BPL : The Relegation Battle

It's a 5 way battle at the bottom of the table for survival

Last weekend, matters at the top of the Premier League were decided once for all, with Manchester United getting the one point they needed to get their record 19th title and knocking Liverpool off their ‘perch’. It was an amazing feeling for United’s fans who have been waiting for this moment for years, after having been perennially under the shadow of Liverpool. Arsenal losing implies that Chelsea are going to finish second, and more importantly without any silverware this season, thus making it a sad season despite heavy investment for the Blues. The battle for the third spot is still on will be decided on the last day of the season. The only storyline remaining is the relegation battle, and it is mighty interesting. With West Ham relegated as a result of losing to Wigan 3-2 last weekend after leading 2-0; the final two relegation spots are to be decided between as many as five teams. The battle will go on to the final day of the season, with all the five teams still fretting over their futures in the top level of English football. The battle is definitely going down to the wire, and the five clubs will give it their all to stay in the Premier league.

So, let us now see what happened last weekend, and what is in store for the next weekend.

The situation now : Five clubs, each having played 37 games, are separated by a solitary point.

Blackburn 40

Wolves 40

Birmingham 39

Blackpool 39

Wigan 39

LAST WEEKEND’S RESULTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE

Blackburn 1-1 Manchester United:

Manchester United had thrashed Blackburn 7-1 earlier this season, and with just a point needed Man United were expected to go all out and win the 19th in style. That didn’t quite happen though. The hosts took the lead courtesy of a nervy stand-in goal keeper Kuszczak’s error as Brett Emerton volleyed in at the 20 minute mark. From then on, Blackburn defended for their lives, keeping Manchester United at bay and almost succeeding in it, only for goalkeeper Robinson to trip Chicharito in the box to give away a penalty. Wayne Rooney converted it to give Manchester United the much required point to seal the title. The match ended on a funny note, as Manchester United kept passing the ball in their own half, and no Blackburn player attacked the ball for the last 10 minutes. They were happy with the draw against the new Champions. The draw took Blackburn to 40 points. How much will Blackburn’s unwillingness to go for the kill affect them come end of the season remains to be seen. They travel to Wolves on the last day of the season, who are themselves fighting to avoid relegation and things could get real interesting at the Molineux.

Sunderland 1-3 Wolves

A great result for Mick McCarthy’s men took Wolves to 40 points, just one clear of the relegation zone. Sunderland were in a huge injury crisis, but to take nothing away from Wolves. They played some good football, and deserved to win this one. It was perhaps their best performance this season. A Stephen Hunt cross found Jody Craddock in the 22nd minute and the center-half made sure he scored his first goal in 14 months to give his team the lead. Then, a wonderful volley by stand-in striker Sessegnon gave Sunderland their equaliser in the 34th minute. The second half then belonged to the Wolves. Fletcher headed in a Matt Jarvis cross early in the first half, and just 12 minutes before FT, Elokobi headed in a third to give Wolves a deserving and a very important victory. Great stuff from Wolves. Going by the scheme of things at the moment, they look set for Premier League survival.

Birmingham 0-2 Fulham

Birmingham messed up a good chance to almost secure their top flight status when they lost at home to Fulham on Saturday. The Carling Cup holders, lacking several key players through injuries and suspension, produced their worst performance of the season to leave their top-flight status on a knife edge. Brad Hangeland’s brace was enough for Mark Hughes’ side who now move to the top half of the table. Birmingham’s defence could not deal with the attacking intent with which Fulham played, and despite the bad finishing by Fulham, they strolled to a 2-0 victory. Birmingham need to turn the gears on now and put up a good performance on the last day of the season when they face Tottenham Hotspur.

Blackpool 4-3 Bolton

Arguably the best game of the weekend, Blackpool emerged deserving winners from this 7 goal thriller at Bloomfield Road. Kevin Davies put Bolton ahead on the 6th minute mark, but just three minutes later, the Seasiders equalized through DJ Campbell. Jason Puncheo then put Blackpool in front, but Matt Taylor pulled one back, to make the score 2-2. Just before the half way mark, Campbell made it 3-2 with a good finish. A Danny Sturridge header made the score 3-3. With the match see-sawing continuously, the result could have gone in any direction. In the end, Charlie Adam, Blackpool’s man of the season, stepped up to the plate to seal things by his 63rd minute winner. This win gives Blackpool a hell lot of confidence going into the final game, where they travel to Old Trafford to take on the Champions Manchester United.

Wigan 3-2 West Ham

The final blow to West Ham came from their closest rival in the relegation battle, Wigan Athletic. It was a great game, with five goals scored in the match. A couple of Demba Ba headers in the 12th and the 26th minute gave West Ham a 2 goal lead, and they were firmly in the driver’s seat. In the second half, it was all Wigan. In the 56th minute, a good free kick by Charles N’Zogbia got Wigan back into the match. And 14 minutes later, a great move by Wigan, and a good finish by Sammon gave the Latics the equalizer. With 20 minutes to go, the match could have gone either way, but the momentum was with Wigan. Both teams went on the attack, and there were chances for both sides. But, in the 94th minute, when N’Zogbia put the ball into the net with a cool finish, all was over for West Ham, and Wigan still remain in the battle. Distraught West Ham fans were left fuming as Wigan’s fans raced on to the pitch to celebrate with their team what was a thrilling victory for the Latics. With the Hammers doomed, Avram Grant was duly sacked minutes after the match.

WHAT IS IN STORE?

After West Ham, who will experience the pain of relegation next?

So what is in store for us on the last day of the season. Here’ a a preview of the key relegation battles which will decide the fate of 5 teams in the Premier League.

Wolves vs Blackburn

Two of the five sides are set to meet on the final day, as Wolves host Blackburn. Wolves are on a high after a good victory against Sunderland, while Blackburn look good too, with a good performance against a slightly off-colour Manchester United. Both teams are on 40 points. A win for either side would assure them of top flight status for the next season, whereas a loss for either wouldn’t definitely mean relegation. A draw would take both teams on 41, but that wouldn’t guarantee safety or relegation. Blackburn are ahead on goal difference, and a draw would see them finish above Wigan. They might still be relegated though if the other three teams get a win. A very interesting tie, with survival on stake.

The other three teams in the bottom are all on 39 points, with just two goals separating them, with Birmingham leading the pack. They all face very tough ties though, and anything could happen. And what makes it tougher is, none of them has their match at home. If all three of them secure draws, it is upto goal difference then, and it is so close, that it might just be settled by the number of goals scored. So, all teams would be on the attack. If all of them win ( a low probability, but possible), they will all be on 42 points, and all of them will be safe provided Blackburn and Wolves draw thus leaving them doomed. Otherwise, goal difference could play a huge role in deciding who goes down.

Manchester United vs Blackpool

Blackpool face a tough trip to the fortress called Old Trafford where they take on the newly crowned Champions. A victory will send the Seasiders to 42 points and it is very much on the cards especially because Manchester United will be resting several players and play out a second or third string side. However, considering the impeccable record the Red Devils have at home, Ian Holloway’s team have a mountain to scale on the final day of the season. Even if they win, they will be safe only if

a) Either Wolves or Blackburn win and the remaining two sides lose or draw their matches.

b) Wolves vs Blackburn end their match in a draw.

It’s a must win situation for Blackpool as a draw will ensure them safety only if Wigan and Birmingham both lose.

Tottenham vs Birmingham

Birmingham will have toughest tie as they travel to White Hart Lane to face the high-flying Spurs, who had a morale-boosting win over Liverpool last weekend. Spurs are sure to host their strongest side, as they need a victory to assure them of 5th place and thus automatic qualification into the Europa League. After an inconsistent season, Tottenham would want to finish on a high, and Birmingham will need to give a great performance if they want to survive. If they win, they go to 42 points, and under that scenario they will be safe if the above conditions hold( a and b).

Birmingham are ahead on goal difference, and that should help them if the three teams on 39 points draw their matches, but a win is what is needed to seal the job.

Stoke vs Wigan

Wigan travel to The Brittania Stadium, where they have a tricky task ahead, as Stoke are undefeated at their home in 2011. Having lost to Manchester City in the finals of the FA Cup, they would want to finish their season on a good note, and will play a strong side. Wigan, if they show the form they did in the second half against West Ham, will still have a tough task, as Stoke are a good strong defensive unit at home. They are lowest in goal difference table amongst the sides on 39 points, and will be looking to be on the attack from the first move.

The ties are tricky, and so are the conditions for survival. My heart says it will all go down to goal difference, and probably goals scored as well. We are in for an exciting finish of a very tight and exciting Premier League season. This season has had surprises, and I would not be surprised if there are indeed more surprises. Lets see what the Premier League has in store for us on the last day.