick Championship return.
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/a-closer-look-at-the-premier-league-relegation-picture-41447736.html Close-up of the relegation picture of the Premier League