Down to the Wire: Premier League Relegation, Championship Survival and Giggs’ Suit

OH GOSH IT’S SO TENSE! I can hardly watch. Except for the fact that I have no vested interest in the outcome of the Premier League as a hardened and embittered Charlton Athletic supporter. Incidentally, Charlton did precisely the opposite of what the punters come to see (unless the punters are Blackburn fans) on Saturday, losing 3-1. The result looked set to string me along for another nervous week of “will they survive relegation?” drama. Alas, unbelievably it was only a few extra days of anxiety. A 3-1 victory over, admittedly, a 10-man Watford side on Tuesday secured our place in the Championship. 5p says they get promoted next season...

What I didn’t discuss last week, because I was too busy wanging on about relegation, was the completely foreseeable demise of momentary Manchester United manager, David Moyes, who I predicted was not long for that particular world earlier in the season. Again, this is not first rate punditry, it was pretty obvious as soon as the board started saying they had total faith in him. Still, it’s good to see that a six-year contract still means absolutely nothing in the professional footballing community (there was a clause about not finishing in the top four, so it’s legit, apparently). But this means that Manchester United get to have their very own Chris Powell moment, with loveable super-injuncter Ryan Giggs stepping in to fill the void. He wore a nice suit to their game against Norwich, which I suppose is something else a Premier League salary can buy you. Seems to have done the trick though – they whooped Norwich 4-0. Man Utd are going to try to relegate another team this weekend, Sunderland, who keep confusing me by seemingly not having fully committed to relegation, yet.

Chelsea beat Liverpool last weekend, which made my face a bit sad, because I really want Liverpool to win the league now. I mean, I say really, I don’t care that much, but I think it’d be nice for them to win something. Chelsea take on Norwich this weekend and I think we all know how that’s going to play out. But Liverpool have only got to see off Crystal Palace to keep their two point advantage, and I for one feel quietly confident for them. Man City aren’t out of the race yet, either. Ok, they’re three points behind Liverpool, but they have a game in hand. That said, of the three fixtures, Everton does seem the toughest draw.

Having beaten Newcastle this week, Arsenal have widened the gap between them and would-be Champions League contenders, Everton. Long may this run of form continue, I like Arsenal, and I need something to get me through what’s looking more and more like another wilderness period for Charlton in the Championship next season. Arsenal are also a bit confusing, because I’m pretty sure they used to win things, too. The trophy cabinet must be looking pretty bleak right now, unless one of their players is some sort of chess genius on the side.

Aston Villa continue to linger perilously close to the relegation zone. Speaking of whom, I was surprised to read this week that someone started a petition to get former Villa player, Emile Heskey, knighted. Seems a bit of a tall order for a man who’s currently winding up his football career with the Newcastle Jets in renowned footballing nation, Australia. To be honest, I was equally surprised to find him still in gainful employment. Villa will probably be alright, they’ve got Hull at the weekend, which isn’t exactly a clash of the titans.

So there you have it for another week. I for one will be awaiting this week’s Man Utd fashion show with breath that is baited.

Will Arsenal end their trophy drought this season? Do Norwich stand a chance? Charlton for the Premier League.. really Jen?

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