Portsmouth Spared ‘Survival Sunday’ (aka Last Day of the Season)

Posted on | May 22, 2009 | No Comments

We Portsmouth fans know the torture of last day drama. Luckily the last three occasions at home against Barnsley in 2001, and away at Bradford City and Huddersfield Town in 1998 and 1996 respectively, have all been successful, although it was actually other results that confirmed Pompey’s safety on the most recent of those occasions. The ‘Great Escape’ season which culminated in the obligatory pitch invasion at Wigan in 2006, despite being the most impressive run to safety, was actually so great that there was still another game to play the following week. So, whilst we will always remember those fantastic occasions, we are happy to leave it to others this year. This was not the season for it. We shouldn’t have been anywhere near it. So who will be the last day heroes on Sunday? Well, we don’t know, but let’s have a bit of fun looking at the contenders and possibilities.

MIDDLESBROUGH

 Only a contender in a mathematical sense. Middlesbrough WILL be relegated on Sunday. To discuss the meaning of their result at West Ham would be to needlessly go through the motions. They are not capable of getting the required result (a thumping win) even if Newcastle and Hull do both lose. They have had a number of chances to pick up wins in the last few weeks, especially at home, and have not looked remotely like doing so. Why should they do so now, when everything is all but lost? The club is run the way fans of every club would want, but it means nothing if the result is an inevitable slide towards relegation. Gareth Southgate has admirably been given time to mould his side, but it hasn’t worked. The last throw of the dice would have been a change of manager, even after the transfer window, a couple of months ago. It is amazing how often a new manager can get improved results from the same group of players (Paul Hart, Sam Allardyce, and yes, Harry Redknapp). The fact that Middlesbrough have stuck with Southgate suggests that they are happy to relinquish their Premier League status for their priciples. Admirable, but there is no guarantee of returning any time soon.

Prediction: West Ham 2  Middlesbrough 1

NEWCASTLE UNITED

They’ve got a decent chance, considering that if they win, both Hull and Sunderland must do the same. A win at Villa?  A quick look at Aston Villa’s home record shows more points away from home, and nine home draws. Only three defeats, granted, but nevertheless not an overpowering force at Villa Park. Yes, they also have fifth to fight for, but they were in the top four not so long ago, and for such a large portion of the season that it became their realistic target. Since they so meekly surrendered their position to Arsenal, they have looked a shadow of their former selves. Sheer persistence and desperation will see Newcastle through.

Prediction: Villa 1  Newcastle 2

HULL CITY

Possibly the biggest freefall seen in the Premier League. Only their mind blowing start to the season has kept them safe to now. We all knew that a half time rollocking on the pitch was a mistake, and so it has proved, their decline closely mirroring that turning point in their season. They are at home, and they are playing a team with nothing to play for, but they are playing Manchester United. A reserve side it may well prove, but Hull have only West Bromwich Albion to rival them in the weakest-team-on-paper competition. Manchester United’s reserve side could well still appear stronger than Hull, and a lot will depend on the exact composition of their team and, crucially, the bench. If United find themselves behind with 20 to go, ominous substitutions could follow. Bearing in mind Newcastle’s narrow win at Villa, will Hull have enough to find the win they need?

Prediction: Hull 2  Manchester United 2

SUNDERLAND

This would leave Sunderland safe. But they will be defeated at home to Chelsea, who will be experimenting with players and formations likely to figure at Wembley in the FA Cup Final against Everton the following week. No benefit for them in resting players. Sunderland simply won’t be strong enough to stop them. So, Sunderland will be safe? I wouldn’t be so sure. The issue will be decided at the KC Stadium, probably by how much pride Manchester United reserves have. I’m willing to bet each and every member of their side has quite a bit of that to be on the playing staff of Manchester United in the first place. They will have enough to avoid defeat, I’ve said as much. But, the last day is always dramatic and produces the unexpected. This Sunday that would take the form of a Hull win over Manchester United at Sunderland’s expense.

Prediction: SUNDERLAND 1  CHELSEA 3

Pompey fans, this time we can don our fancy dress, get ourselves to Wigan, and watch a fantastic 3-1 win (Utaka hat-trick)! Bring your radios, but relax, safe in the knowledge that its just an entertaining distraction. Don’t lose them though, we might need them next year!

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