Archive for July 22, 2020
Gunners games key to PL survival
There could still be three teams in Claret and Blue in the Premier League next season, as Aston Villa moved out of the relegation zone with a win over Arsenal last night. Now Watford, equal on points with the Villans, but behind them now with a worse goal difference, will play the Gunners in the final round next weekend.
A 10th league defeat means Arsenal, playing in their first match since reaching the FA Cup final, will finish outside the top six for the first time in 25 years.
They can come no higher than eighth after a disappointing performance by Mikel Arteta’s side against relegation battling Aston Villa, Eddie Nketiah going closest to equalising with a header which hit the post.
However, the Gunners will still have a big say in the relegation battle when they host Villa’s rivals Watford on Sunday. Villa play West Ham at the London Stadium.
Villa‘s magnificent comeback in recent games
After Watford’s 2-1 win over Newcastle on 11 July, Villa looked down and out – seven points from safety with four games to go.
But Smith’s side have reacted magnificently in the closing stages of the season, beating Crystal Palace, drawing at Everton before overcoming Arsenal with a gritty display oozing in character to give themselves a fighting chance of staying up.
They will be safe if they win (presuming Watford do not win by two more goals than they do), or draw providing the Hornets do not win. But defeat would send Villa down if Watford avoid defeat or if Bournemouth win at Everton.
West Ham still need one point out of their remaining games against Manchester Utd (tonight) and Aston Villa to be mathematically safe, though their mich superior goal difference should already have secured Premier League survival.
EXTRA TIME 
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