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SURVIVOR

Manolo Gabbiadini’s goal more-or-less saves Southampton and relegates West Brom

It's good news for Saints fan, but look away now if you support Swansea or West Brom...

It wasn’t pretty, but boy could it mean a lot. 

Manolo Gabbiadini’s scrappy goal on the 72nd could make all the difference for Southampton’s hopes of Premier League survival.

The Italian striker – who’s spent a large part of this season watching from the bench – came on as a substitute to slot home from a corner and more-or-less keep the Saints in the top-flight for another season.

He was pretty happy about it… we think

REUTERS
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He was pretty happy about it… we think


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This is huge for the Saints.

This evening’s win means they’re up to 16th in the table on 36 points, which means they’re level with Huddersfield who they surpass due to their superior goal difference.

But it’s bad news for the Swans, who are staring down at relegation due to their inferior goal difference.

Carlos Carvalho’s side now need an eight-goal swing (at least) on the final weekend to stay up (but stranger things have happened, of course).

Insert sardine metaphor here

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Insert sardine metaphor here

This result has also left Huddersfield in a spot of bother, as they a point from either of their last two matches – against Chelsea and Arsenal.

If they fail to get it, then Swansea could leapfrog them by beating Stoke at home on Sunday.

But worst of all?

This has finally confirmed West Brom’s inevitable relegation from the Premier League, despite Darren Moore’s heroics since taking over from Alan Pardew.

Moore has guided the Baggies to three wins and two draws in his five games in charge since Pardew was booted out and was named April’s Manager of the Month.

But despite wins over the likes of Man United and Spurs, it was all too little too late.


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