Premier League interesting rankings: Sunderland sunk
With a loss to Bournemouth, Sunderland became the first team mathematically destined for relegation. How does the rest of the league stand?
20. Burnley (LW: 19)
Due at least in part to Sean Dyche’s tough lineup changes, including returns from Sam Vokes and Scott Arfield, the Clarets emerged victorious over Crystal Palace for their first road victory of the season. No drama now remains at Turf Moor; perhaps they would’ve been better suited putting that win off a few more weeks.
19. Stoke (LW: 17)
After helping his side to a clean sheet draw against West Ham, Ryan Shawcross stumped for keeper Lee Grant, an important substitute earlier in the campaign who has since lost his place in the side to regular starter Jack Butland. Elsewhere, Saido Berahino praised himself for losing weight since January. New year, new Saido.
18. Southampton (LW : 16)
Though the Saints managed a draw against Hull and currently sit ninth in the table, rumors abound that manager Claude Puel has lost the locker room after a series of fights in training. Two players, Ryan Bertrand and Nathan Redmond, have even threatened to leave St. Mary’s if Puel remains the manager this summer, somewhat tying the hands of the board.
17. Middlesbrough (LW: 18)
Boro put in a stout performance against City to keep their slim hopes of staying in the Premier League alive, at least for the time being. Nevertheless, midfielder Martin de Roon felt it fit to blame his teammates for a too-late escape bid. Rare for a player, he even defended the plight of the manager, after Aitor Karanka had been fired in March.
16. Watford (LW: 15)
An absolute missile from Emre Can sunk the Hornets on Monday, leaving Walter Mazzarri’s men firmly entrenched in the thick midsection of the table. Defender Adrian Mariappa staked the claim afterward that his side deserved the draw against the Reds but were punished for poorly-timed mistakes. In other news: Adrian Mariappa just learned how sports work.
15. Bournemouth (LW: 14)
After holding off numerous Sunderland chances, the Cherries escaped with a victory when Joshua King slid home the only goal of the day. Unfortunately, his strike partner, Benik Afobe, left the match with an apparent hamstring injury and will be out for an undetermined amount of time.
14. West Brom (LW: 13)
Though the Baggies played with high energy and solid control, they lacked the necessary poise for a finishing touch and gave up the lone goal on a Leicester counter. Afterward, Tony Pulis covered plenty of ground, at turns discussing why he doesn’t take chances on young players, his argument with a West Brom fan and a potential pursuit of Sporting CP’s William Carvalho.
13. West Ham (LW: 12)
Following a draw against Stoke, one which leaves the Hammers 15th in the table and in solid standing to beat the relegation drop, Slaven Bilic revealed he will hold talks with Andy Carroll concerning the forward’s perpetual injury issues. If only all of Carlos Kaiser‘s managers had been so clairvoyant.
12. Everton (LW: 10)
Ronald Koeman’s side did well to hold Chelsea in the first half but could not pressure enough on their own, eventually conceding three and wasting an excellent Idrissa Gueye performance. Afterward, both Koeman and Gueye took to Twitter to express their frustration, giving perhaps the most civil social media reactions in sports thus far this year.
11. Swansea (LW: 8)
After Marcus Rashford, how shall we say, elaborated a bit on a run, drawing a penalty for his efforts, Swansea owner Stephen Kaplan called for video reviews of referee decisions. Being that his club is in the relegation zone and that the call could prove to be decisive, it’s certainly understandable, if not entirely objective.
10. Hull (LW: 7)
Following his side’s draw with Southampton, winger Lazar Markovic got loose and went after his Liverpool bosses Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp, simultaneously praising Marco Silva. All he ever wanted was a chance!
9. Liverpool (LW: 11)
Emre Can submitted a late candidate for goal of the year with his overhead strike to beat Watford. More importantly, the goal netted a victory for Liverpool, already somewhat handicapped by the number of games they’ve played as opposed to the Manchester clubs. Jurgen Klopp is coming up with results when they need it most.
8. Arsenal (LW: 5)
In typical late-season fashion, the Gunners fell to a big rival club. This time, it was 2-0 to Tottenham, and after Mesut Ozil was selected to be drug tested, he reportedly flew into a tirade, kicking a door, proving once again that Arsenal can make children out of us all.
7. Chelsea (LW: 9)
After defeating Everton 3-0 to keep pace in the title race, the Blues must be feeling great about their current standing. If that wasn’t good enough, Chelsea have reportedly beaten Liverpool and Arsenal again, this time to secure the services of Virgil van Dijk this summer.
6. Manchester City (LW: 6)
With Sergio Aguero having gone down due to an apparent hamstring injury, the extent of which the club will discover Wednesday, City are replete with transfer rumors to keep their fans busy. Among others, City may be in the running for the services of Kasper Schmeichel and Kyle Walker, both of whom would address areas of need for the Citizens.
5. Leicester (LW: 3)
Jamie Vardy struck on the counter, providing the only offense in an otherwise pedestrian match between perfectly average clubs. With a near-guaranteed place in the Premier League next season, Leicester’s board must focus on whether to stick with Craig Shakespeare or find a new manager.
4. Crystal Palace (LW: 1)
A loss to Burnley cools off Sam Allardyce’s club, who have suddenly lost two straight. Even so, Palace remain a strong candidate to beat the relegation break, with a six-point cushion over 18th-place Swansea. Unfortunately, the Eagles’ recent run of tepid play may have undone Tottenham’s pursuit of Wilfried Zaha.
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3. Manchester United (LW: 4)
A friend of mine who is a United fan told me he believes this edition of Jose Mourinho’s “siege mentality” consists of stocking the club with great, injury-prone players whose failure to stay on the pitch allows Chairman Mou to have a perfect excuse. It’s the best conspiracy theory this side of those who believe Fyre Festival was always a scam. In either case, it just keeps getting better.
2. Sunderland (LW: 20)
In a truly stunning display of apathy, the Black Cats fell to Bournemouth in a 1-0 shutout, sealing their fate in the Championship for next season. What fate was not sealed belongs to David Moyes, who is slated to meet with the Sunderland board to decide his fate, not that such a decision will be solely his either. A team with nothing to win has nothing to lose either.
1. Tottenham (LW: 2)
In a display of necessary wherewithal, Spurs beat Arsenal 2-0 to keep pace with the leaders. Mauricio Pochettino needs to keep his squad focused ahead of a tough final stretch of the season, with a May 14 clash against Manchester United looming.