Two of the favorites for relegation from the Premier League strengthened to case to stay up while another lost momentum and a fourth formalized its place in the second tier on Saturday.
[ MORE: Relegation picture muddled ]
Yes, it was a day of mixed results for the Premier League’s strugglers, while both sides of Manchester won in their quests to make the Top Four.
Newcastle United 3-0 Swansea City -- RECAP
Just when you were ready to doom Rafa Benitez’s Magpies, Newcastle used home field, a trio of goals, and Norwich’s struggles to erase six goals of differential while rising to within three points of the drop zone. The Magpies took the lead through Jamaal Lascelles, then watched as Swansea missed several chances to equalize before Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend gave us our final scoreline. The Magpies make up their match-in-hand on Norwich with a Tuesday visit from Man City.
Norwich City 0-3 Sunderland-- RECAP
- ALLARDYCE: Defense, fantastic road fans helped W
After weeks of improved play, Sam Allardyce’s Black Cats finally finished on several chances in cruising past woeful Norwich on Saturday. The Canaries saw their lead over 18th place Sunderland shrink to a single point, and the Black Cats have played one less match.
Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester United -- RECAP
That’s it for Villa. After 28 years in the Premier League, the big Midlands club is going down to the second tier of English football. Marcus Rashford scored again for the Red Devils, who are three points back of fourth place Arsenal ahead of Sunday.
Chelsea 0-3 Manchester City -- RECAP
Sergio Aguero scored a hat trick and the Stamford Bridge faithful weren’t treated to much from the Blues in a blowout loss. Thibaut Courtois picked up a late red card for a slide at a breaking Fernandinho, and soon Chelsea’s lost season will mercifully come to an end.
Everton 1-1 Southampton -- RECAP
Saints deserved all three points but had to settle for two. Ramiro Funes Mori opened the scoring for Everton before Sadio Mane answered for Southampton, who really wanted all three points as they continue to chase European qualification.
West Bromwich Albion 0-1 Watford -- RECAP
Heurelho Gomes, take a bow. The keeper stopped a pair of penalty kicks from Saido Berahino, and Ben Watson scored the only goals as the Hornets toppled the Baggies 1-0 at the Hawthorns.