Weekly Standings

© Barclays Premier League

So let's review what happened this past weekend in the Premier League, as the season comes into its final couple weeks.

  

 Crystal Palace 0 - 2 West Bromwich Albion

This match wasn't much to write home about, as it was a match between two mid table teams whose seasons are both effectively over.  Both of theses teams have had good seasons considering where most would have predicted these teams to finish.  West Brom ended having the better day, with 3 points to prove it.

Everton 1 - 0 Burnley

Well, Burnley sure would've like to win this one.  Everton really has no reason to play well at this point in the season, as they are very mid table.  Burnley on the other hand could've really used the points, as they have now descended all the way down to the bottom of the table.  They may not be completely doomed yet, but Burnley have a long way to go.

Leicester City 2 - 0 Swansea City

Huge, huge, huge win for Leicester.  They finally got themselves off of the bottom of the table for the first time in a long, long while.  Unfortunately, they are still in the relegation zone, but they are right on the tails of Hull City, trailing them only by goal differential.  We might have an exciting ending to the season, even if Chelsea are likely to run away with the title.  

Stoke City 2 - 1 Southampton

Southampton's tragic slide down the table in the second half of the season by losing to an overachieving Stoke City team.  Southampton took the initial lead, but Stoke found a way to claw two goals back to walk away with the win.  At this rate, it's entirely possible that Stoke could in fact pass Southampton in the table, which wouldn't have been my expectation just a few weeks ago.

Chelsea 1 - 0 Manchester United

This was definitely the big one this weekend.  Chelsea has been the best team in the Premier League all year, but they haven't played their best in recent weeks.  In comparison, Man U has been far below expectations for the last season and a half, but they are now starting to finally take shape under manager Louis van Gaal.  Chelsea put on an excellent defensive display, and are practically a lock for the title now, but expect Man U to make a serious run at the title next year.

Manchester City 2 - 0 West Ham United

Manchester City finally managed to get one in the win column after a really rough stretch that saw them lose any hope they may have had at retaining their title.  That being said, they are now playing to ensure they retain their position in the top 4, which they helped themselves greatly with by beating West Ham United.  At this point, neither team should have too much to worry about for the rest of the season.

Newcastle 1 - 3 Tottenham

Tottenham is probably unlikely to make it back up into the top 4, so the rest of their season may be a race with Liverpool for who can retain the 5th spot, and compete in the Europa League next season.  This is a big deal for these teams, since competing in the Europa League and Champions League are huge sources of revenue for teams.  That will be a race to watch going forward this season.