Series of draws heats up the “Great Battle of Relegation”

As the Saturday matches between the ‘strugglers’ of the Premier League ended in draws, some of them goalless, the heat at the end is increasing. As the top teams also battle it out, it seems, the bottom 3 are not as clear cut as some other times. With a point or two separating the last six teams barring Pompey, each win or draw makes a world of difference.

As Hull, Wolves and West Ham split points yesterday, things didn’t become crystal and only became murkier. With Hull and Wolverhampton having a 2-2 draw, both sit at 20 and 21 points respectively and each facing into the pool of death. While Hull seemed to have the upper hand in an entertaining match, The Wolves came from behind twice to settle for a draw. Jan Vennegoor gave the hosts an early lead but Anthony Gardner’s embarrassing own goal gave the visitors the equaliser. Stephen Hunt then scored on a penalty only to be equalised by Matthew Jarvis through a Kevin Foley pass.

Over at Upton Park, West Ham only hold a goal difference edge to stay out of relegation and the goalless draw with Blackburn didn’t help either. In a boring first half, Morten Gamst Pedersen’s free-kick was the only anxious moment for the fans as both teams failed to impress. The Rovers had some moments of brilliance through substitute Jason Roberts but nothing materialised.

Wigan were defeated at home by Everton 0-1 and they also hold only a 3 point advantage over those in the relegation zone. While the match was well contested by Wigan, Tim Cahill’s header in the 84th minute separated the two sides and made the difference. But a first half penalty that was denied to Everton could’ve also made a difference. Everton now have an unbeaten streak of nine games and are riding high.

Birmingham’s unbeaten home record was extended as they held Tottenham to a 1-1 draw. Jermain Defoe had given the visitors the lead in the 69th minute but an injury time equaliser from close range by Liam Ridgewell gave a clean sheet to the hosts.